Rising Trends in Substance Use: Marijuana, Hallucinogens, and Binge Drinking Among Adults 35 to 50
In recent years, a noteworthy shift in substance use patterns among adults aged 35 to 50 has been unveiled by the Monitoring the Future (MTF) panel study, an annual survey funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). This study, which investigates substance use behaviors and attitudes among adults aged 19 to 60, has revealed that marijuana and hallucinogen use, as well as binge drinking, have reached historic highs among adults in the 35 to 50 age group.
In addition, younger adults have also reported significant increases in marijuana, vaping, and hallucinogen use, underlining changing trends in substance consumption across various age groups.
Marijuana Use on the Rise
According to the MTF study, the prevalence of marijuana use among adults aged 19 to 30 has surged to unprecedented levels. Approximately 44% of respondents in this age group reported past-year marijuana use in 2022, marking a substantial increase from 35% five years ago and 28% a decade ago. The trend is even more pronounced when it comes to daily marijuana use, with 11% of young adults reporting daily consumption in 2022, up from 8% five years ago and 6% a decade ago.
Interestingly, adults aged 35 to 50 are also contributing to the surge in marijuana use. In 2022, a record-high 28% of individuals in this age group reported past-year marijuana use. This figure represents an increase from 25% the previous year, 17% five years ago, and more than double the 13% reported a decade ago.
Vaping and Hallucinogen Use
The study also examined vaping trends among these age groups. Among adults aged 19 to 30, past-year marijuana vaping reached 21% in 2022, significantly higher than the initial measurement of 12% in 2017. Additionally, past-year nicotine vaping among this group rose to a historic high of 24% in 2022.
Similarly, younger adults have shown a growing interest in hallucinogens. Past-year hallucinogen use among individuals aged 19 to 30 surged to 8% in 2022, up from 5% five years ago and 3% a decade ago. These substances include LSD, MDMA, mescaline, peyote, shrooms or psilocybin, and PCP.
Adults aged 35 to 50 have also seen an uptick in their use of hallucinogens. In 2022, 4% of individuals in this age group reported past-year hallucinogen use, representing a significant increase from the previous year and marking the highest prevalence in a decade.
Binge Drinking at All-Time High
While binge drinking had been on a decline among younger adults, the MTF study found that adults aged 35 to 50 reported the highest prevalence of binge drinking ever recorded for this age group in 2022. Binge drinking, defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period, reached 29% in 2022 for this demographic, showcasing a steady increase over the past year, five years, and even a decade.
Significance and Implications
These findings highlight the evolving landscape of substance use among different age groups. Nora Volkow, M.D., the director of NIDA, emphasized the importance of understanding these trends across the lifespan and reiterated the need for continued research to uncover how substance use and related health effects may change over time. This information can assist individuals in making informed decisions regarding substance use.
The MTF panel study, conducted by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, serves as a vital tool for tracking drug use patterns over time. Megan Patrick, Ph.D., a research professor at the University of Michigan, stressed the value of such surveys in capturing shifting behaviors and perceptions of drug use, which can be influenced by factors such as drug availability.
Seeking Help
For individuals struggling with substance use or seeking assistance, there are resources available. The National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP or www.FindTreatment.gov) offers free and confidential support for finding substance and mental health treatment programs.
In conclusion, the MTF study's findings shed light on the changing landscape of substance use, with marijuana, hallucinogens, and binge drinking reaching historic highs among adults aged 35 to 50. These trends emphasize the importance of staying informed about substance use patterns and the need for ongoing research to address their potential impacts on public health.
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