Teen drug use continues to be a major public health concern in the United States. While some forms of substance use among adolescents have stabilized or even declined in recent years, other trends — especially involving prescription medications, high-potency cannabis and fentanyl — point toward significant ongoing risks. Understanding teen drug use statistics helps parents, educators, clinicians and communities recognize what young people are facing and how to respond with effective prevention and treatment.
Overall Teen Drug Use Trends
Teen substance use often begins early, and youth who experiment with drugs or alcohol are at significantly higher risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. Many teens also engage in polysubstance use, which is mixing drugs and alcohol in ways that increase their risk of overdose, injury or victimization.
Key Statistics
- Teen drug use among 8th graders increased 30.0% from 2016 to 2020.
- 36.8% of teenagers have misused a drug at least once by 12th grade.
- In 2023, 1.86 million adolescents aged 12-17 (7.2%) reported using drugs in the last month.
- Among teens who used drugs in the last month, 83.9% used marijuana.
- 442,000 teens aged 12-17 used an illicit drug other than marijuana in the last month.
- 5.4% of 8th graders used illicit drugs in the last 30 days.
- 15.1% of 8th graders have tried illicit drugs at least once.
- By 12th grade, 36.8% of teens have tried illicit drugs.
- 8.90 million 18- to 25-year-olds used drugs in the last month.
- In 2023, 5,926 Americans aged 15-24 died from an overdose of illicit drugs.
- Youth aged 15-24 account for 5.67% of all overdose deaths.
In 2023, past-year illicit drug use (any substance) was reported by:
- 10.9% of 8th graders
- 19.8% of 10th graders
- 31.2% of 12th graders
The data shows that while teen substance use isn’t universal, it remains prevalent — particularly marijuana and alcohol — with millions of young people reporting recent drug use and thousands dying from overdoses each year. Early intervention is critical.
Marijuana Use Among Teens
Marijuana remains the most commonly used drug among youth, driven by increasing potency, widespread availability and the growing normalization of cannabis nationwide.
Key Statistics
- 5.1% of 12th graders use marijuana daily.
- 34.4% of 12th graders have tried marijuana in their lifetime.
- 25.8% of 12th graders used marijuana in the last year.
- 3.2% of 12th graders used synthetic marijuana (K2/Spice) in 2022.
- 68.2% of 12th graders who used marijuana in the past year consumed it via vaping.
- 12th graders are 2.4 times more likely to have used marijuana in their lifetime than to have smoked a cigarette.
NIDA Cannabis Data (2023)
- Past-year cannabis use:
- 8.3% of 8th graders
- 17.8% of 10th graders
- 29.0% of 12th graders
- Cannabis vaping (past year):
- 6.5% of 8th graders
- 13.1% of 10th graders
- 19.6% of 12th graders
- 11.4% of 12th graders reported past-year use of Delta-8 THC — the first year tracked.
Cannabis remains the most widely used illicit substance among teens, with vaping becoming one of the primary delivery methods. Early, frequent use is strongly linked to cognitive, motivational and mental health challenges.
Vaping Use Among Teens
Nicotine and cannabis vaping have reshaped adolescent substance use. While vaping rates declined slightly in older teens in 2023, the behavior remains widespread.
NIDA Vaping Statistics (2023)
- Nicotine vaping (past year):
- 11.4% of 8th graders
- 17.6% of 10th graders (down from 20.5%)
- 23.2% of 12th graders (down from 27.3%)
- Cannabis vaping rates are listed above under the Marijuana section.
Vaping remains a dominant trend in youth substance use, particularly because nicotine and cannabis devices are discreet, potent and easy to access.
Alcohol Use Among Teens
Alcohol is still the most commonly used substance among adolescents, even more than marijuana, and binge drinking remains a significant concern.
Key Statistics
- 1.02 million teens aged 12-17 reported binge drinking in the last month.
- 25.44 million 18- to 25-year-olds reported binge drinking in the last month.
- 5.58 million youth aged 12-20 drank alcohol in the last month.
- Among them, 58.9% reported binge drinking.
- 18.5% of 8th graders have abused alcohol at least once.
- 48.7% of teens have abused alcohol by 12th grade.
- 6.9% of all 12- to 17-year-olds used alcohol in the last month.
- 0.9% of 12th graders drink daily.
- 8.8% of 12th graders have 5+ drinks in a row.
- 0.3% of 8th graders drink daily; 0.6% of 10th graders drink daily.
- 757,000 teens aged 12-17 met criteria for alcohol use disorder in 2023.
