-Our Research-

Mental health

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that helps people handle stress, recognize their strengths, learn, work effectively, and stay connected to their community. Although most people can be resilient, people who are exposed to certain circumstances are at higher risk of developing a mental health condition. It's better to identify this right away and feel comfortable getting the help you need. Mental health is not normalized enough, and that is why we wanted to spread information about the importance of this topic, especially when it affects our community. Drugs, vapes, and alcohol have had a negative impact on our peers at school, and our goal is to minimize this impact by sharing helpful information and resources.

Despite many individuals believing that drugs. vapes, and alcohol provide a feeling that regular everyday activities cannot provide; they actually cause a detrimental effect on not only your body’s health, but also your brain. According to the CDC, nicotine can deteriorate brain development until around the age of 25. Vaping can also lead to cancer as it contains chemicals, such as diacetyl, which is linked to lung disease. Furthermore, the use of substances causes decreased mental sharpness, poor performance at school or work, and ongoing cough and frequent lung infections, as found by the Mayo Clinic. In a study done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it was found “[a]mong the 61.5 million adults with any mental illness in the past year in 2024, 21.2 million (34.5%) also had a substance use order” (Release of the 2024). Based on these results, it is evident that mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, are related to or are increased by the use of substances, like drugs, vapes, and alcohol. Unfortunately, these numbers were due to the lack of treatment these individuals received, preventing them from being able to live a better life mentally and physically. Therefore, it is our goal to stop this issue early on and provide our peers with the help and support they need.

Substances can be extremely difficult to quit, and it may sometimes feel like there’s no way out, but there is. When you stop using substances, you will experience lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, along with improved mood and overall quality of life. There are several steps you can take to make the process easier. Start by choosing a specific quit date, a day you commit to and tell yourself, “This is when I’m done.” Next, consider using a safer alternative to mimic the habit, such as a non-nicotine vape if you’re trying to quit vaping. This can help satisfy the physical habit without the harmful effects. From there, you can transition to medically approved recovery products or medications if recommended by a healthcare professional. Finding enjoyable hobbies is another powerful tool. Practices such as meditation, acupuncture, massage, or deep breathing, collectively known as CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) practices, are scientifically shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help keep your mind and mouth busy. Getting involved in extracurricular activities or new social groups can provide structure, distraction, and support. By combining these strategies consistently and intentionally, you can significantly increase your chances of successfully quitting your substance. Start your journey now!