Survey: Illicit teen use of tobacco, alcohol, pain relievers declining

Illicit use of tobacco, alcohol and prescription pain relievers declined among adolescents between 2002 and 2014, according to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Current tobacco use among 12 to 17 year olds fell to 7% from 15.2%, illegal alcohol use to 11.5% from 17.6% and nonmedical users of prescription pain relievers to 1.9% from 3.2% over the period. More than 8% of Americans aged 12 and older were current marijuana users in 2014, up from 6.2% in 2002. About 43.6 million adults (18.1%) experienced some form of mental illness in the past year. About 11% of adolescents reported a major depressive episode, up from 8% in 2010. “Although progress has been made in some areas, especially among young people, there are many challenges we need to meet in addressing the behavioral health issues facing our nation,” said Acting SAMHSA Administrator Kana Enomoto.