Drug use is declining among teens in the United States
Contrary to popular belief, the kids are alright
According to a new 'Monitoring the Future' study released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the usage of illicit drugs - across the board - are declining among the teen population in the United States.
From cigarettes, prescription opioids to alcohol and MDMA, the 2015 MTF study, which has been ongoing since 1975, found that after surveying a population of 400,000 kids in 8th to 12th grades (approximately 13-18 year old range), drug usage has significantly declined.
The only drug that remains consistent, if not increasing, is the daily use of marijuana, which has now exceeded the daily use of cigarettes among students in the 12th grade.
Specifically, MDMA (clarified in the study to also include Molly or ecstasy) has been on a consistent decline since 2010. Between 2014 and 2015, the usage of MDMA declined 1.5% among 12th graders surveyed.
Teen usage of prescription opioids is also on the downward slant, but those who do indulge revealed through the survey that they mostly receive opioids from friends and family.
Read more results from the study MTF study here.
Valerie Lee is Mixmag's West Coast Editor. Follow her on Twitter
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