US teen drug use continued its decline in 2024, with over 24,000 students surveyed showing a significant reduction in substance abuse. The Monitoring the Future survey, which tracks teen trends for 50 years, found that a record high number of eighth, 10th, and 12th graders abstained from alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and illicit drugs.
Experts initially expected drug use to rebound as the pandemic receded, but data shows the decline has persisted. The study’s findings are attributed to a “wave of abstention” sparked by the pandemic. This trend is now affecting grade levels beyond just 2020-2021, suggesting long-term changes in teen behavior.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/health/2024/12/the-kids-are-maybe-alright-teen-drug-use-hits-new-lows-in-ongoing-decline