by Community Education Coordinator for the  National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area Delia Gallmeyer, M.S., MHC

October is National  Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month which serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about substance misuse, highlight the importance of prevention, and provide resources for individuals, families, and communities to take action. Efforts include a focus on both youth and adult prevention, with the goal of minimizing risks and strengthening protective factors.

The latest findings revealed by the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future Panel Survey reveal changing substance use behaviors among young and midlife adults. Monitoring the Future has surveyed 20,000 participants annually since 1975, following them from adolescence into adulthood. This long-term perspective allows researchers to track behaviors across decades and assess impacts on health and well-being.

Funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), this study highlights key increases and long-term trends that impact public health priorities.

“Behaviors and public perceptions about drug use can shift rapidly…Tracking these patterns is critical for informing our nation’s public health priorities,” said Megan Patrick, PhD, Research Professor and Principal Investigator.

Nicotine Pouches

The use of nicotine pouches doubled from 2023 to 2024 across multiple age groups (ages 19 to 30, 35 to 50, 55 to 65). This is the first major spike since the use of nicotine pouches began to be tracked in 2023. Nearly one in 10 young adults ages 19 to 30 reported past-year use in 2024.

Cannabis

The survey found that cannabis use has reached record levels with adults ages 19 to 30 reporting using marijuana over the past year, past month, and daily at near historic highs. Use among adults ages 35 to 50 has doubled over the past decade. Cannabis use disorder increased among 40 to 50 year-olds in the past five years.

Cannabis

Cannabis vaping reached its highest level ever in 2024, with use among young adults having doubled since 2017. Nicotine vaping also hit record highs with past-month use tripling since 2017 among individuals ages 19 to 30 years old.

Psychedelics & Stimulants

The use of hallucinogens is now at the highest level ever recorded among adults ages 19 to 30 and 35 to 50. Stimulant use, specifically amphetamines and cocaine has risen significantly over the past decade in midlife adults ages 35 to 50.

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For more information, visit the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area’s website. To schedule a presentation, contact Delia Gallmeyer at [email protected].