Trends in Teen Drug and Alcohol Use

Recent data indicate that the use of illegal drugs among teens has generally declined or stayed the same at lower levels compared to rates before the pandemic.

• A survey by Monitoring the Future found that in 2023, fewer teens reported using illegal drugs in the past year compared to before the pandemic.

• This trend suggests that the decrease in teen drug use seen during the COVID-19 pandemic has continued.

The line graph below shows the trends of alcohol and drug use among 12th graders from 2022 to 2023.

The data includes:

• Alcohol Use: A decrease from 51.9% in 2022 to 45.7% in 2023.

• Illicit Drug Use (excluding marijuana): Stable at 7.4%.

• Marijuana Use: Stable at 29.0%.

• Vaping: A decrease from 27.3% in 2022 to 23.2% in 2023.

 

Rise in Overdose Deaths

Despite the decline in overall substance use among teens, there has been a troubling rise in overdose deaths.

• Deaths due to drug overdose among adolescents more than doubled from 2018 (253 deaths) to 2022 (723 deaths), with the largest increases among Hispanic and Black adolescents.

• This increase is largely attributed to the contamination of drugs with illicit fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.

• The presence of fentanyl in counterfeit pills that resemble prescription medications has made drug use more dangerous, even if the prevalence of use has not increased.

 

Contributing Factors to Trends

• There are many reasons why teen drug and alcohol use goes up and down over time. Here are some of the biggest factors:

• Social media: Content on social media can make drugs and alcohol seem cool, which might make teens more likely to try them. Teens who spend much time on social media are more at risk.

• Mental health and stress: Teens who are stressed or anxious might use drugs or alcohol to feel better. We need to give them better help for mental health and stress.

• Changing strategies: Instead of just saying no to everything, we’re teaching teens the risks of drugs and alcohol and how to stay safe if they do use them.

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Socioeconomic Factors and Teen Drug and Alcohol Use

• Socioeconomic factors influence teen drug and alcohol use. They shape the likelihood of substance use and the severity of its consequences. These factors include poverty, family structure, and access to prevention programs.

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Poverty

• Poverty during adolescence is a significant risk factor for developing drug use disorders later in life.

• Adolescents experiencing poverty are more likely to use substances.

• This increased risk is linked to the stress and challenges associated with low socioeconomic status.

• A Swedish study found a direct correlation between adolescent poverty and drug use disorders in young adulthood.

• The impact was more pronounced in females with 24% and 13% in males. Mental health issues in adolescence contributed to this association.

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Family Structure

• Family structure plays a crucial role in adolescent substance use.

• Teenagers from single-parent homes, especially those living with single fathers, are more likely to use drugs than those from two-parent households.

• This increased risk may be due to factors like differences in parental supervision, communication, and the unique challenges of single-parent families.

• Studies have shown that daughters living with single fathers have higher rates of drug use compared to those living with single mothers.

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Access to Prevention Programs

• Prevention programs can effectively reduce the risk of substance use among teens.

• Comprehensive prevention programs target multiple risk factors. These programs often include education, skills training, and parental involvement.

• Evidence-based programs like LifeSkills Training and the Good Behavior Game have shown long-term benefits.

• Fair access to prevention programs is essential for reaching all teens.

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Relevant Studies

• Here are some studies that discuss teen substance use:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): According to SAMHSA, adolescents living in households with lower family incomes are at a higher risk for mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders.

• Monitoring the Future (MTF): The MTF survey has consistently shown that substance use varies significantly among different socioeconomic statuses, with higher rates of alcohol and drug use reported among teens in higher socioeconomic brackets, potentially due to greater disposable income and access.

• Community Influence: Research published in the American Journal of Public Health found that community-level interventions focusing on improving neighborhood conditions and increasing community

• cohesion were effective in reducing substance use among adolescents.

• These studies show that complex factors can influence teen drug use, such as socioeconomic status, community environment, and personal risks. We need a comprehensive approach to help teens deal with this problem.