Spreading alcohol consumption trends
In recent years, substance use and its impact on the health of younger demographics has emerged as a significant concern. From 2009 to 2019, regulatory efforts helped reduce some prescription opioid misuse, but legal substances like tobacco and alcohol remained widely used among younger populations, driving health issues.
Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption
According to a survey, about 16.7% of people aged 12 or older used tobacco products monthly, and 46.6% consumed alcohol monthly, including binge drinking behaviors. Young people aged 16 to 29 are more likely to smoke more, with 71 percent reporting regular cigarette use. The actual number of people with tobacco-related issues is likely much higher than the medically diagnosed cases, and the number of insured individuals treated for tobacco-related issues increased by nearly 79 percent from 2009 to 2019.
Alcohol consumption is also a major concern. One in three men and nearly one in five women drink alcohol on several days per week, and nearly a quarter of those who already drink alcohol multiple times a week reported an increase in consumption since the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 28,000 people were affected by alcohol addiction in the given timeframe.
Illicit Substance Use and Health Risks
Illicit drug use, especially marijuana and stimulants, along with injection drug use causing infectious diseases, further affected younger demographics. Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the US, with over 64 million users in 2024, including many younger users. One in nine, and one in six in the 16-29 age group, use other substances such as performance enhancers in the form of tablets or energy drinks. Eight percent of young people aged 16 to 29 use illegal drugs like cannabis or hashish.
Injection drug use has notably contributed to increased Hepatitis C infections in young adults under 30, particularly in rural or nonurban areas, linked to risk behaviors around drug use. HIV infections also have the potential to rise alongside, though at lower rates than HCV for these groups.
The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic, emerging after 2019, has had a pronounced effect on younger demographics in terms of substance use and mental health. Isolation, stress, and disrupted support systems have exacerbated problems related to alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, including increased overdose deaths during the pandemic years.
Addressing the Root Causes
Michael Falkenstein, an addiction expert at KKH, states that substances can serve as a coping mechanism in times of crisis, providing relaxation and relief from anxiety and worries. Falkenstein emphasizes the importance of early prevention, ideally before young people start consuming drugs like alcohol. He supports the approach of addressing the root causes of high alcohol and tobacco consumption, such as mental health issues like depression due to stress and loneliness.
In conclusion, the data up to mid-2025 reflects a focus on substance use trends and health outcomes among younger age groups within the broader population. It is clear that addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, addressing not only the immediate health risks but also the underlying causes that drive substance use among young people.
Science plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing the substance use trends among younger demographics. For instance, research shows that tobacco and alcohol consumption among young people can lead to various health issues, such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and cancer (health-and-wellness). The misuse of legal substances is a concern, with alcohol consumption, specifically, being linked to mental health problems like depression and anxiety (mental-health).
Fitness-and-exercise is another critical aspect in promoting healthier lifestyles for young people. Regular physical activities not only improve physical health but also contribute to mental well-being, helping to reduce the likelihood of substance use.
Nutrition also plays a significant role in preventing substance use. A balanced diet can improve overall health, potentially reducing the appeal of substances as a means to cope with stress or other issues. Moreover, good nutrition supports mental health, which, as mentioned, is closely linked to substance use (nutrition).
