Teenage Drug Use Statistics [2023]: Data & Trends on Abuse

Teenage Drug Use Statistics

Teenage drug abuse is a problem that affects millions of young people around the world. According to recent statistics, drug abuse among teenagers is on the rise, and it's a serious issue that needs to be addressed. In this article, we'll take a closer look at teenage drug abuse statistics and explore the reasons behind this trend.

The statistics on teenage drug abuse are staggering. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 7% of 8th graders, 20% of 10th graders, and 33% of 12th graders reported using illicit drugs in the past year. Additionally, more than 14% of 12th graders reported using prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.

Top 10 Key Teenage Drug Abuse Statistics

1. Over 7% of 8th graders, 20% of 10th graders, and 33% of 12th graders reported using illicit drugs in the past year.
2. More than 14% of 12th graders reported using prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.
3. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug among teenagers, with over 11% of high school seniors reporting daily or near-daily use.
4. In recent years, vaping has become increasingly popular among teenagers, with more than 5 million middle and high school students reporting e-cigarette use in the past month.
5. Alcohol is still a major problem among teenagers, with over 52% of high school seniors reporting drinking alcohol in the past month.
6. The use of synthetic drugs such as K2 and Spice is also on the rise among teenagers, with more than 3% of high school seniors reporting use in the past year.
7. Overdose deaths involving opioids have been steadily increasing among teenagers in recent years, with more than 3 deaths per day reported in 2017.
8. Teenagers who abuse drugs are at a higher risk for mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
9. Drug abuse can also lead to poor academic performance and an increased likelihood of dropping out of school.
10. Early intervention and prevention programs have been shown to be effective in reducing drug abuse among teenagers.

What Substances are Teens in the US Using Most?

According to a report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the most commonly abused substances among teenagers in the United States are marijuana, prescription drugs, and alcohol. Here are some statistics that illustrate the prevalence of these substances among high school students:

Marijuana

More than 45% of high school seniors have used marijuana at least once in their lifetime, according to NIDA's Monitoring the Future survey.

Prescription drugs

About 4% of high school seniors have used prescription painkillers for non-medical purposes in the past year, while nearly 2% have used tranquilizers and 1.7% have used stimulants, per NIDA's 2020 survey.

Alcohol

Approximately 52% of high school seniors have consumed alcohol in the past month, according to NIDA's Monitoring the Future survey. Moreover, about 14% of high school seniors have reported binge drinking (consuming five or more drinks on one occasion) in the past two weeks.

Why do Teenagers Experiment with Drugs?

There are various reasons why teenagers may experiment with drugs. Here are some examples:

Peer pressure

Many young people feel pressure from their friends or social groups to try drugs. According to a survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 29% of teenagers report feeling pressure to use drugs from their peers.

Coping with stress or anxiety

Teenagers face a lot of stressors in their lives, including academic pressure, family problems, and social challenges. In some cases, they may turn to drugs as a way to numb their emotions or escape from their problems. For instance, according to NIDA's survey, about 33% of high school seniors reported feeling a lot of stress in the past month and some may turn to drugs as a way to cope with this stress.

It's important to note that drug use among teenagers can have serious consequences for their health and well-being. In addition to the risk of addiction and overdose, drug use can also lead to problems with school performance, relationships, and mental health. It's important for parents, teachers, and other adults to be aware of the factors that contribute to drug use among teenagers and to provide support and resources for those who may be struggling.

Teenage Drug Abuse by Age

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that in 2019, an estimated 5.1 million young people between the ages of 12 and 17 used alcohol in the past year, and about 3.5 million engaged in binge drinking in the past month alone. Illicit drug use was also prevalent among this age group, with approximately 2.1 million youth reporting drug use in the past year.

Marijuana was the most commonly used drug among young people, but other substances such as prescription drugs were also misused, with around 820,000 youth reporting prescription drug misuse in the past year.

It's important to note that early substance use can have serious long-term effects on a young person's development and well-being. According to SAMHSA, early substance use is associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders, poor academic performance, and involvement in risky behaviors such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, engaging in unprotected sex, or committing crimes.

For example:

• Children aged 12-14 who drink alcohol are more likely to experience memory problems and perform poorly in school compared to their peers who do not drink.
• Adolescents aged 15-17 who binge drink are more likely to experience alcohol-related injuries, such as falls or car crashes.
• Young people aged 18-25 who use illicit drugs are at higher risk of developing substance use disorders and experiencing negative physical and mental health outcomes.
• Prescription drug misuse among young adults aged 18-25 can lead to addiction, overdose, and other serious health consequences.

Therefore, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of these statistics and have open conversations with their children about the dangers of drug use and its potential consequences at every stage of development. By discussing these issues honestly and openly, parents can help their children make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Teen and Youth Opioid Use Statistics

Opioid use among teenagers and young people is a growing concern in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioid overdose deaths among adolescents aged 15-19 increased by almost 20% between 2015 and 2019. In addition, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that approximately 3% of high school seniors have used prescription opioids for non-medical purposes in the past year.

The problem of opioid misuse among young people is not limited to prescription drugs. The CDC also reports an increase in heroin-related overdose deaths among adolescents and young adults aged 15-24. Moreover, some young people may turn to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, which can be even more dangerous than other types of opioids due to their potency.

