Marijuana, Vaping, and Hallucinogen Use Reach Historic Highs Among Young Adults in 2022
Bottom line up front: drug use is increasing with our youth. I’ll give you an analysis at the end of the article. Lastly, share this article or another one you like with some co-workers or friends. I’d appreciate the extra exposure. Don’t forget to hit the love button up top if you like any of these articles.
Recent data reveals alarming shifts in Substance Use Trends in Adults, with specific increases in marijuana, hallucinogen use, and binge drinking. A detailed study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and conducted by the University of Michigan has unveiled some startling numbers.
Marijuana Use Skyrockets Among Younger and Middle-aged Adults
The Monitoring the Future (MTF) study noted that past-year marijuana use for adults aged 19 to 30 reached 44% in 2022, its highest level ever recorded. Among adults aged 35 to 50, this figure stood at an all-time high of 28%. Daily marijuana use also peaked in both age groups. These figures underscore the evolving Substance Use Trends in Adults, particularly concerning the acceptance and utilization of marijuana.
Vaping: A Growing Concern
The study highlighted that 21% of adults aged 19 to 30 reported past-year marijuana vaping in 2022, a significant increase from previous years. Nicotine vaping also reached an historic high of 24% within this age group. This emergence of vaping as a mainstream practice emphasizes the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Substance Use Trends in Adults and calls for rigorous public health responses.
Hallucinogen Use: A Rising Phenomenon
Among adults aged 19 to 30, 8% reported past-year use of hallucinogens in 2022, a noteworthy rise from previous years. Adults aged 35 to 50 also reported a historically high prevalence of hallucinogen use, at 4%. This trend aligns with broader societal shifts and adds complexity to the landscape of substance use.
Binge Drinking: An Unwavering Issue
While alcohol use showed a gradual decrease among younger adults, binge drinking among adults aged 35 to 50 reached its highest levels in 2022, at 29%. This spike in binge drinking highlights a critical public health concern that continues to affect middle-aged adults.
Analysis:
Our country is lacking a solid national plan to decrease drug use. The current plan is centered on harm reduction, which only enables people to continue drug use or to start using drugs. We, as a country, have normalized drug use through public campaigns and the media. Add on top of this the legalization of many controlled substances in states like California, Oregon and Washington, we have little hope of decrease drug use in the United States.
