More adolescents use alcohol than tobacco or marijuana.  30% of high school students reported having their 1st drink before age 15.  50% of those who reported drinking, said they binged on alcohol. And 20% of middle school students reported getting access to alcohol from their own home, or from someone else's home. 

However, a concerning trend has emerged among middle school students, with the significant rise in the use of any tobacco product reaching 6.6% in 2023, up from 4.5% in 2022.  And 64% of high school current nicotine users have also vaped cannabis.

What's concerning? 

Product packaging and advertising make substances more appealing to our impressionable youth and normalizes the behavior.  On-the-go pre-mixed drinks, sweet flavoring, and easy-to-disguise vape devices are readily available.

Know the Harms

The adolescent brain is not fully developed until age 25. When youth engage in substance use, the brain region responsible for decision making, moderating social behavior, and personality, is particularly affected. 

Additionally, the aerosols in e-cigs/vapes include heavy metals such as lead, nickel and zinc, and cancer-causing substances such as benzene.  A recent study found that half of the 56 devices tested produced vapor that contained lead, at levels above federal government limits.

How to Help?

3 out of 4 teens say their PARENTS are the leading influence on their decision about drinking alcohol or using other mood-altering substances.  Talk early and often to your kids about substance use and don't provide alcohol to your teens at home.