There are many factors that contribute to opioid use among teenagers and young people. Some may start using opioids after being prescribed them for pain management or after experimenting with prescription drugs. Others may turn to opioids as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression.

It's important for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to be aware of the signs of opioid misuse among young people and to provide support and resources for those who may be struggling. This can include educating young people about the dangers of opioid use, providing access to mental health services, and promoting safe prescribing practices for pain management.

In addition, there are several evidence-based interventions that have been shown to be effective in reducing opioid misuse among young people. These include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing (MI).

By addressing the problem of opioid use among teenagers and young people through a comprehensive approach that involves prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies, we can help ensure that our youth have a healthy future ahead of them.

General Demographics for Youth and Teen Drug Abuse Statistics

General Demographics for Youth and Teen Substance Abuse statistics are an important factor to consider when looking at the prevalence of drug use among young people. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), substance use rates vary by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and other demographic factors.

For example, in 2019, the NSDUH found that:

• Among adolescents aged 12-17, rates of past-year alcohol use were higher among females than males (10.2% vs. 8.7%), while rates of past-year illicit drug use were higher among males than females (13.4% vs. 10.0%).
• Rates of past-month marijuana use were highest among youth aged 18-25 (19.4%), followed by those aged 12-17 (8.2%) and those aged 26 or older (6.5%).
• Rates of past-year prescription drug misuse were highest among young adults aged 18-25 (3.4%), followed by adolescents aged 12-17 (1.9%) and adults aged 26 or older (1.6%).

Moreover, the NSDUH found that substance use rates varied by race/ethnicity as well:

• Among adolescents aged 12-17, rates of past-month alcohol use were highest among White youth (11.6%), followed by Hispanic youth (8.2%), Black youth (7.9%), and Asian youth (3.5%). For past-year illicit drug use, rates were highest among White youth (14.7%), followed by Hispanic youth (11.2%), Black youth (9.0%), and Asian youth (5.5%).
• Among young adults aged 18-25, rates of past-month marijuana use were highest among White individuals (23.4%), followed by Hispanic individuals (15.6%), Black individuals (12.0%), and Asian individuals (5.4%). For past-year prescription drug misuse, rates were highest among White young adults (4.0%), followed by Hispanic young adults (2.3%), Black young adults (1.9%), and Asian young adults (1.7%).

These statistics demonstrate that substance use among young people is not uniform and can vary based on a range of demographic factors. It's important for policymakers, healthcare providers, and parents to consider these factors when developing prevention and intervention strategies to address youth substance use. By tailoring prevention efforts to specific populations, we can help ensure that all young people have access to the resources they need to make healthy choices and avoid the negative consequences of substance use.

The Consequences of Teenage Drug Abuse

Teenage drug abuse can have serious consequences for young people and their families. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), some potential consequences of drug use among teenagers include:

Addiction

Teenagers who use drugs are at increased risk of developing addiction, which can have a lasting impact on their physical and mental health. In fact, the earlier a person begins using drugs, the more likely they are to develop addiction later in life. According to NIDA's Monitoring the Future survey, approximately 5% of high school seniors report using marijuana daily, and more than 90% of people with substance use disorders began using drugs before age 18.

Academic problems

Drug use can interfere with a young person's ability to focus and learn in school. According to NIDA, students who use drugs are more likely to have lower grades and drop out of school than their peers who do not use drugs. For example, in 2018, about 10% of high school seniors reported that they had skipped school due to drug use in the past year.

Social issues

Drug use can also affect a teenager's relationships with family and friends. For instance, drug use can lead to conflicts or misunderstandings with loved ones, as well as feelings of isolation or loneliness. In addition, drug use can increase the risk of risky behaviors such as unsafe sex or driving under the influence.

Legal troubles

Finally, drug use can lead to legal troubles for teenagers. Depending on the type and amount of drug involved, possession or distribution of drugs can result in fines, probation, or even imprisonment. According to NIDA's survey, approximately 19% of high school seniors report using illicit drugs other than marijuana in the past year.

It's important for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to be aware of the risks and consequences of teenage drug abuse and to provide support and resources for young people who may be struggling with addiction or other issues. By promoting healthy behaviors and positive alternatives to drug use, we can help prevent drug-related harm and promote healthier outcomes for all.

Conclusion

Drug abuse among teenagers and young people is a serious issue that affects individuals, families, and communities. The statistics presented in this article demonstrate the prevalence of substance use among youth, as well as the many factors that contribute to it. From academic pressure to social challenges, young people face a wide range of stressors that can lead them to turn to drugs as a way to cope.

However, it's important to remember that drug use comes with serious consequences, including addiction, academic problems, social issues, and legal troubles. Parents, educators, and healthcare providers all have a role to play in preventing drug use among young people and providing support for those who may be struggling.

By working together and using evidence-based strategies such as prevention education and intervention programs, we can help ensure that our youth have access to the resources they need to make healthy choices and avoid the negative consequences of substance use. Let us all come together and strive towards building healthier futures for our youth.

Sources:

• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). DrugFacts: High School and Youth Trends. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/high-school-youth-trends
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29393/2019NSDUHFFRPDFWHTML/2019NSDUHFFR1PDFW090120.pdf