Gen Z is no longer the “young” generation. The oldest members are turning 29, while more than half of Gen Z is now over 21, the legal age for consumption of substances in the United States. Conversations about substance abuse are spiking in relevancy as independence is gained. 

“Substance use” generally refers to the casual, irregular use of drugs or alcohol, ranging from using in relaxed, controlled environments to taking medications as prescribed to drinking alcohol socially.

Meanwhile, “substance abuse” involves patterns of uncontrollably consuming drugs or alcohol. Even what can be seen as harmless substance use when it involves the knowledge of a potential ramification is considered abuse. Substance abuse is moderate in comparison to addiction; however, it is still extremely dangerous due to the increasing risk of developing dependency over time. 

Understanding the difference between use and abuse is important because what may seem routine and harmless can reflect an unhealthy relationship with substances. Factors such as strength, frequency and intention determine the difference between use and abuse.

Young people are making the switch from using alcohol as the main social substance to primarily using cannabis.

“The most significant uptake in use of substances happens around the age of 19,” said Anni Rasmussen, addictions studies professor at Moraine Valley for more than a decade.

With the legalization of marijuana, it can now be accessed in a form that is supposed to be safer and regulated, rather than risking the chance of the drug being laced with random oils or fentanyl. 

THC e-vape brands such as Muha MEds attempt to keep customers safe by adding a QR code on the box that can be scanned to ensure that it is authentic.

Still, it is important to be cautious and informed. While substance use does not necessarily lead to substance abuse, it can lead to developing the same psychological associations, usually going hand in hand with life alterations.

Short term effects of using alcohol can include:

• Alcohol poisoning: Dangerous blood alcohol levels can slow breathing and heart rate.
• Overdose: Mixing alcohol with opioids may cause a greater risk.
• STIs/unplanned pregnancy or injuries/violence: Alcohol lowers inhibitions, which increases risk of bad decisions and can lead to injury, suicide and unprotected sex.
• Pregnancy complications: Higher chances of miscarriage, stillbirth, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders occur when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy.

Drinking alcohol, including, red and white wine, beer, and liquor is also linked to cancer. “More than 20,000 people die from alcohol-related cancers each year in the United States,” according to the CDC.

Long-term effects of consuming alcohol can include:

• High blood pressure 
• Heart disease
• Liver damage
• Stroke risk
• Alcohol use disorder—affecting both physical and mental health
• Digestive issues
• Weakened immune system
• Social and wellness challenges
• Mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety
• Learning difficulties and problems at school or work
• Memory issues, including dementia
• Strained relationships with family and friends

Consistent use of substances can physically change your brain, Rasmussen said: “It doesn’t have that effect any longer because your body starts getting adjusted to ‘I can’t feel enough high if I can’t get it from the outside.’”

Moderation is a strategy to reduce harm. With cannabis, moderation levels can be hard to tell due to potency and physical factors. Consult with a health care provider to obtain information necessary in understanding the amounts you can take safely depending your specific body weight and height and other factors.

For alcohol, the recommendation is to limit intake to one to two drinks within a one-to-two hour period. If you are driving, ensure that you are fully sober, as even a low level of blood alcohol concentration can risk impairment. 

Rasmussen emphasizes caution: “The safest way is to not use anything.” Some people find it difficult to stop consuming after one or two drinks, underestimating their level of intoxication, she said. “To protect yourself, abstinence is better.”

Self-reflection can help you manage safe use of substances. Rehab Clinics Group provides a few questions to ask yourself to gauge how mild or severe your drug/alcohol exposure may be:

• Do you consume drugs and/or alcohol every day?
• Do you experience cravings?
• Do you make decisions around the potential of drug and alcohol exposure?
• Are you aware of the consequences of substance abuse and still press ahead with consumption?
• Have you built up a tolerance, requiring higher quantities or more frequent use?
• Do you encounter withdrawal symptoms?

If several of these questions resonate, it may be helpful to seek professional guidance or campus support services.

The Counseling Center, located in Moraine Valley’s S Building, offers free, short‑term personal counseling for all enrolled students. Trained professionals are available to help students work through a variety of concerns, including substance use related issues. While the services are accessible and supportive, they are not intended for long-term therapy. Instead, students typically meet for an hour-long session once a week for about 8 to 10 weeks.

How can you prevent problems? Be aware of your usage. By building environments where choosing not to drink is easier, you help support the health and well‑being of your friends, loved ones, and the wider community.

If you plan to own a cannabis business, Moraine Valley offers a cannabis program educating future business owners on how to safely sell to patients and customers as well as protocols for handlings complicated situations that may occur. You can use the certificate earned to look for entry-level jobs in the licensed medical or adult-use industries.

As Gen Z grows in adulthood with ever-changing responsibilities, understanding safe substance use is essential. Awareness, moderation and honest self-reflection can prevent use from turning into abuse that may turn into addiction.

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featured image graphic by EMILY STEPHENS