Most Teens are Making One Choice NOT to Use any Substances

There are many misperceptions about the prevalence of teen drug use. Many people, including parents and caregivers, teachers, and teens themselves, mistakenly believe that it is inevitable that teens will “experiment” with drugs. The truth is that most young people do not use substances.

  • Most high school seniors (64%) have NOT used any alcohol, marijuana/THC, nicotine or other drugs in the past month
  • This is made up of the one third (36%) of all high school seniors who have NEVER used any substances in their lifetime and an additional 28% who have chosen not to use in the past 30 days (see graph below)
  • Parents/caregivers and other caring adults should find ways to support these kids who are making this One Choice not to use substances for their health

National representative data from the Monitoring the Future survey.

Consider your own high school experience. In what year were you a senior?

Contrast those figures to today's teens, many of whom are not using any substances

The Hypocracy Conundrum

Parents may be reluctant to set clear guidelines of no substance use for their children and teens because of their own past use. Just like the research behind other health standards -- seat belts, bicycle helmets, sunscreen -- has changed behaviors, research has increased our understanding of the connections between youth substance use, mental health, and the developing brain. An expectation of no substance use by youth is appropriate becuase a developing brain is much more vulnerable to substance use than a mature brain.

Past Month Substance Use by High School Seniors, 1976-2019 Monitoring the Future

Since the late 1970s, significant declines have been seen in the percentage of youth who use alcohol and cigarettes. Use of illicit drugs other than marijuana has remained relatively low after an initial significant decline in the early 1980s.

After peaking in 1978, marijuana use by youth declined until 1992. Marijuana stands apart from other substances because its use has increased while rates of other substances have decreased.

 

Parent influence matters

When it comes to youth drug prevention, research tells us that parents make a difference. Teens who believe that their parents will respond negatively to their drug use are less likely to use alcohol, nicotine, marijuana and other drugs. While other factors, like peers who use drugs, can influence a teen’s decisions, parent expectations of drug use and enforcement of drug-free rules significantly reduce teen drug use. Talk to your children about drugs, making sure that they know that no drug use is acceptable.

A message for parents and caregivers from teens

"Marijuana and alcohol may be legal but they're not safe for kids..."

 
 

reducing youth access to substances reduces youth use

Parents who allow kids to drink generally don’t consider —

- the mental health and substance use histories of their children or their children’s friends

- the civil and criminal consequences of providing alcohol or other drugs to underage youth

 

Use the One Choice tri-fold to share this data with your community

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Know the risks of Youth Substance Use

  • While no one starts using substances expecting to become addicted, 9 in 10 adults with a substance use disorder (addiction) began their use before age 18, many even earlier
  • One of the best ways to reduce later risk of addiction is to delay first use
  • Youth substance use a health issue, not a moral issue: substance use can change brain functioning and some changes may last even after a person has stopped using

Recognize Important Differences Between Substance Use "Then" and "Now"

  • The addictive and harmful products accessible to youth have changed dramatically in the last several decades and include:
    • High potency (90% THC) dabs
    • Alcopops, sweetened alcoholic beverages appealing to kids with up to 12% alcohol by volume
    • Vape pens delivering the nictine equivalent to a pack of cigarettes, also used to deliver THC and flavorings
    • Pills designed to look like legitimate prescription medications, often cut with fentanyl
  • Access to the ever-growing array of drugs has exploded thanks to online sales and social media connections


Establish clear expectations and consequences

  • While it may not always feel like it, parents and caregivers have a powerful influence on teen behavior: what you say and do matters.
    • Develop clear expectations of no use of any alcohol, cannabis/marijuana, nicotine, or other drugs
    • Model healthy behaviors for your kids
  • Talk about substance use as a health priority -- I care about your health and safety
    • Not using alcohol or other substances before age 21 is analogous to other health standards for youth. Parents/caregivers don't hesitate to set clear expectations about always wearing seat belts or bicycle helmets; why should substance use be different?
  • Make sure your kids know they can count on you if they need to get out of a risky siutation and create a plan together (e.g., have a "code word" they can text you to say they need a ride)
  • Don’t provide alcohol or other drugs to teens

Find Local Connections and Get Help When You Need It

  • Connect with your local community prevention coalitions to learn about youth substance use rates and prevention efforts in your community
  • Substance use puts teens at risk for many negative outcomes; act quickly if you suspect your child is using

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