NIDA Alcohol Data (2023)
- Past-year alcohol use:
- 15.1% of 8th graders
- 30.6% of 10th graders
- 45.7% of 12th graders
Alcohol use remains pervasive among teens, with dangerous binge drinking patterns beginning as early as middle school.
Prescription Drug Misuse Among Teens
Many teens misuse prescription medications for self-medication, experimentation or social influence — with opioids, stimulants and sedatives among the most commonly misused.
Key Statistics
- 2.2% of all 12- to 17-year-olds misused pain relievers in the last year.
- 1.78 million teens aged 12-17 met criteria for illicit drug use disorder (IDUD).
- Teens are 2.4 times more likely to have IDUD than AUD.
- 2.0% of 12th graders have abused tranquilizers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Report:
- 14% of high school students reported misusing prescription opioids.
- Students who misuse prescription drugs are more likely to experience physical or sexual dating violence.
- Prescription misuse strongly correlates with mental health symptoms, violence exposure and sexual risk behavior.
Prescription drug misuse remains a critical issue, particularly opioids and sedatives, which carry significant addiction and overdose risks even at low doses.
Opioid Use and Overdose Among Teens
Opioid misuse has transformed into a national emergency. Fentanyl contamination poses a major threat to adolescents experimenting with counterfeit pills or illicit drugs.
Key Statistics
- Opioid overdose deaths among 15- to 24-year-olds increased 700% from 1999 to 2022.
- Fentanyl involvement in overdose deaths rose from 2.7% in 2018 to 80.8% in 2023.
- High schoolers who legitimately use prescription opioids are 33% more likely to misuse opioids later.
- 1.6% of 12th graders have abused narcotics other than heroin.
- 0.4% of 12th graders have abused heroin.
- Past-year misuse:
- 1.1% used OxyContin
- 0.7% used Vicodin
Opioid misuse may appear low in percentage terms, but overdose risk — especially due to fentanyl — is extraordinarily high. Even one misuse event can be fatal.
Stimulant Use Among Teens
Prescription stimulants are misused more often than cocaine or methamphetamine among youth, often for academic performance or weight control.
Key Statistics
- 0.2% of 12- to 17-year-olds used cocaine in the last year.
- 4.5% of 8th graders have tried amphetamines.
- 0.4% of 8th graders have tried methamphetamine.
- 8th graders in 2024 are 49.4% less likely to have tried amphetamines than in 2020.
- 0.8% of 12th graders have tried crack cocaine.
- In the past year among 12th graders:
- 2.5% used Adderall
- 2.3% used amphetamines
- 1.1% used Ritalin
- 0.5% used methamphetamine
While stimulant use isn’t as widespread as marijuana or alcohol, misuse of prescription stimulants remains a concern, particularly in competitive academic environments.
Youth Drug Use by State
Key Statistics
- Youth in the South are the least likely to report drug use in the last 4 weeks.
- 12- to 17-year-olds in Mississippi are the most likely to use illicit drugs other than marijuana.
- 12- to 17-year-olds in New Mexico, Delaware and Nevada are the most likely to suffer from drug use disorder (DUD).
- 12- to 17-year-olds in New Mexico, Nevada and Idaho are the most likely to suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD).
- 18- to 25-year-olds in Vermont are 37.8% more likely to abuse alcohol than the national average.
- Youth in West Virginia are 255% more likely to meet criteria for DUD than AUD.
State-level differences reflect variations in public health programming, access to care, socioeconomic conditions, community norms and drug availability.
Encouraging Trends
While concerns remain, several trends show progress.
NIDA Monitoring the Future (2023)
- Teen drug use remains below pre-pandemic levels.
- Non-marijuana illicit drug use remains low and stable across all grades.
- Use of narcotics other than heroin reached an all-time low (1.0%) among 12th graders.
- Abstinence from marijuana, alcohol and nicotine increased to 62.6% among 12th graders.
While serious risks remain, overall rates of substance use haven’t surged in the post-pandemic era, and the decline in opioid misuse is particularly hopeful.
Getting Help: What to Do If You’re Concerned About a Teen
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator or teen seeking help for yourself, understanding these statistics is only the first step. Substance use disorders are treatable, and early intervention can significantly change the course of a young person’s life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, the National Rehab Hotline is available 24-7 to provide confidential guidance, treatment referrals, emotional support and crisis resources. You don’t have to manage these concerns alone. Calling can be the first step toward safety, recovery and hope.
