Big increases in marijuana, hallucinogen, alcohol use among adults, study finds

Marijuana Use on the Rise Among Young and Middle-Aged Adults

According to a newly released study, marijuana use among young and middle-aged adults has significantly increased in the past decade. Experts attribute this rise to increased social acceptance and expanded legalization, as well as the stress and isolation caused by the pandemic.

The study, conducted by the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future program, also found an increase in binge drinking and the use of hallucinogens. Although cigarette smoking is at a historic low among young adults, vaping nicotine and marijuana are at an all-time high.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
3. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The study focused on adults aged 19 to 50 and found that the percentage of marijuana users in this age group rose from 28% in 2012 to almost 44% in 2022. The percentage of marijuana users aged 35 to 50 more than doubled during this time period, from 13% to nearly 28%. However, data for people aged 31 to 34 was not specified in the study.

R. Lorraine Collins, a public health professor at the University at Buffalo who studies addiction and substance use, believes that easy access to cannabis has contributed to the increase in marijuana use. Legalization has eliminated the need for individuals to seek illegal sources, and for some, it signals that the use of the drug is acceptable.

New York and 22 other states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana since 2012, and 38 have legalized it for medical use, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Binge drinking, defined as five or more drinks in a row, showed a significant increase among those aged 35 to 50, from almost 25% in a two-week period in 2019 to more than 29% in 2022.

Jaclyn McCarthy, director of integrated and mobile treatment for Hicksville-based CN Guidance & Counseling Services, believes that the higher use of alcohol, marijuana, and other substances in recent years is partly due to the effects of COVID-19. The pandemic has led to increased isolation, anxiety, and depression, which are often associated with substance use.

Nehal Vadhan, associate director of the Center for Addiction Services and Personalized Interventions Research at Northwell Health’s Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens, suggests that the rise in marijuana use may also be due to the discussion of its health benefits. Research indicates that marijuana can reduce chronic pain and help with other conditions. However, some people may believe that marijuana can resolve a wide range of health problems, despite a lack of evidence.

Vadhan expresses concern about daily use of marijuana, as more than 11% of young adults reported using it every day in 2022, double the percentage from 2012. Daily use among adults aged 35 to 50 also doubled during this time period.

McCarthy emphasizes the importance of assessing whether substance use is problematic by considering its impact on an individual’s life, including work, social life, relationships, and daily functioning.

The study also found a significant increase in the use of hallucinogens such as mushrooms, MDMA, and LSD. The percentage of young adults using these substances in the previous year rose from 3.4% in 2012 to 8% in 2022. Among adults aged 35 to 50, the proportion increased from 0.5% in 2012 to 4.1% in 2022.

Oregon’s legalization of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic obtained from mushrooms, in 2020, along with publicity about the potential benefits of hallucinogens in therapy, may be contributing to this increase.

The study also highlights the significant increase in vaping among young adults. The percentage of young adults vaping marijuana in the previous 30 days more than doubled between 2017 and 2022, reaching 13.9%. The proportion of young adults vaping nicotine nearly tripled during the same period, reaching 17.2%.

Collins acknowledges the concern regarding vaping but is encouraged by the continued decline in cigarette smoking, particularly among young adults. The percentage of young adults smoking cigarettes in the previous 30 days decreased from 28.8% in 2004 to 8.5% in 2022.

Laws prohibiting smoking in indoor public spaces and public health campaigns on the negative health effects of tobacco have contributed to this decline.

Overall, the study’s findings highlight the need for continued efforts to address substance use and promote healthier behaviors among young and middle-aged adults.