According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, (NSDUH) 5.9 million American youths between the ages of 12 and 20 drink alcohol. With the legal drinking age being 21, roughly 15 percent of our young adults are breaking the law by consuming easy-to-obtain alcohol in alarming numbers.
Along with alcohol, there is also a rise in young adults using other addictive substances such as prescription medications and illicit street drugs.
Addiction is a complex issue with a wide age range, but regarding young adults comes with its unique scope of problems. Teen addiction treatment requires a delicate balance of therapies supported by healthcare professionals, parents, and the community at large.
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The Numbers
Substance abuse naturally fluctuates due to social and political climates but never actually goes away due to a variety of factors. Recent data from 2022 indicates that the problem is widespread with chronic stress from the COVID pandemic adding fuel to the already raging fire.
The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) estimates that drug use in teens is a public health concern, and around 50% of teens have used drugs not prescribed to them for a medical reason at least once. Also concerning is that at least 62% of Seniors in high school have abused alcohol.
Concerning Timelines
Drug abuse in teens significantly increases the chance of becoming an addict as an adult. For instance, numbers from NCDAS support 591,000 teens 12-17 years old who used illicit drugs not including marijuana in the last 30 days. That number rises to 11.89 million for the ages 18-25 as young adults using drugs in the last month. It is quickly apparent that the numbers go up dramatically over time with age. Teen addiction treatment employed early helps manage addiction issues.
Regional Use
Drug and alcohol use varies depending on location and is often tied to availability. It is typically easier to obtain illicit drugs in larger metropolitan areas due to supply, but that doesn’t mean that being in a rural area drug use doesn’t exist.
By the numbers, Vermont has reported drug use by teens at 14.65% in the last month and currently registers the highest numbers in the nation. North Dakota by comparison, reported 5.42% of teens using illicit drugs in the last month making this state currently the lowest. There is a wide range between the high and low numbers reported in all states nationwide.
Recent Polls
In a recent self-reported poll of teens in all areas of the United States, 12.78% in the 12-17 year range admitted to using marijuana last month. Street drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines, and heroin make up another 0.59% of usage by the same age group in the last month. Another 2.52% admitted to using prescription painkillers for purposes other than intended.
Help is available for teenage addiction treatment at facilities in every state. There are approximately 788,000 in the teenage group who are medically considered to have Illicit Drug Use Disorder (IDUD). Find help online by seeking teen addiction treatment near you.

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