The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System has shown a significant decline in substance use among high school students, particularly in alcohol use from 73% in 2001 to 46% in 2023. Binge drinking has also decreased notably. In contrast, teens with suicidal thoughts and behaviors experienced smaller reductions in alcohol use and remained mostly stable in cannabis use since the mid-1990s. This study underscores the need for targeted resources for adolescents facing suicidal ideation, even as general trends show improvements in youth substance use behaviors.
Although the decreasing prevalence of substance use among adolescents is encouraging, the decline is not as significant among teens experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as compared to their peers.
The longitudinal trends reveal a major decline in alcohol use among 12th graders, dropping from 73% in 2001 to 46% by 2023, indicating a significant positive shift in adolescent health behaviors.
While cannabis use has remained relatively stable, it has not seen a corresponding increase during the time of increased legalization, suggesting a complex interaction between policy and adolescent usage.
The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, as teens with suicidal thoughts continue to struggle with substance use despite overall declines observed in the general adolescent population.
#adolescent-health #suicidal-behavior #substance-use #alcohol-consumption #youth-risk-behavior-surveillance-system
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