Our culture appears to be awash in alcohol and other drugs. It seems that ads, songs, and TV shows and films portray lifestyles that include all kinds of substances. But does that image really reflect reality?
Not really. In fact, a massive yearly survey found interesting trends about Americans’ lifestyle choices.
The Monitoring the Future national survey, found at monitoringthefuture.org, provides information about substance use going back to 1975, and what it says about trends is eye-opening.
Let’s start with alcohol, the most commonly used substance in the U.S. It’s incredible to think, but in the 1970s, the majority of 12th graders—about 80 percent—said they drank in the past month. That began plummeting in the 1990s, and now about one in five high school seniors had a drink in the past 30 days.
That’s a really good sign, because the longer someone delays their use of alcohol, the better for their health and well-being. Another good sign is that while the majority of adults had a drink in the past month, that percentage is decreasing.
Warning Signs Flashing
Although the long-term trendlines involving alcohol are going in the right direction, a number of warning signs are flashing about other substances, requiring our attention.
The study found that in 2024 there were concerning increases in the use of nicotine pouches, cannabis, vapes, psychedelic drugs, and stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine. The use of these drugs is lower than alcohol, but it’s worth paying attention to the growing acceptance of vaping, for example, or using nicotine pouches, products that are relatively new.
What to do? The first thing is to get armed with facts so that you can have sensible and sensitive conversations about substance use. Consider why you or your friends are turning to substances. To relieve anxiety or insomnia? To fit in with friends? If so, there are substance-free ways to deal with these issues. Finally, remember that you are not alone. If you’re choosing to cut down or eliminate substances from your life, you’re in good company—maybe even the majority of Americans.
To learn more, go to risedrugfreemke.org.
