According to this chart by GOOD and Column Five, drug use among young American youth is not as bad as it was in the 1990s.
While it seems that the use of marijuana has drastically increased since the 1990s, other forms of illicit drug use has slightly decreased. For example, ecstasy, hallucinogens and inhalants have gone down in terms of usage while other drugs such as cocaine and tranquilizers have remained the same.
Surprisingly, the use of alcohol and cigarettes has drastically decreased since the 90s. When comparing Europeans to Americans, the Europeans consume more alcohol and cigarettes, while American youth have a higher rate of illicit drug use.
These are important statistics to be aware of, as more preventative measures can be taken to help steer teenagers away from health-deterring drugs.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Decreasing Illicit Drug Use
- The decrease in use of ecstasy, hallucinogens, and inhalants presents an opportunity for alternative drug-free recreational activities.
- Increased Marijuana Use
- The increase in marijuana use presents opportunities for businesses in the legal cannabis industry.
- Declining Alcohol and Cigarette Use
- The significant decrease in alcohol and cigarette use among American youth presents an opportunity for alternative, healthier leisure activities.
Where This Applies
- Health and Wellness
- The decreasing trend in illicit drug use may present opportunities for the health and wellness industry, including alternative therapies and natural remedies.
- Cannabis
- The increasing trend in marijuana use presents opportunities for businesses within the legal cannabis industry, including growers, dispensaries, and product innovators.
- Entertainment
- The decline in alcohol and cigarette use may lead to increased demand for alternative leisure activities and entertainment options, such as virtual reality and immersive experiences.
