Breaking the silence on the struggles behind drug use
A recently conducted anonymous survey of 123 CVHS students sheds light on the emotional and social pressures that drive teen substance use today. The data reveals that mental health struggles, peer pressure, and boredom are among the top reasons students turn to alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine. As one student put it, “Friends that I didn’t even know smoked are getting put into peer pressure where they become addicted.”
The survey found that 34% of students reported being offered substances such as alcohol or marijuana, and 24% had been offered nicotine products. However, over 80% denied purchasing or possessing any of these substances. This contrast between high exposure and relatively low self-reported use suggests a more nuanced reality: one where peer perception and stigma may influence how students report their experiences.
When students were asked to estimate how many of their peers use substances, about 40% said “about half” of their classmates do while 30% believed it was “a minority.” This perception validates widespread reports of on-campus use.
“People throw their electric devices in the toilets, which clogs them and caused an explosion in 200 hall,” noted one student. The ongoing misuse of bathrooms prompted the CVHS administration to close several student restrooms earlier this semester.
An alarming finding from the survey is that nearly 50% of students were unaware of any active drug education or intervention programs at CVHS. Only 8% found existing programs effective. Student suggestions emphasized realistic reminders, peer-led discussions, and harm-reduction strategies. “We need reminders that feel real—not just a slideshow,” one student wrote.
Samuel Frank, a counselor at the CVHS Wellness Center, commented on the data. “When students say they’re using to cope with mental health or stress, it’s a signal that we need more than disciplinary action. We need ongoing emotional support and education that speaks their language,” he said.
The findings urge the CVHS and schools nationwide to invest in holistic programs that address the root causes of substance use. “People will do what they want when they want,” one student wrote, underscoring the importance of early and compassionate intervention over punishment.
If you or someone you know is struggling, SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) offers free, confidential support 24/7 in English and Spanish.
This was a very informative article!
I’m not surprised that the main reasons of drug use at this school is due to peer pressure, boredom, and mental health. These are very common themes at high-schools and in students lives. Hopefully these students can find other, healthier ways to cope with these things.
I think writing this article was very important, especially to shed light on the substance use situation and gives us a reality check of what’s going on at our school because a lot of the time we don’t see it happening. I also really like the quote from Samuel Frank, I agree with the fact that the school needs to do more with providing emotional support not just disciplinary action.
I thought the article was really eye-opening. I’m surprised to see how much stress and pressure teens are really under and how current programs aren’t really helping. We definitely need more supportive ways to address this issue to prevent future addiction.
There’s really a lot of mistrust within anyone, though that can be through the fact you really don’t know a person at first glance, and even i’m unsure who I have or haven’t seen has used these substances.