Addressing Tobacco Use Among Distressed Teens: The Role of Healthcare Support

Recent research highlights a concerning trend where teenagers experiencing psychological distress are turning to tobacco products as a coping mechanism. A study utilizing data from the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey revealed that nearly half of middle and high school students report feeling anxious or depressed within a two-week period. While a significant portion of these teenagers are being screened for tobacco use by healthcare professionals, they are not consistently receiving advice or guidance to help them avoid or quit tobacco products.

The study emphasizes that youth with mental health challenges are more prone to use tobacco, including e-cigarettes, to manage their emotional struggles. However, the opportunity for intervention is often missed as healthcare providers primarily ask about substance use without offering substantial counsel or cessation support. Lead researcher Shichen Zheng, a recent epidemiology graduate from UC Davis, underscores the importance of healthcare providers going beyond screening to actively provide preventive guidance and cessation assistance.

Furthermore, although nearly half of the surveyed students were screened for tobacco use, the advice to avoid tobacco was offered to less than half. The findings reveal that youth experiencing more severe psychological distress—around 12.5% of respondents—are twice as likely to use tobacco in the past month compared to their peers without distress. Despite this, higher distress levels did not translate into increased advice from health professionals, highlighting a critical gap in care.

Experts advocate for improved integration of mental health and tobacco prevention strategies in youth healthcare services. Melanie Dove, a senior author of the study, states that every young person, especially those with emotional struggles, should receive comprehensive screening and support to remain tobacco-free. The researchers hope these findings will inspire healthcare systems to enhance their screening protocols and counseling efforts, aligning them with national quality measures for youth healthcare.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-teens-distress-tobacco.html