A recent national survey reveals a significant trend among U.S. teenagers: substance use remains at historically low levels, continuing a downward trajectory that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual Monitoring the Future survey, which gathered responses from approximately24,000 students in grades eight, ten, and twelve, highlights that about two-thirds of 12th graders reported abstaining from alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes in the past month—the highest rate recorded since tracking began in 2017.
The findings are even more striking among younger students: 80% of 10th graders and 90% of eighth graders reported not using any of these substances recently. This trend marks a notable shift in adolescent behavior, as experts had anticipated a rebound in substance use following the pandemic lockdowns.
While most substances showed stable or declining usage rates, there was a slight increase in the use of nicotine pouches among 12th graders—rising from 3% in 2023 to 6% this year. Experts caution that it’s too early to determine whether this uptick signals the emergence of a new public health concern.
Richard Miech from the University of Michigan, who leads the survey, notes that the pandemic’s impact on social interactions likely played a crucial role in these trends. With students confined at home and under parental supervision during lockdowns, opportunities for peer pressure-driven experimentation were significantly reduced. Miech suggests that this disruption may have halted the cycle of new adolescents being introduced to substance use.
Moreover, mental health factors could also be influencing these trends. Reports of increased anxiety and depression among teens post-pandemic may lead some to avoid substances altogether. Dr. Duncan Clark from the University of Pittsburgh highlights that while depression is often linked to substance use, some teens with anxiety are particularly cautious about experimenting with drugs due to their concerns about potential effects.
The Monitoring the Future survey has been a vital tool for understanding adolescent substance use since its inception in 1975. As we move forward, it will be essential to monitor these patterns closely to ensure that the progress made during these challenging times continues.
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