Drug Absuse Statistics: Adolescents (Ages 12–18)
Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable period for the onset of substance use and abuse. Teenagers and young adults often face immense social pressures and a natural curiosity about experimentation.
This age group is also at a stage in brain development where impulse control is still maturing, making them more susceptible to risky behaviours such as drug and alcohol use.



Statistics and Trends
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), roughly 11.8% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 reported using illicit drugs in the past year. Marijuana is the most commonly abused substance, with about 6.5% of teens aged 12–17 reporting recent marijuana use. Prescription medicine misuse, particularly opioid misuse, is also prevalent among this age group, with around 4% of high school seniors reporting misuse of prescription medications like painkillers. The reasons adolescents are prone to drug abuse often stem from peer pressure, the desire to fit in, and the belief that experimenting with substances is a part of growing up. Added to this, adolescents are still developing decision-making skills and may underestimate the risks associated with drug use.