The Impact of Drug Related Consequences on Cooccurring Depression and Substance Use

Abstract

Adolescent drug use is a public health concern, as evidenced by the multitude of previous literature that has outlined the consequences for the users, their social system, and the community at large. Young drug users may suffer from strained interpersonal relationships, unfulfilled obligations at school, and severe mental health symptoms due to their use. The combination of depression, drug related consequences, and quantity and frequency of use can be especially detrimental to an adolescent user. These three variables were examined through archival data from the school-based substance use intervention program Project Reducing the Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on Youth (READY). Project READY used motivational interviewing (MI) at high schools in the greater Seattle, Washington area to help students discontinue their use. Although these analyses yielded minimal significant results, depression, drug-related consequences, and quantity and frequency of use should still be a concern due to the long-term impact they have on an adolescent’s life.