Overall Teen Drug Abuse on the Decline

Posted on February 24, 2016

The National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health, released the findings of its latest annual report^[1] on teen drug abuse

The results of the 2015 survey have found that teen drug use has decreased for a number of substances, including cigarettes, alcohol, prescription opiate pain relievers, and synthetic marijuana^[2]. The survey aims to measure drug use and perceptions among students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades.

Marijuana was the only illicit substance to remain stable in its use among youth, with high rates of daily use among 12th grade students. In addition, youth perception of marijuana continues to evolve – surveyed teens are less likely than before to perceive use of marijuana as harmful to one’s well-being.

Additionally, the survey found that daily marijuana use exceeds daily tobacco use in teens for the first time ever. Specific teen drug use statistics and trends revealed by the report include:

• In 2015, daily marijuana use remained relatively stable at 6 percent.
• Teens who reported smoking cigarettes each day decreased from 6.7 percent in 2014 to 5.5 percent in 2015.
• Just less than 32 percent of high school seniors report that they believe regular marijuana use could be harmful, compared to more than 36 percent last year.
• Non-medical use Adderall, a drug typically prescribed for ADHD, remains high but stable, at 7.5 percent among high school seniors.
• Use of MDMA, or Ecstasy, dropped year-over-year. In 2015, just 3.6 percent of 12th graders reported MDMA use, compared to 5 percent in 2014.
• Past-year heroin use is at an all-time low. Eighth graders reported 0.3 percent, while high school sophomores and seniors reported 0.5 percent.

To find out if these trends hold true at your school, or to help determine the best ways to deal with teen drug abuse, check out our assortment of student surveys.

[1] National Institute of Drug Abuse. “Drug Use Trends Remain Stable or Decline Amongst Teens.” December 16, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/news-releases/2015/12/drug-use-trends-remain-stable-or-decline-among-teens on January 29, 2016.

[2] National Institute of Drug Abuse. “Drug Use Trends Remain Stable or Decline Amongst Teens.” December 16, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/news-releases/2015/12/drug-use-trends-remain-stable-or-decline-among-teens on January 29, 2016.