Bullying and substance use among high school students

Watching someone you care about experience bullying is heartbreaking. It’s an isolating and painful experience that can leave deep, lasting scars long after the harassment stops. What often stays hidden, however, is the quiet way this pain can lead to other struggles. Many people who endure bullying find themselves turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with the anxiety, depression, and trauma left behind. It’s a silent battle fought on two fronts, but it’s a battle that you don’t have to fight alone. Understanding the connection is the first step toward healing, and we want you to know that support is here whenever you’re ready.

What is bullying?

When we talk about bullying, we’re not just talking about a simple disagreement or a one-time fight. It’s a specific type of harm defined by three core elements: an imbalance of power, repetitive behavior, and the intent to cause distress. The person doing the bullying uses their power, whether it’s physical strength, social status, or anonymity online, to control or harm someone else. This isn’t a single incident but a pattern of hurtful actions that repeats over time.

It’s crucial to understand that bullying is never a normal part of growing up or a simple “rite of passage.” It’s a serious behavior with damaging consequences that can happen at any age, from the school playground to the workplace and even online through cyberbullying. It’s different from typical conflict because the person being targeted struggles to defend themselves, making them feel helpless and alone. According to facts about bullying from government resources, this behavior is a prevalent issue that causes significant emotional and psychological harm to its victims.

Bullying statistics

The numbers paint a clear and concerning picture of just how widespread bullying is. The statistics reveal not only its prevalence in schools but also its dangerous link to substance use as a coping mechanism. For many teens, the emotional fallout from being a victim of bullying directly contributes to turning to drugs or alcohol.

• Overall prevalence. Recent data shows that about one in five students (around 19-22%) between the ages of 12 and 18 report being bullied at school.
• High school rates. Specifically among high school students, about 20% report being bullied on school property.
• The link to substance use. The connection is stark. Studies show that teens who experience bullying are significantly more likely to use substances like alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana to cope with their distress.
• Impact on LGBTQ+ youth. The problem is even more pronounced for LGBTQ+ students, who are nearly twice as likely to be verbally harassed or physically assaulted at school compared to their peers. One study found that 32% of LGBTQ+ students reported being bullied, compared to 17% of heterosexual students.

High school bullying

In high school, bullying takes on various forms, each with its own damaging impact. While verbal and social bullying are the most common, physical and online harassment are also serious problems. National surveys show that among high school students, approximately 16% have experienced cyberbullying, where the harm follows them home through their phones and computers.

Additionally, the threat of physical harm is real for many, as about 1 in 5 bullied students report being targeted online or via text. This constant stress can make it difficult for students to focus, feel safe, or build healthy friendships, and parents need to recognize the signs of drug use in teens that may arise as a way to cope.

LGBTQ bullying

For LGBTQ+ youth, school can feel like an incredibly unsafe place. These students face disproportionately high rates of bullying specifically targeting their sexual orientation or gender identity. The harassment is often relentless, with 38% of LGBTQ+ students reporting they were bullied in person at school in the past year. Transgender and nonbinary youth are at an even higher risk. This persistent victimization contributes to severe mental health challenges, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, creating an environment where turning to substances can feel like the only way to escape the pain.

Adult bullying

Bullying doesn’t end after graduation. For many, it continues into their adult lives, most often in the workplace. Workplace bullying can involve everything from verbal abuse and public humiliation to being intentionally excluded or having your work sabotaged. The constant stress and anxiety from a hostile work environment can be just as damaging as schoolyard bullying. It erodes confidence, harms professional growth, and can lead to severe mental health issues. Unfortunately, adults who are bullied may also turn to substance use to manage the anxiety and dread associated with their job.

Types of Bullying

Bullying can show up in many ways, and not all of them are as obvious as a physical fight. Understanding the different types of bullying helps us recognize the full scope of the harm it causes. Whether it’s through words, actions, social exclusion, or online posts, each form can leave deep emotional wounds.

Social bullying, for example, is subtle but powerful, using tactics like spreading rumors or intentional exclusion to isolate someone. For those targeted by cyberbullying, the harassment feels never-ending, as it can happen 24/7 through their phones and computers, offering no safe escape.

