The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our world in unpredictable ways. As a result, virtual schooling and social isolation has had a catastrophic effect on mental health and has increased the risk for substance abuse. Overdoses and mental health crises are worsening, and our world continues to present challenges that require us all to reinvent our daily lives, routines, and goals. For this reason, we have decided to tackle a few deeper questions for the contest theme: Through these unsettling times, what are the everyday challenges young adults face this academic year, and why do young adults choose to self-medicate? How can young adults choose a safer coping method? One important message, that is much needed, is the fact that anyone can turn their bad decisions into good ones at any given moment. Here are some categories of general stressors that researchers have found may lead young adults to make bad choices through the pandemic. Speak Out to Save Lives – Click Here for 2020-2021 Contest Details!