How did Substance Use Disorders change among US high school students before and during the pandemic?
Substance use among US high school students shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, rates of alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use dropped compared to pre-pandemic levels, likely due to school closures and reduced social gatherings. However, the pandemic also worsened mental health and substance use for some groups, including sexual minority youth and those facing racial or ethnic discrimination. The changes were not uniform across all students.
What the research says
A survey of US high school students found that substance use decreased during the pandemic compared to before 4. For example, current alcohol use dropped from 29% in 2019 to 23% in 2021, and marijuana use fell from 22% to 16% 4. However, the same report noted that students who experienced racism or stress related to COVID-19 were more likely to report substance use 4. Another report highlighted that during the pandemic, racial and ethnic minority groups faced higher levels of stress, worry, and substance use compared to White individuals 5. Additionally, sexual minority women, including lesbian and bisexual high school students, have historically shown elevated rates of substance use, and the pandemic may have exacerbated these disparities due to minority stress and limited access to affirming services 2. Overall, while average substance use declined, the pandemic deepened existing inequalities.
What to ask your doctor
- What are the signs that my teen might be using substances, especially if they seem stressed or isolated?
- How can I talk to my teen about the risks of substance use during stressful times like the pandemic?
- Are there mental health resources that specifically support LGBTQ+ youth who may be at higher risk for substance use?
- What should I do if I notice changes in my teen's mood, sleep, or school performance that could be related to substance use?
- How can I help my teen build healthy coping strategies instead of turning to substances?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Infectious Disease and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.