Historically, teen alcohol, tobacco, and drug use has seen a significant decline over the past few decades. The annual Monitoring the Future survey shows that the percentage of high school seniors who reported drinking, smoking cigarettes, and using illicit drugs has decreased drastically since its peak in the late 1970s. Specifically, in 2023, only 15 percent of seniors reported ever smoking a cigarette, down from 76 percent in 1977. Additionally, 29 percent of seniors reported using marijuana in the previous year, down from a peak of 51 percent in 1979. Overall, the rates of substance use among teenagers are currently at the lowest levels seen in decades.
However, despite the overall positive trend in teen substance use, there are some concerning statistics, such as the sharp rise in teen overdose deaths. Fentanyl-involved deaths among adolescents have doubled from 2019 to 2020 and have remained at elevated levels in subsequent years. This highlights the importance of continued awareness and prevention efforts to address the dangers associated with drug use among teens.
Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, attributes the decline in teen substance use to education and prevention campaigns, as well as policies that enforce legal age restrictions for alcohol and tobacco. She also acknowledges the role that social media plays in reducing opportunities for youth to engage in substance use, as well as the potential for digital devices to provide alternative forms of stimulation that may mitigate the urge to turn to drugs.
Volkow warns against complacency in the face of declining substance use rates, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant in light of the increasing dangers associated with drug supply and the potential for overdose deaths. She also addresses the issue of vaping, noting that while its popularity among teens has decreased, the addictive nature of nicotine should not be underestimated, regardless of the delivery method.
As new trends in drug use emerge, such as increased interest in cannabis and psychedelic drugs, Volkow stresses the importance of adapting prevention strategies to address these substances effectively. While cannabis and psychedelics may have potential therapeutic benefits, they also carry risks of addiction and adverse mental experiences. More research is needed to fully understand the implications of these substances on teen health and well-being. Overall, the declining rates of teen substance use are a positive trend, but ongoing efforts are necessary to address the evolving landscape of drug use among youth.
