Study shows alcohol is the most used substance among US high school students

April 27, 2023

MMWR: Alcohol and Other Substance Use Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2021 A new CDC study shows that although the prevalence of substance use among US high school students declined from 2019 to 2021, alcohol remained the most used substance. Results from the 2021 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey show that: More than 1 in 5 US high school students reported consuming alcohol in the past 30 days. Approximately 1 in 10 US high school students reported binge drinking. Alcohol use among girls was more common than among boys, as was binge drinking. Use of more than one substance in the past 30 days was prevalent, most commonly involving alcohol and marijuana. Youth who drink alcohol are more likely to: Have problems at school. Experience injuries or violence. Experience unwanted, unplanned, and unprotected sexual activity.  Use other substances. Develop an alcohol use disorder later in life.  Underage drinking and these alcohol-related harms are preventable with a comprehensive approach that includes effective policy strategies that can create healthier communities for both young people and adults.

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