Teen substance use in the United States has remained notably low since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to results from a national survey released Tuesday.
This year, nearly two-thirds of high school seniors reported abstaining from alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes in the past 30 days—a record-high level of abstinence since tracking began in 2017.
Among 10th graders, 80% reported avoiding these substances recently, while 90% of 8th graders did the same, consistent with the previous survey.
Key Findings on Teen Substance Use
The Monitoring the Future survey, funded by the federal government, collects annual data on substance use among students in grades 8, 10, and 12. This year’s findings are based on responses from about 24,000 students across the country.
- Substance Abstinence: Among 12th graders, the percentage avoiding alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine hit new highs.
- Nicotine Pouches: The only increase noted was in the use of nicotine pouches, with 6% of seniors reporting usage in the past year, up from 3% in 2023.
- Marijuana and Vaping: Both saw declines that have persisted since the pandemic, a stark contrast to their upward trends before 2020.
Pandemic’s Lasting Impact on Teen Behavior
Experts suggest that the COVID-19 lockdowns had a profound effect on teen habits.
- During lockdowns, students were home under parental supervision, with limited opportunities for social gatherings or experimentation.
- The disruptions may have halted a cycle where older students influence younger peers to try substances, said Richard Miech, lead researcher at the University of Michigan.
“Teens who might have experimented during 9th grade missed those opportunities during the pandemic, breaking a cycle of influence,” Miech explained.
The Role of Technology and Mental Health
Even before the pandemic, declines in teen smoking, drinking, and drug use were attributed to shifts in social behavior, including increased use of smartphones and reduced in-person group interactions.
However, the pandemic introduced new factors:
- Mental Health Concerns: Rising levels of anxiety and depression among teens may deter some from experimenting with substances.
- Social Inhibition: Dr. Duncan Clark, a psychiatrist at the University of Pittsburgh, noted that teens with anxiety may avoid drugs due to concerns about their effects or lack of social opportunities.
“It’s a complex relationship,” Clark said. “Some teens with anxiety are less likely to use drugs, while others may turn to substances as a coping mechanism.”
Looking Ahead: A New Norm for Teen Substance Use?
Whether these trends indicate a lasting shift or a temporary pause remains to be seen. Miech emphasized the need for continued monitoring to determine if these declines represent a permanent change in teen behavior.
For now, the findings highlight a positive trajectory, with fewer teens engaging in risky substance use than ever before.
Source: AP News
