Youth Substance Use Trends: Highest Rates in History

Aug.24.2022
Youth Substance Use Trends: Highest Rates in History
Marijuana and nicotine e-cigarette usage among young people hit historic highs in 2021, according to a report.

According to a report released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in the United States, in 2021, the usage rates of cannabis and nicotine electronic cigarettes among young people reached an all-time high level.


Dr. Megan E. Patrick and her colleagues at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research in Ann Arbor studied drug use prevalence and trends among young people dating back to 1975 in a monitoring group study. Participants were initially sampled in 12th grade at the age of 18, and then surveyed annually until the age of 30.


Researchers have found that in 2021, the most commonly used substances among young people in the past 12 months were alcohol, marijuana, nicotine e-cigarettes, marijuana e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and other drugs (at 81.8%, 42.6%, 21.8%, 18.7%, and 18.3% respectively). The report showed a binge-drinking rate of 32.0% and a daily marijuana use rate of 10.8%. From 2020 to 2021, there was an increase in monthly marijuana e-cigarette use, a decrease in daily alcohol consumption but an increase in binge drinking, returning to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. There was also an increase in monthly nicotine e-cigarette use, a decrease in non-medical use of narcotics other than heroin, and a decrease in non-medical use of some stimulants, including amphetamines, Adderall, cocaine, and methamphetamine.


In 2021, there was a high prevalence of cannabis, nicotine e-cigarettes, high-intensity alcohol, and hallucinogens other than LSD within a month, while smoking, excessive drinking, and the use of anesthetics other than heroin, Vicodin, and Oxycodone were at historically low levels.


Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stated in a press release that "understanding how drug use affects young adults' future choices is crucial in helping the next generation avoid harm.


This article contains excerpts or reposts from third-party sources, and their copyright belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion. Any individuals or organizations who wish to repost must contact the author and refrain from reposting directly.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

USITC Issues Final Ruling in 337-TA-1392 Investigation, Imposes Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders
USITC Issues Final Ruling in 337-TA-1392 Investigation, Imposes Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders
USITC issues final ruling on oil vaporizing devices, components violating tariff law, with limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Uruguay Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Playgrounds and Bus Stops
Uruguay Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Playgrounds and Bus Stops
A bill introduced by Uruguayan lawmaker Álvaro Dastugue proposes banning smoking and vaping in public spaces that include children’s play areas, as well as at bus stops and nearby waiting zones. The draft legislation aims to reduce involuntary exposure to smoke and aerosols from tobacco, marijuana and electronic vaping devices.
Dec.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NielsenIQ Data Shows UK Tobacco Market Decline of 12.7% with E-Cigarettes Dropping GBP 225 Million
NielsenIQ Data Shows UK Tobacco Market Decline of 12.7% with E-Cigarettes Dropping GBP 225 Million
According to NielsenIQ data published on December 7, 2025, overall tobacco and nicotine product sales in the UK dropped 12.7% in the 12 months ending September 6, representing more than £1 billion in lost sales.
Dec.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NSW Police Seize About US$1.9 Million in Illegal Tobacco Products, Including 15,000 Vapes
NSW Police Seize About US$1.9 Million in Illegal Tobacco Products, Including 15,000 Vapes
During a recent routine traffic stop, New South Wales police discovered a large quantity of illegal tobacco and vapes hidden inside a rental truck, including approximately 942,000 cigarettes and more than 15,000 e-cigarettes, with an estimated value of nearly AUD 2 million. The 31-year-old driver was arrested at the scene and the case has now entered judicial proceedings.
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bangkok Police Bust Illegal E-Cigarette Warehouse, Seize Vapes Worth Over $112,000
Bangkok Police Bust Illegal E-Cigarette Warehouse, Seize Vapes Worth Over $112,000
Thai police raided an illegal e-cigarette warehouse, arrested a man accused of selling vapes online, and seized a large quantity of improperly imported products worth more than 4 million baht (about $112,000).
Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report | Belarus to centralize vaping market under state supervision
Special Report | Belarus to centralize vaping market under state supervision
Belarus is preparing to overhaul its vaping market under tight state control — from monopolizing imports to banning online sales and restricting retail licenses. Officials say nearly 77% of the disposable e-cigarette market is supplied illegally, prompting sweeping regulatory measures that have already sparked strong pushback from consumers and vape retailers.
Dec.03