Myths & Facts

Shaping Positive Norms to Prevent Youth Substance Use

Adolescence is a critical time for making decisions that will impact long-term health and well-being. While it is a common assumption that substance use is inevitable for youth, research shows that, on the contrary, most teens choose to be substance free. However, misconceptions from both adults and peers can create pressure for teens to try substances. By reinforcing the reality that healthy choices are the norm and not the exception, families, schools, and communities can play a major role in prevention.

To help with promoting positive norms, let’s explore some common myths about youth substance use and see what the data actually shows us. 

Common Myths vs. Facts About Youth Substance Use

Myth: "Most teens drink alcohol or use drugs regularly."

Fact: The majority of teens actually do not use alcohol or other substances. According to national surveys, most youth choose to remain substance-free. The Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment (OPNA) for the 2023-24 academic year revealed that 91% of students  surveyed in Pottawatomie County had not had alcohol in the past 30 days and 74.5% of students had never tried alcohol.

Myth: "Experimenting with drugs and alcohol is a normal part of growing up and teens are just going to do it anyway."

Fact: While some teens may experiment, it is not a necessary or inevitable part of adolescence. As mentioned in the previous myth, most teens make a conscious decision to not try any substances.

Myth: "Talking to teens about substance use will make them more curious and likely to try it."

Fact: Research shows that honest conversations about the risks of substance use actually reduce the likelihood of use. Additionally, parents actually play a major role in a teen’s decision to use substances or not. 81% of Pottawatomie County teens believe that their parents disapprove of substance use at least moderately and that their disapproval heavily impacts their choices around substances.While it might not seem like it, teens are listening and parents make a significant impact on their decisions.

Myth: "If a teen is doing well in school and extracurricular activities, they don’t need to be warned about substance use."

Fact: Even high-achieving teens face risks and pressures related to substance use. While sports and other extracurricular activities can definitely serve as protective factors for teens, prevention efforts should reach all youth, regardless of their academic or social success.

Myth: "Vaping is a safe alternative to smoking."

Fact: Vapes often contain nicotine and harmful chemicals that can be addictive and harmful to lung health, especially for young users. Nicotine negatively impacts adolescent brain development and there is no safe level of use for growing brains. (Did you know? The human brain doesn’t fully develop until age 25, meaning that nicotine exposure during adolescence can have long-term effects on cognitive function and decision-making). 

Prevention starts with reinforcing the facts - most teens are already making healthy choices. By challenging common myths and promoting positive norms, communities can help create environments conducive to substance-free youth. Open conversations, accurate information, and strong role models play a key role in prevention. When youth understand that staying substance-free is the norm, then they feel empowered to make decisions that support their health and wellness.

If you or someone you know would like support on their journey with mental health, substance misuse, or gambling, do not hesitate to reach out to Gateway at 405-273-1170, fill out our Contact Us form, or send us a message through our Facebook page. Our team is committed to helping individuals and families find the path to hope, healing, and greater health.

Danielle Mason-Rains is the program director for the Drug Free Communities grant at Gateway to Prevention & Recovery. She has her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. Outside of work, Danielle enjoys reading, running, spending time with her family, and teaching group fitness classes.