Drug use among teenagers is becoming a bigger problem in high schools. Many teens are trying substances like THC from vapes and are even abusing tobacco, which can severely hurt their grades, health, and relationships. According to Green Hill Recovery, an adolescent mental health and addiction specialist organization, things like peer pressure and mental health often play a big role in why teens turn to drugs. The website says 50% of teenagers have misused a drug at least once.
Big Sky High School is not immune to this nationwide trend. According to Christian Cameron, Big Sky’s school resource officer, vapes are especially popular among students here, making nicotine one of the most common substances used.
“A lot of people don’t realize that nicotine is a drug,” Cameron said.
Cameron also highlighted marijuana as a prominent substance used among Big Sky students, noting that since it has been legalized in Montana, it has become easier for teens to access through peers. He also noted the danger of consuming highly concentrated marijuana known as dabs, which are known to be up to 10 times stronger than smoking or taking an edible.
Recently, Cameron said a Big Sky student required emergency assistance after taking dabs at school.
Cameron said the student “got too high from the concentration.” They were not in danger of dying but they were immediately transported to the hospital, he said.
When asked how Cameron and other police officers handle underage drug use, he said that with the legalization of marijuana, it is no longer classified as a felony dangerous drug. Instead, teens caught with marijuana typically face a Minor in Possession (MIP) charge.
However, Cameron clarified that the situation is different for harder drugs like meth or cocaine, which often result in more serious consequences for teens, including jail time. Cameron noted though that alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are the most abused substances in the school, not meth or cocaine.
While Officer Cameron discussed the legal consequences of drug use, Big Sky’s senior counselor Leslie Guerreri talked about the mental impacts.
Guerreri explained that drug use can severely impact a student’s mental health, increasing stress levels and creating a harsh cycle that can be hard to break. For some students, drugs are used as a way to mask deeper issues, Guerreri said, such as struggles within their family life. She also highlighted that addiction plays a major role, as addiction worsens mental health and makes it harder for students to focus, connect with others, or seek help.
When asked what advice she would give a student wanting to stop using drugs, she stressed the importance of talking to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor who can provide guidance and support.
Lastly, Guerreri encouraged students to have a change in friend groups because surrounding yourself with supportive and positive influences can make a big difference on staying on track.
“Something is going on, and they’re masking it by taking drugs or alcohol,” which Guerreri mentioned can lead to more distress and is certainly not helping the problem.
