Social Media Use and Substance Abuse

Social media can influence substance abuse in different ways. For service members to stay fit and ready for duty it is important you know how social media use can be linked to substance abuse.

Influence

Normalization

Social media sometimes portrays drinking and drug use as glamorous and fun, especially in content shared by influencers or celebrities. This portrayal can normalize or encourage substance use among social media users.

Peer Pressure

Users may see posts of peers using substances and feel pressure to follow that behavior.

Targeted Advertising

Social media can expose users to targeted ads for alcohol or cannabis products. This can make these products appear more appealing and increase the desire to use these substances.

Mental Health

Risk of Anxiety and Depression

Excessive social media use has been linked to anxiety and depression, which are risk factors for substance abuse. Warfighters might turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with negative feelings after social media use.

Cyberbullying

Experience of cyberbullying can lead to distress, which may increase the possibility of substance use.

Behavioral Changes

Disrupted Sleep

Social media use before bedtime can lead to poor sleep quality. Lack of sufficient sleep is a risk factor for depression and substance abuse.

Impulsive Behavior

Social media can encourage impulsive behavior through constant notifications, which might result in making impulsive decisions related to substance use.

Prevention

Support Networks

Social media can also play a positive role by providing support networks for individuals struggling with substance abuse. There are many recovery groups where individuals can share experiences, offer support and gain information about recovery.

Set Boundaries

Limit time spent on social media to help reduce its negative impacts.
Set “social media-free” times.

Consumption

Evaluate the content you are consuming on social media and remove yourself from any platform promoting substance use.

Seek Professional Help

If you notice a link between social media use and unhealthy behaviors like substance abuse, seek help from a healthcare professional.

The military offers substance abuse programs for prevention, education, counseling and treatment.

Support is always available for warfighters through helplines.

Military OneSource: Call 800-342-9647 for assistance navigating military-specific resources.
Military Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1 for immediate support.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential support and referrals to treatment programs.

Understanding the link between social media use and substance abuse is key to reducing its negative effects for warfighters and maintaining force readiness. Learn more about ways to improve your health and substance use here.