US teen drug and alcohol use remains low post-pandemic, with abstinence rates at their highest since 2017.

A large national survey found that drug use among US teens has not rebounded from its decline during the early years of the pandemic. Two-thirds of 12th graders and 80% of 10th graders reported no use of alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, or e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, marking the highest abstinence rates since 2017. The only increase was in nicotine pouch use among 12th graders, rising from 3% to 6%. The survey suggests that pandemic lockdowns and increased mental health issues like anxiety and depression may have contributed to lower substance use.

3 months ago
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