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.

Observation | Flexible Displays Become the “Standard” in the E-Cigarette Industry as TFT Full-Screen Solutions Fade
Observation | Flexible Displays Become the “Standard” in the E-Cigarette Industry as TFT Full-Screen Solutions Fade
At the 6th Vape Industry Chain Exhibition in Shenzhen, 2Firsts observed that flexible displays have become standard in e-cigarettes, while costly TFT full-screen solutions are fading. Simpler, affordable display options are regaining traction, with customization emerging as a key trend.
Aug.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Texas Police Raid CBD Shop, Seize Hundreds of THC Vapes
Texas Police Raid CBD Shop, Seize Hundreds of THC Vapes
Police in Abilene, Texas raided “CBD House of Healing” on August 23, seizing more than 17 pounds of marijuana, 3,580 pre-rolled joints, hundreds of THC vapes, and other cannabis products. The case remains under investigation, and no arrests have been made. The store’s attorney accused police of violating her client’s constitutional rights and subsequently resigned from her position as an associate judge at the Abilene Municipal Court.
Aug.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Japan opens Glo flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district, offering glo devices and tobacco sticks,
BAT Japan opens Glo flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district, offering glo devices and tobacco sticks,
BAT Japan's flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district opens, offering glo products, personalization services, and a VIP lounge.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Brands Releases New Study: Non-Tobacco Flavoured E-Cigarettes May Enhance Harm Reduction, Calling for Balanced Regulation
Imperial Brands Releases New Study: Non-Tobacco Flavoured E-Cigarettes May Enhance Harm Reduction, Calling for Balanced Regulation
Imperial Brands released a new literature review analyzing over 230 studies, finding non-tobacco e-cigarette flavours pose no greater risk and may support adult smoking cessation. Spain’s proposed flavour ban sparked opposition from seven EU countries and a warning from the European Commission.
Aug.27
Nova Scotia, Canada: 16% of Residents Vape; Local E-Liquids and Disposable Products in High Demand
Nova Scotia, Canada: 16% of Residents Vape; Local E-Liquids and Disposable Products in High Demand
The latest data show that in 2024, disposable vape sales in Nova Scotia grew by 25%, and about 16% of residents use vaping products—signaling strong demand for tobacco alternatives. The province’s regulatory framework is forcing retailers to accelerate product-line adjustments and compliance upgrades.
Sep.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
InterTabac 2025 Highlights Europe’s Vaping Dilemma: Tighter Regulation, Constrained Innovation
InterTabac 2025 Highlights Europe’s Vaping Dilemma: Tighter Regulation, Constrained Innovation
According to 2Firsts’ on-site observations, the vaping halls at InterTabac 2025 have visibly cooled: fewer exhibitors, a weaker presence from major brands, and scarce stage activations; new product momentum is weak and homogenization has intensified. Tightening regulation and policy uncertainty are squeezing innovation, pushing companies to replicate proven models—overall, a “cautious showcase.”
Sep.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai