Teen Drug Statistics Are Often Misunderstood by Teens Themselves.
Why Every Parent and Educator Needs to Know These Teen Drug Use Facts
Talking to teens about drugs can feel overwhelming – especially when the landscape is constantly changing. But here’s the truth: what they don’t know can hurt them.
Right now, millions of young people are vaping nicotine, experimenting with substances, and being exposed to highly potent drugs like fentanyl – often without fully understanding the risks. And because the teenage brain is still developing until around age 25, they’re more vulnerable to addiction, impulsive decisions, and long-term consequences.
The good news? You have more influence than you think.
Research shows that when teens hear clear, consistent messages about the dangers of drug use from the adults in their lives, they’re far less likely to engage in risky behavior.
That’s why staying informed is so important – so you can have meaningful, fact-based conversations that truly make a difference.
Below, we’ve gathered the most up-to-date and eye-opening statistics about teen drug use. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor, this information will help you guide the young people in your life toward making safer, healthier choices.
Here are 10 stats about teen drug abuse – updated February 2025.
- 66.5% of 12th graders don’t think it’s very risky to try a prescription narcotic other than heroin (codeine, Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet) once or twice. [1]
- An estimated 2.1 million middle and high school students (8th–12th grade) started vaping nicotine between September 2021 and May 2024. [2]
- The DEA seized more than 80 million fake pills in 2023 and found that more than 5 in 10 pills were laced with the fentanyl. [3]
- 26% of 12th graders have used illicit drugs in the last year. [4]
- The brain isn’t fully developed until around age 25. This is why teens are more prone to risk-taking and why substance use can have lasting effects on brain function and decision-making. [5]
- More than 107,000 Americans died of an overdose in 2023 fueled by illicit fentanyl. [6]
- Underage drinking contributes to the 3 leading causes of death (unintentional injury, homicide, and suicide) among persons aged 12 to 20 years. [7]
- Marijuana today is much stronger than it used to be. In 1995, it had about 3% THC (the chemical that causes a high), but by 2021, that number jumped to 15%. This higher potency increases the risk of serious mental health issues for teens, including psychosis and severe mental illness. [8]
- 16% of 10th graders have used marijuana in the last year. [9] And research tells us that teens (ages 12–17) are more likely than young adults to develop a substance use disorder after first trying cannabis or misusing prescription drugs.
- Teens who first used an addictive substance before age 15 are 6.5 times more likely to develop an addiction than those who wait until after 21. [10]
The Good News: Prevention Works
While these statistics highlight the risks teens face, there’s also hope – prevention and awareness efforts are making a real difference.
Teen alcohol use has been steadily declining since 2000, with significant drops in both lifetime and past-year use in 2024. Binge drinking has also fallen dramatically over the past two decades, showing that education and early intervention matter.
But new risks continue to emerge. Fake pills laced with fentanyl, high-potency cannabis, and other dangerous substances are more accessible than ever. And with adolescent brains still developing, young people need our support and guidance to navigate these risks and make healthy choices.
Prevention isn’t just about telling teens what not to do – it’s about equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to make smart decisions.
9 out of 10 people with addiction started using substances in their teen years, with the average first-time use happening as early as 13 or 14 years old. [11]
But delaying use by even 12–24 months can significantly reduce the likelihood of addiction.
So, what can you do? Start the conversation.
Talk with the young person in your life – not just about the dangers of drugs, but about their dreams, goals, and what’s at stake. Ongoing, open dialogue is one of the most effective ways to protect them.
In fact, teens who consistently learn about the risks of drugs from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t. Your words, your guidance, and your presence matter more than you might think.
Stay informed. Stay proactive. Each week, we send out the Natural High Essentials – short, content-rich articles packed with the latest research, practical exercises, and expert-backed strategies to help parents and educators guide young people toward a thriving, drug-free future. Sign up below to get it delivered straight to your inbox.
Related article: Facts on Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse in America