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.

China’s E-cigarette Exports Reach $1.694 Billion in Jan–Feb 2026; U.S., UK, Germany Lead, Japan Rises to Fourth
China’s E-cigarette Exports Reach $1.694 Billion in Jan–Feb 2026; U.S., UK, Germany Lead, Japan Rises to Fourth
China Customs Administration released e-cigarette export data for January and February 2025, showing varied monthly performances in 2026.In January, the export value was $940 million, a decrease of 6.2% compared to January 2025's $1.02 billion. In February, the export value was $754 million, a 51.2% increase compared to February 2025's $498 million.
Mar.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Vape Waste Falls 23% From 2024, but Recycling Group Says Fire Risks Remain High
UK Vape Waste Falls 23% From 2024, but Recycling Group Says Fire Risks Remain High
New research from UK recycling campaign group Material Focus says more than 6.3 million vapes and pods are still thrown away each week in the UK. The figure is down 23% from 8.2 million in 2024, which the group said suggests the June 2025 single-use vape ban has helped reduce waste, but it warned that the current level still represents a major waste of valuable materials and a significant fire risk.
Mar.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New York Says Seized Illegal Vape Shipment Had Retail Value of USD 2.2 Million to USD 3.5 Million
New York Says Seized Illegal Vape Shipment Had Retail Value of USD 2.2 Million to USD 3.5 Million
New York state health officials said a joint operation last week involving the State Department of Health, Nassau County police and local health officials intercepted about 14 tons of illegal vape products that were intended for local distributors and smoke shops.
Mar.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bangladesh Industry Association Calls for Regulated Framework Instead of Vape Ban
Bangladesh Industry Association Calls for Regulated Framework Instead of Vape Ban
Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Traders Association said at a press conference on April 9 that use of e-cigarette products under regulated policy frameworks has produced positive public health outcomes globally.
Apr.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT AGM Highlights Smokeless Strategy, AI Capability and Regulatory Engagement
BAT AGM Highlights Smokeless Strategy, AI Capability and Regulatory Engagement
BAT Chair Luc Jobin told shareholders at the company’s 2026 Annual General Meeting that BAT delivered on its plans in 2025 despite a challenging external environment, with the U.S. business returning to growth, smokeless consumers increasing by more than 15%, improved New Categories contribution, and GBP 6.3 billion returned to shareholders.
Apr.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippines Draft Order Would Bring Nicotine Pouches Under PS Licensing Scheme
Philippines Draft Order Would Bring Nicotine Pouches Under PS Licensing Scheme
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry is planning to impose mandatory product certification on nicotine pouches in an effort to curb illicit nicotine product trade.
Apr.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai