Decline in alcohol consumption and tobacco use combined with an increase in cannabis usage reported.
In the United States, recent trends in drug and mental health are shedding light on changing habits among Americans. The latest government survey, tracking trends across the nation, reveals a notable increase in marijuana use, while alcohol and tobacco consumption are on the decline.
The report, which focuses on mental health and drug use, including alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana, paints a picture of a changing landscape. More than 20 million people age 12 and older now meet the standard for having a marijuana-related issue, up from about 6% of the population last year. This increase in marijuana use is significant, especially in the context of legalization and increased retail availability.
However, the story is not the same for all substances. The number of people struggling with opioids has not seen a significant change in the last year. Around 1.7% of the population still meets the standard for having an opioid problem. Despite rule changes intended to make it easier to get these treatments, the treatment rate for people with opioid problems using medication like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone has decreased from 18% to 17%.
Interestingly, youth marijuana use does not follow the same increase trend. Data from states like Colorado and Arizona indicate that youth marijuana use has either declined or remained stable even after legalization, likely due to strict age restrictions, regulated dispensaries, public education, and prevention programs. Concurrently, youth use of alcohol and e-cigarettes has also decreased, reflecting a broader positive trend in adolescent substance use behavior.
The overall number of drug-related deaths in the U.S. has dropped, with around 78,000 people dying each year from drug overdoses, compared to over 110,000 deaths in the peak year of 2023. Binge drinking is decreasing, and tobacco use is also on the decline.
These changes in numbers matter not just to public health officials but to every family dealing with these challenges. The report provides insights into the shifting landscape of drug and mental health in the United States, offering a valuable resource for policymakers, health professionals, and families alike. Continued monitoring is needed given concerns about marijuana use disorder and associated health risks, as well as the rise in vaping alongside cannabis.
In light of the changing drug and mental health trends in the United States, the report emphasizes an increase in marijuana use, with over 20 million people now meeting the standard for having a marijuana-related issue. Concurrently, the report highlights a notable decrease in binge drinking, alcohol, and tobacco consumption, underlining the shifting landscape of health-and-wellness and mental-health practices.
