Name potential mental health impacts of AOD use in teenagers.

• A. Anxiety, depression, mood swings; cannabis use can be linked to psychotic-like symptoms in vulnerable individuals.
• B. Improved mood and resilience.
• C. No mental health effects.
• D. Only physical health effects.

Answer: (A)

Using alcohol and other drugs during the teenage years can affect mental health because the teen brain is still developing and substances can disrupt how moods are regulated. Cannabis, in particular, has been linked to psychotic-like symptoms in people who are vulnerable, such as those with a family history of mental illness or other risk factors. So anxiety, depression, and mood swings are realistic mental health impacts to recognise in teens who use AOD.

The idea that use would improve mood or resilience isn’t supported by evidence, and there are mental health effects alongside potential physical harms, not none at all.