In 2023, adolescent drug use remained below pre-pandemic levels, with notable declines documented in alcohol and nicotine vaping. The Monitoring the Future survey revealed that while overall usage rates are low, opioid-related overdose deaths among teens have increased, largely due to fentanyl. The data shows promise in delayed substance use and heightened awareness among teens, yet emphasizes the importance of continued education on drug risks.
In 2023, the results of the Monitoring the Future survey revealed a significant trend: adolescent drug use has continued to remain below the pre-pandemic levels seen in 2020. The survey, conducted by the University of Michigan and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), showed that 10.9% of eighth graders, 19.8% of 10th graders, and 31.2% of 12th graders reported using any illicit drugs in the past year. This downward trend in reported substance use, particularly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, is heartening, suggesting young people are turning away from substances that once captured their interest. Despite this decline, there looms a darker reality. Data indicates a concerning rise in overdose deaths among teens from 2010 to 2021, predominantly due to the dangerous presence of illicit fentanyl in the drug supply. NIDA’s director, Dr. Nora Volkow, has highlighted that preventing early substance use can have lifelong benefits. “Research has shown that delaying the start of substance use among young people, even by one year, can decrease substance use for the rest of their lives. We may be seeing this play out in real time,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of education on the risks of substance use. The survey, which collects data on substance perceptions, usage, and availability among eighth, 10th, and 12th graders, also found that popular substances like alcohol and nicotine vaping showed stable or declining usage rates, while cannabis use remained unchanged. Interestingly, there was a noted increase in the abstinence from marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine among 12th graders, with over 62% opting to avoid these substances entirely over the past month. This year’s survey encompassed responses from 22,318 students, with careful attention to diverse demographic representation. Though participation saw a drop due to schools opting out post-pandemic, the results remain nationally representative, capturing a vital snapshot of adolescent substance use in the U.S. As new substances emerge on the scene, such as delta-8 THC, the Monitoring the Future team is prepared to adapt its inquiry, ensuring that the complexities of teenage substance use continue to be tracked comprehensively.
The topic of adolescent substance use is increasingly critical as young people navigate social pressures and tumultuous changes, particularly following the global pandemic. The Monitoring the Future survey serves as an essential tool in understanding these trends over the years. With a focus on self-reported behaviors among students, the survey sheds light on the increasing complexity of substance use in teens, revealing not only the prevalence but also the shifting perceptions around various substances, including cannabis, nicotine, and alcohol, alongside emerging threats like fentanyl-related overdoses. The data collected informs public health initiatives and educational programs directed at reducing substance use and its attendant consequences.
Overall, the 2023 Monitoring the Future survey presents a cautiously optimistic view of adolescent substance use trends, showing continued declines from peak levels during the pandemic. However, the alarming rise in overdose fatalities, primarily linked to potent synthetic drugs, underlines the need for ongoing education and vigilance in preventing substance use among adolescents. The upward trend in abstinence rates points to a new generation increasingly aware of the dangers of substance use, hinting at a future where young people make safer choices.
Original Source: nida.nih.gov
