Record numbers of teens now abstain, a trend starting during the Covid pandemic and continuing to the present

Summary

Teen drug, alcohol, and tobacco use in the U.S. continues to decline, with record-low usage levels reported in 2023, according to the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future survey.

Among 12th graders, 66% reported no recent use of alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, while 80% of 10th graders and 90% of 8th graders avoided these substances entirely.

Experts attribute the decline partly to reduced peer pressure during the pandemic.

However, nicotine pouch use has doubled among 12th graders, raising concerns.

Despite pop culture’s glamorization of smoking, teen cigarette use remains low.

  • therealjcdentonEnglish
    55·
    4 days ago

    Does this include vaping? I hope that’s also declining as well

    • Passerby6497@lemmy.worldEnglish
      9·
      3 days ago

      Among 12th graders, 66% reported no recent use of alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, while 80% of 10th graders and 90% of 8th graders avoided these substances entirely

      I would say yes.

      • therealjcdentonEnglish
        11·
        3 days ago

        I’ve been told vaping and e-cigs are different, idk if e-cigs in this post include vapes or not tho

        • Passerby6497@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          3 days ago

          They might be talking hardware or product, but either way it’s a distinction without a difference. You’re still using an electronic device to vaporize a carrier liquid to inhale.