Alarming Trends in Teen Substance Use: What Parents Need to Know

According to recent surveys and reports:

1. Vaping/e-cigarette use has become increasingly common among teens, with about 20% of high school students reporting use in the past month.
2. Alcohol remains the most widely used substance among youth. Approximately 29% of high school students report drinking alcohol in the past month.
3. Marijuana use is prevalent, with about 22% of high school students reporting use in the past month.
4. Prescription drug misuse, particularly of stimulants and opioids, continues to be a concern.
5. The use of “study drugs” or “smart drugs” (often prescription stimulants) to enhance academic performance is an emerging trend.

Some key trends you should be aware of:

1. Poly-substance use (using multiple substances) is becoming more common.
2. Social media plays a significant role in normalizing and promoting substance use.
3. The potency of some substances, particularly marijuana, has increased over time.
4. New synthetic drugs continue to emerge, often marketed as “legal highs”.

Statistics on drug use

Among Americans aged 12 years and older, 37.309 million were current illegal drug users (used within the last 30 days) as of 2020.

• 13.5% of Americans 12 and over used drugs in the last month, a 3.8% increase year-over-year (YoY).
• 59.277 million or 21.4% of people 12 and over have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last year.
• 138.543 million or 50.0% of people aged 12 and over have illicitly used drugs in their lifetime.
• Usership among people aged 12 and over is down 0.4% YoY.
• 138.522 million Americans 12 and over drink alcohol.
• 28.320 million or 20.4% of them have an alcohol use disorder.
• 57.277 million people use tobacco or nicotine products (vape).
• 25.4% of illegal drug users have a drug disorder.
• 24.7% of those with drug disorders have an opioid disorder; this includes prescription pain relievers or “pain killers” and heroin).
• Drug abuse and substance disorders are more likely to affect young males
• 22% of males and 17% of females used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last year.
• 5% of people in non-metropolitan, rural counties used illegal drugs compared to 20.2% of people in larger metropolitan counties.
• Drug use is highest among persons between the ages of 18-25 at 39% compared to persons aged 26-29, at 34%.
• 70% of users who try an illegal drug before age 13 develop a substance abuse disorder within the next 7 years compared to 27% of those who try an illegal drug after age 17.
• 47% of young people use an illegal drug by the time they graduate from high school; other users within the last 30 days include:
  • 5% of 8^th graders.
  • 20% of 10^th graders.
  • 24% of 12^th graders.
• For more information, see our report on teen drug use.

Parents: Practice

1. Open, non-judgmental communication with teens about substance use
2. Setting clear expectations and boundaries
3. Monitoring social media and online activity
4. Being aware of their child’s friends and activities
5. Modeling healthy coping mechanisms and responsible behavior
6. Seeking professional help if concerned about substance use