Teen Opioid Use Skyrockets, Girls Taking More Drugs than Boys: Study

Teen girls are abusing drugs far more than their male peers, according to an alarming new study.

Eighteen percent more girls are misusing drugs than boys, while teen drug use overall has steadily risen, with the use of opioids, including fentanyl, skyrocketing, the data showed.

Marijuana Remains the Most Popular Drug

Marijuana remains the overwhelming favorite for both girls and boys, with an estimated 2.9 million people under 18 using it in 2023, according to the most recent data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Opioids, Stimulants, and Inhalants Also Popular

Marijuana, opioids, and stimulants are the most used illegal drugs among teenagers in America, according to a new study. Abuse of opioids, including heroin and prescription pain relievers like Vicodin and Oxycontin, skyrocketed 41% from 2022 to 2023. After weed, opioids ranked the second most commonly misused drug for teens with 574,000 using them in 2023, up from 406,000 the year before.

Girls More Likely to Use Opioids, Inhalants

While marijuana use among those ages 12 to 17 was about the same as the year prior, all other forms of illicit drug use among teens jumped, with the total number of young users reaching 3.8 million, up 100,000 from 2022.

Girls’ Preferences Differ from Boys’

After weed, girls reported doing more opioids and inhalants than boys. Boys chose more stimulants and hallucinogens.

Experts Concerned about Opioid Crisis

“Considering the current opioid crisis in America, the high number of young users is particularly alarming, especially given the potent addictive properties and high overdose risks associated with these substances,” said Wellbrook CEO Meir Kasnett.

Need for Early Intervention and Education

The shocking stats highlight a need for early intervention and education, he added. “Even more important, it’s essential to understand and address the underlying factors contributing to this usage.”

SAMHSA defines “misuse” as in drug use which is in any way not directed by a doctor or drug use in greater amounts, more often or longer than directed.

Conclusion

The alarming rise in teen drug use, particularly among girls, emphasizes the need for immediate action to address the crisis. It is crucial to provide education, support, and resources to help young people make informed decisions about drug use and to prevent addiction.

FAQs

* What is the most commonly used drug among teenagers?
Marijuana
* How many people under 18 used marijuana in 2023?
2.9 million
* What is the second most commonly misused drug among teenagers?
Opioids
* How many teens reported misusing opioids in 2023?
574,000
* What is the third most used drug among youths?
Stimulants
* How many teens reported misusing stimulants in 2023?
285,000
* What is the fourth most used drug among teens?
Inhalants
* How many teens reported misusing inhalants in 2023?
564,000