Verbal bullying uses words as weapons. It includes name-calling, insults, teasing, intimidation, and making threats. While it leaves no physical bruises, the impact on a person’s self-esteem can be devastating. These words chip away at confidence and self-worth, leaving someone feeling worthless and alone. Over time, the victim may start to internalize the insults, believing the terrible things being said about them. This constant emotional battery is a direct path to anxiety and depression.

The lasting impact of bullying

The scars from bullying are rarely temporary. They often follow individuals into adulthood, shaping their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. The constant stress and fear can lead to long-term psychological wounds that require time and support to heal. Studies show a direct link between being bullied and developing serious mental health conditions, with 54% of victims suffering from anxiety and 55% from depression.

This emotional toll can also manifest in other harmful ways. For instance, bullying that focuses on appearance or weight can contribute to poor body image and low self-esteem, which are known risk factors for eating disorders. The need to regain a sense of control in a situation that feels uncontrollable can lead some to manage their food intake in unhealthy ways. This trauma can be profound, and for many, healing requires professional support. Therapies designed to address deep-seated trauma can be incredibly effective, and it’s helpful to understand how EMDR therapy works as one potential path to recovery.

How bullying leads to addiction

When someone is dealing with the constant pain of being bullied, it’s natural to look for a way to escape. For many, substances like alcohol or drugs can seem like a quick solution to numb feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression. This is often called self-medication, where a person uses a substance not to get high, but to get relief from emotional distress. What starts as a coping mechanism can quickly spiral into dependence and, eventually, addiction.

Interestingly, the risk for substance abuse isn’t limited to victims. Those who bully others are also more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors, including substance use. This complex relationship often points to underlying issues for both the bully and the victim. When bullying and substance use occur together, it’s a sign of co-occurring disorders that need integrated treatment. Addressing both the trauma from bullying and the substance use at the same time is essential for true healing. Taking the first step, like exploring the admissions process for a dual diagnosis program, can open the door to comprehensive care.

How can an adult support a bullied child?

If you suspect a child is being bullied, your support can make all the difference. The most important thing is to create a safe space for them to talk without fear of judgment. It’s crucial to validate their feelings and let them know that what’s happening is not their fault. From there, you can work together on a plan to address the situation.

Here are a few key dos and don’ts:

• Do listen calmly and openly. Give them your full attention and let them share their story at their own pace.
• Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Avoid saying things like “I’ll make it stop immediately,” but do promise to take their concerns seriously and help them.
• Do document everything. Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, locations, and what happened. This will be helpful when talking to the school.
• Don’t encourage retaliation. Fighting back can often escalate the situation and put the child in more danger.
• Do work with the school. Schedule a meeting with a teacher, counselor, or principal to discuss the situation and develop a safety plan.

It’s also important to help kids find healthy ways to cope with their emotions, like talking to a trusted adult, engaging in hobbies they love, or speaking with a therapist. Unhealthy coping, like isolating themselves or turning to substances, only deepens the pain. Research on bullying victimization and substance use confirms that young people who are bullied have a higher likelihood of using drugs and alcohol, making early support and intervention from caring adults absolutely critical.

Frequently asked questions

Finding the connection between bullying and substance abuse

At Red Ribbon Recovery Colorado, we understand that these issues are deeply intertwined. Specialized outpatient and telehealth programs are designed to treat co-occurring disorders, providing integrated care that helps you heal from the trauma of bullying while building a strong foundation for sobriety. We offer access to a compassionate, supportive environment where you can learn healthier ways to cope with difficult emotions and reclaim your life. When you’re ready, we’re here to help you find your path forward.

The journey out of the pain caused by bullying and substance use can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk it by yourself. Healing begins with support, understanding, and specialized care that addresses both the emotional wounds and the patterns of addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that help is available. You can take the first step today by calling us at (303) 219-3980 to speak with a compassionate member of our team. At Red Ribbon Recovery Colorado, we are dedicated to helping you build a healthier, more hopeful future. You can also contact us to get started on your recovery journey.