New Study Reveals Trends in Substance Use Among Adults in the US
A recent study by the Monitoring the Future survey has found that the use of cannabis and hallucinogens has remained at historically high levels among adults aged 19-30 and 35-50, while cigarette use has continued to decline. The study, which is conducted by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research and funded by the National Institutes of Health, has been tracking substance use trends among teens and young adults since 1975.
According to the study, 42% of adults aged 19-30 reported using cannabis in the past year, with 29% reporting use in the past month and 10% reporting daily use. Among adults aged 35-50, 29% reported using cannabis in the past year, with 19% reporting use in the past month and 8% reporting daily use.
The study also found that the use of hallucinogens, such as LSD and psilocybin, has increased among both age groups. Among adults aged 19-30, 9% reported using hallucinogens in the past year, while among adults aged 35-50, 4% reported use.
In contrast, cigarette use has continued to decline among both age groups. Among adults aged 19-30, 5% reported smoking cigarettes in the past year, while among adults aged 35-50, 3% reported smoking.
The study also found that the use of nicotine vaping products has remained high among adults aged 19-30, with 25% reporting use in the past year and 19% reporting use in the past month. However, the use of nicotine vaping products has remained steady among adults aged 35-50, with 7% reporting use in the past year and 5% reporting use in the past month.
The study’s findings have important implications for public health policy and treatment programs. “These findings underscore the urgent need for rigorous research on the potential risks and benefits of cannabis and hallucinogens, especially as new products continue to emerge,” said Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The study’s results also highlight the need for targeted interventions and treatment programs to address the growing problem of substance use among young adults. “As more and more of our original cohorts enter later adulthood, we will be able to examine the patterns and effects of drug use throughout the life course,” said Megan Patrick, principal investigator of the Monitoring the Future panel study.
