You may have heard about the war on drugs, the soaring use of club drugs, or strong new versions of older drugs. Or, maybe you haven't heard much lately about drug use. Either way, it can be hard to get a clear picture of illegal drug use among young people. So, let's take a look at the latest facts.

Let's start with the big picture. Use of illegal drugs peaked in the late 1970s. In 1979, about one in six youth aged 12 to 17 said he had used an illegal drug in the past month. By 1992, only about 1 in 20 youth in this age group was a current drug user. However, drug use among youth then headed up again—more than doubling by 1997.¹ Since then, illegal drug use has leveled off. In 2001, about one in nine 12- to 17-year-olds said he used an illegal drug in the past month.²

What drugs are young people using? New drugs come along all the time. So-called club drugs—often used at night clubs and all-night dance parties—are cleverly marketed. They promise new and different ways to find fun, energy, or relaxation. The dangers are mostly ignored or denied. Ecstasy—one of the more widely used club drugs—comes in the form of brightly colored pills to make the drug more tempting to young people. Use of ecstasy jumped a few years ago and is still climbing. Ecstasy use is a serious problem among youth, but the drug is used most often by 18- to 25-year-olds.³ Other club drugs include GHB, ketamine, and rohypnol.

Despite a steady stream of new drugs, many more youth use marijuana than all other illegal drugs combined. Among 12- to 17-year-olds, about 1 in 12 reports using marijuana in the past month. About one in five says she's used the drug at some time.⁴ Marijuana growers keep coming up with new and more potent varieties. Today's marijuana is stronger than the drug that many recall from the 1970s.⁵ Yet, the myths about marijuana go on, with claims that it is harmless or even helpful.

Illegal drug use begins to appear in the preteen years and then rises quickly. The number of young people using illegal drugs peaks in the 18-20 age range:⁶

Let's not forget about alcohol and tobacco—both are against the law for youth. Fewer young people drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes now than in 1979.⁷ However, progress has been slow. Young people's use of alcohol and tobacco was steady for years before dropping off some lately. By 2001, about one in six 12- to 17-year-olds used alcohol or tobacco in the past month.⁸

Among 12- to 17-year-olds:

• Almost half of those who smoked cigarettes in the past month also used illegal drugs
• More than 4 in 10 who binge drank—had 5 or more drinks on the same occasion—in the past month used illegal drugs
• On the other hand, only 1 in 20 teens who did not smoke cigarettes or who did not drink alcohol used illegal drugs.⁹

So, if you think it's no big deal if a kid just smokes cigarettes or just drinks alcohol, think again. Not only do tobacco and alcohol use cause great harm through illness or fatal crashes, they also add to the risk of illegal drug use. Also, when teens use alcohol or illegal drugs, they are much more likely to fight or to attack others.¹⁰

It's never too early to talk with youth about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. When parents talk about drugs often and specifically, their children are more likely to stay away from drugs and to make safe and healthy choices.

Adults need to know the facts about drugs before raising the topic. Teens and young adults may feel they know all about drugs and that they're not a big deal. Or, they may be confused due to mixed messages. So, read up on drug use. Find out why people use harmful substances, their effects, and the risks and problems they can bring.

Talking about illegal drugs with a young person may seem awkward. Still, it's vital to show young people that you know about drug use and to present a clear no-use message. Don't jump to conclusions, though—most young people do not use illegal drugs. In fact, teens who do not drink, smoke, or use illegal drugs often give credit to their parents. So, it's a battle worth fighting.

To find out more about substance use and how to work with young people on this crucial issue, check out the resources shown below.

¹ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. National Household Survey on Drug Abuse: Main Findings 1998 (PDF), last referenced 3/28/04.

² Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse: Volume II. Technical Appendices and Selected Data Tables, last referenced 5/28/03.

³ Ibid.

⁴ Ibid.

⁵ Drug Enforcement Administration. Drugs of Abuse: Cannabis, last referenced 5/28/03.

⁶ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse: Volume III. Detailed Tables, last referenced 5/28/03.

⁷ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. National Household Survey on Drug Abuse: Main Findings 1998 (PDF), last referenced 3/28/04.

⁸ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse: Volume II. Technical Appendices and Selected Data Tables, last referenced 5/28/03.

⁹ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse: Volume III. Detailed Tables, last referenced 5/28/03.

¹⁰ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Youth Violence and Substance Use: 2001 Update, last referenced 5/28/03.

• U.S. Department of Justice: Information Brief: Illicit Drugs and Youth
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Keeping Youth Drug Free (PDF)
• Parents. The Anti-Drug
• National Institute on Drug Abuse: Club drugs.org