Substance Use Resources for Youth

Youth Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Corner

Children's Behavioral Heath Services has a team of staff whose focus is substance use in youth. This page has been created to make information for youth easier to find and more accessible to those who need it. On this page you will find lots of information on different topics. We recommend taking your time to look through each of the components and links. We welcome you to bookmark this page and share it with others.

Maine Past 30 Day Use in 2023

Maine Middle School Students:

2.0% smoked cigarettes

5.7% used an electronic vapor product

4.8% drank alcohol

5.0% used marijuana

4.9% took prescription drugs without doctor’s prescription

High School:

5.6% smoked cigarettes

15.6% used an electronic vapor product

20.5% drank alcohol

18.7% used marijuana

5.2% took prescription drugs without doctor’s prescription

1 2023 MIYHS Data

Finding treatment for a substance use disorder shouldn’t be what is standing in your path to recovery. Visit an interactive map of Maine that outlines available resources by county.

Mindfulness Resources

Mindfulness is a way of slowing down our bodies, becoming aware of what we are doing and how we are feeling. There are many ways people can practice mindfulness. This can include meditation and breathing techniques. Many people use mindfulness techniques to help them work through stress and other big emotions. Below you will find websites, videos, and several activities to help you learn more about and practice mindfulness.

“It's hard to slow down and notice things in a busy world. Try to take the time to experience your environment with all of your senses — touch, sound, sight, smell and taste. For example, when you eat a favorite food, take the time to smell, taste and truly enjoy it.”

Source

Here are some helpful links to learn more about mindfulness:

Mindfulness and Meditation Videos:

Printable Mindfulness Activities:

Facts and Statistics

Statistics on substance use in youth:

Every other year, the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey is given to Maine middle and high school students. This survey asked about various things, including substance use. Nationally there is a survey called the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). The YRBSS asks similar questions so let’s see how the Maine youth substance use rates compare nationally.

Past 30-Day Use in 2021* By High School Students

Maine

Nationally

5.5% smoked cigarettes

3.8% smoked cigarettes

17.4% used an electronic vapor product

18.0% used an electronic vapor product

19% drank alcohol

22.7% drank alcohol

17.9% used marijuana

15.8% used marijuana

4.1% took prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription

6.0% took prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription

*Since the National data hasn’t been updated since 2021, we have compared Maine’s 2021 data to the 2021 National data.

How do you feel about these numbers? Do they reflect what you see in your school or community?

If you want to see more stats or want to look at how the percentages have changed over time you can check out the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey.

If you want to see more national statistics or want to look at how the percentages have changed over time you can check out the YRBSS results.

Substance Facts: What You Should Know

The US DEA has put together several pages outlining facts about different substances including what different substances are, the street name, and how they affect your body. The substances include prescription opioids, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. You can find the links to all the information here.

According to the National CDC about 4,000 people under 21 die from excessive alcohol use each year. Young people who drink alcohol are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that can lead to injuries and other health conditions. (Source)

The national CDC has information on the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs.

Maine Drug Data Hub

When someone uses substances there is a chance that they might experience an overdose. In Maine overdoses are tracked and a report on the number of fatal (meaning the person died) and non-fatal (meaning the person survived) overdoses is made public. In 2021 there were 631 Mainers that lost their life due to an overdose. That number has increased to 650 Mainers who lost their life due to an overdose from January to November 2022. If you would like to look at the data, you can find it on the Maine Drug Data Hub website.

“How do I help my friends who are using?”

Are you concerned that a friend is using a substance and don’t know what to do? There are different things you can do like talking to them, finding a safe adult to talk to, and/or provide them with resources. It is important to remember to take care of yourself! Below you will find tips and links to learn more.

Talk to Them:

What should you do?

  • Listen to them
  • Share facts
  • Provide room for them to speak
  • Be empathetic
  • Provide solutions

Learn more by visiting the Seize the Awkward website.

Find a Safe Adult:

Who can you talk to?

  • Your parents
  • Teachers
  • Their parents
  • Doctor or Therapist
  • Support group

Take Care of Yourself:

How do you take care of yourself?

  • Find support (Al-Anon Support Group)
  • Practice mindfulness
  • Exercise
  • Set boundaries
  • Talk about your feelings

Learn more about how to set boundaries and why it is important.

Additional Resources:

Navigating Difficult Conversations

Sometimes we need to have difficult conversations. This could be telling someone something that might be uncomfortable or telling them you are concerned about their behaviors. No matter what the conversation is about there are ways to make it easier. Below you will find tips, links, and videos to learn how to navigate these conversations.

Communication Tips:

  • Be prepared!
  • Practice! You can practice what you want to say in the mirror, with friends, or with a trusted adult.
  • Use “I” statements (Learn more about “I” statements)
  • Avoid blaming
  • Stay focused on the desired outcome
  • Be an active listener

Do you feel like it is hard to talk to your parents? Does it feel like they just do not understand you? Being open and honest can help improve your relationship with your family and can build trust.

Below you will find resources to help you talk to your parent or other adults, teacher, doctor, and friends.

Are you worried about a friend’s substance use, risky behaviors, or mental health? Do you wish you could talk to them? Here are two resources to help starting the conversation.

How to Say No

At some point in everyone's lives we all get asked to do something we might not want to do. This could be something like using substances, going somewhere you don’t feel comfortable, and many other things. To avoid freezing up in these situations, it can be helpful to think of different ways you can say no. Practicing can help you feel more confident and comfortable saying no in a situation that might be dangerous or scary.

Here are a few ways to say no:

  • No, thank you.
  • I promised my mom I wouldn’t do that.
  • I have too much homework to do.
  • I have a dance/soccer/etc.
  • Sorry, I have no interest in that.
  • My parents would kill me! They always find out.
  • Are you serious? That's gross!
  • My mom is on her way to pick me up.
  • I forgot, I have an appointment today.

What if you feel like you cannot say no? Don’t be afraid to get creative! You could make an excuse, use humor, suggest other ideas, give a reason you do not want to use, or make a plan with your parents beforehand.

Remember, practice can make it easier to say no when you are put in an uncomfortable situation.

Stories from Teens Impacted by Substance Use

If you have been impacted by substance, use you are not alone. You can hear other’s stories by watching these short films in the Voices of Hope documentary series. Several of the individuals found themselves using substances as a teen:

Nothing is Safe and Safe Storage

If you listen to the news, it will be no surprise to you some drugs are being mixed with very dangerous substances like fentanyl. While you might think you are using one substance, you probably don’t know if it has been mixed with more dangerous substances and it could be deadly even after one use.

Below there are tips and helpful links to learn more about the risk of substance use.

Related News Articles:

It is important to store any medication you might be prescribed out of the reach of young children and pets. Here is some more information on medication safety and safe storage.

Resources

Links to Resources:

Upcoming Community Events

This section will be ongoingly updated with the links to local community events across the state as then occur. Events will be a mixture of youth and family events, and all will be substance free.