There’s encouraging news about teen substance use in the U.S. A new study from Monitoring the Future reveals that record numbers of teens are steering clear of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Among 12th graders, 66 percent reported no use of these substances in the past 30 days, while 80 percent of 10th graders and 90 percent of 8th graders said the same.

Why is this happening? Decades of education and prevention efforts are making a difference. Organizations like PDFNJ have been at the forefront, working with schools and communities to educate students on the impact of drugs and alcohol. Programs that involve young people as advocates, where they can research and share the consequences of substance use, are proving to be especially effective.

The COVID-19 pandemic also played an unexpected role. Despite concerns that lockdowns might increase substance use among teens, the opposite occurred. With fewer social interactions and more focus on support systems, teens stayed away from risky behaviors.

However, there are still challenges ahead. For example, nicotine pouches are growing in popularity among teens, largely because of flavors designed to appeal to them. This emphasizes the ongoing need for honest conversations and education about the risks.

The positive trend is clear, but it’s crucial to keep building on this momentum through collaboration and communication.

To learn more, read my recent interview on New Jersey 101.5 interview.