The Rise of Teen Substance Abuse and Addiction with Christian Thurstone, MD (S6:E29)

As the pandemic continues to shine a light on the mental health crisis in America, the devasting effects of substance abuse and addiction are increasing. Teens across the country continue to use and abuse alcohol, marijuana and nicotine-based vaping, and the rate of deaths linked to fentanyl has hit an all-time high. In the latest episode of our Mental Health series, we are joined by Christian Thurstone, MD, who discusses what's new in adolescent substance use, how it's affecting kids and what providers can do about it. Guest: Christian Thurstone, MD, the Director of Behavioral Health Services at Denver Health and a professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Today's episode is underwritten by Businessolver, who is partnering with Children's Hospital Colorado to create a better mental health future for children. Businessolver is creating a mentally healthy, well-educated workplace where diversity, equity and inclusion matter. Together, we can change the state of pediatric mental health.