Experts Confused but Delighted by Low Rates of Teen Drug Use

Teen substance use has reached record lows, according to the Monitoring the Future survey, which found two-thirds of 12th graders and over 90% of 8th graders reporting no alcohol, marijuana, cigarette, or e-cigarette use in the past 30 days. This aligns with CDC data showing declines from 2011–2021, including a sharp drop during the pandemic.

Experts are puzzled yet optimistic about the sustained low rates, citing reduced social interactions as a likely factor. However, they emphasize the need to understand these trends without overlooking the pandemic's costs, such as increased youth anxiety and depression. Identifying the drivers behind this decline could help sustain progress in youth substance use prevention. Read more from The Hill here.