Breaking the cycle- Substance use and how it ties to your mental health

In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Izzy sits down with Colorado State Attorney General Phil Weiser for an important conversation about youth substance use and how it connects to mental health. Together, they talk about why many young people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, trauma, and pressure, and why substance use is often a sign of deeper emotional pain, not the root problem itself.The Attorney General shares what he’s seeing across Colorado, how substance use is impacting young people’s mental health, and what his office is doing to support prevention, education, and recovery for youth and families. From statewide initiatives to community-based programs, this episode highlights the efforts being made to protect kids, reduce harm, and create healthier paths forward.Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or someone who cares about youth mental health, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical information and reminds listeners that help is available, and no one has to face this alone.This episode's featured resource is I Matter Colorado. I Matter Colorado is a free and confidential program that helps Colorado teens get mental health support because substance use is often connected to stress, pain, or feeling overwhelmed. If drugs or alcohol have become a way to cope, I Matter focuses on what’s underneath that, not just the behavior.How to access I Matter Colorado:Go to IMatterColorado.orgClick “Take the survey”Answer a few short questions about how you’re feelingYou’ll be matched with a licensed therapistTeens ages 12–18 can receive up to 6 free therapy sessions (parent permission may be required depending on age)I Matter isn’t just for teens who are using substances themselves. It’s also for you if a friend or family member is struggling with substance use and it’s affecting your mental health. Watching someone you care about go through that can be stressful, confusing, and heavy, and you deserve support, too.You don’t have to be in crisis to use I Matter. It’s for teens who want someone to talk to and real tools to cope in healthier ways.Phone numbers to put in your phone:Suicide and crisis line 24/7- 988 (call or text)Yampa Valley REPS- This is not a crisis line (970)-846-8182