An annual nationwide survey indicates that adolescents in grades 8, 10 and 12 decreased their use of drugs, alcohol and nicotine during the pandemic.

While substance use in this demographic has declined through the years, this is the largest one-year decrease overall since 1975 when the survey began.

“In perhaps the most surprising finding, cannabis use by eighth and tenth graders fell almost 40 percent,” journalist Alex Berenson reported. “Only 17 percent of tenth graders used cannabis in 2021, compared to 28 percent the previous year.

“The reason for the decline is unclear. With schools closed, students may simply have had less access to drugs — particularly more expensive and harder-to-find drugs such as cocaine. Using at home may also have been difficult. But broader societal changes may also have played a role. Some students may have also seen for themselves the severe mental health problems that heavy early cannabis use can cause.”

SOURCES:

Alex Berenson December 15, 2021

National Institute on Drug Abuse December 15, 2021