Most Commonly Abused Drugs Stats of Top Abused Drugs 2025

While caffeine is not considered a dangerous substance, users can develop dependence on it and experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. If you lack access to a doctor or are unsure where to start, you can use SAMHSA’s online treatment locator to learn about treatment programs in your area. Benzodiazepines are sedatives that affect the central nervous system, causing feelings of relaxation and a euphoric sensation. While they are a lifesaver for people with anxiety, they can be addictive for some people. Prescription opioids are essential in the treatment of moderate to severe pain and are safe to use when following your doctor’s instructions.

Vaping often serves as a gateway to more dangerous forms of substance use. Friend groups that use substances create pressure for all members to participate. Teens may start using substances they never intended to try just to maintain friendships. The fear of being left out can override good judgment about substance use. Vaping companies have specifically targeted younger users through social media marketing. The products come in flavors like bubble gum and cotton candy that clearly appeal to younger users.

Many teens believe marijuana is completely harmless because it’s legal for adults in their area. Social media influencers often promote marijuana use as natural and beneficial. Marijuana use among adolescents has steadily increased as laws change across the country. Recent studies show that 35% of high school seniors used marijuana in the past year. Teenagers who experience childhood trauma have higher rates of developing drug addiction.

• It also disrupts emotional development and increases vulnerability to substance use disorder later in life.
• Teenagers in Montana are 17.49% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.
• At Resilience Recovery Resources, we specialize in substance abuse treatment specifically designed for adolescents and young adults.
• If a teen uses high amounts of drugs in their youth, they are more likely to abuse substances as an adult.

Alcohol Rehab

Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit substances among youth. Right behind stimulants are prescription opioids, which saw 8,918,000 people 12 or older using them in 2022. Many drug labs have started adding fentanyl to not only illicitly made opioids but other drugs as well. Methamphetamine, or meth, is an illegal stimulant most used drug by teens drug that was once a popular prescription drug used to keep soldiers awake in WWII. According to the NSDUH, 48,850,000 (17.3%) people aged 12 or older used hallucinogens in their lifetime, and 8,509,000 (3%) used them in the past year of 2022. Several studies have indicated that about 1 in 10 adults who use marijuana may develop an addiction.

Benzodiazepines can offer immense relief for individuals dealing with anxiety and panic disorders. In addition, obtaining them illegally also carries the risk of contamination with other drugs and fentanyl. Some substances, both legal and illicit, are more widely used than others. Understanding which drugs are most common helps identify public health trends and risks. Benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety, can cause memory problems and increase depression risk. When teens misuse these medications, they face all the same risks as adult users plus additional dangers from their developing brains.

Behavioral Changes That Signal Substance Abuse Problems

Teens who suddenly need more money or become secretive about spending may be buying substances. Dramatic personality changes or withdrawal from family activities often indicate substance use problems. Teens who suddenly change friend groups or become secretive about activities may be hiding substance use.

Addiction to prescription drugs may also lead people to try illegal drugs when their prescription runs out or is taken from them. Prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants are among the most commonly abused prescription medications in the US. All three have the potential for addiction, although opioids are by far the most addictive.

What Is the Most Widely Used Illegal Drug Among High School Students Today?

Nicotine can be consumed in numerous ways, including smoking, vaping, and chewing. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that 23.6 million (8.5%) of Americans aged 12 and older had nicotine dependence in the past 30 days in 2020. However, legal or not, many pose risks to our health and safety through side effects and withdrawal. Informing teens about the consequences of marijuana use can help mitigate its negative effects and promote healthier choices.

Reported use of most drugs among adolescents remained low in 2024

• When families in the Permian Basin region face these challenges, seeking help from our Texas recovery center can provide the structured support teens need.
• Alcohol continues to be the answer to what is the number one drug used by teens across most studies.
• It doesn’t take long to develop an addiction once a young person has tried a drug.
• Teens who suddenly change friend groups or become secretive about activities may be hiding substance use.

Several studies have shown that alcohol consumption has a dangerous effect on the developing brains of children, teens, and young adults. Childhood and adolescence are important times in brain development and introducing alcohol into the equation is dangerous. Opioids (narcotics) are a group of prescription drugs that relieve intense pain. There are three different forms of opioids, including natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic. These drugs are highly addictive and can lead to overdose and death when taken in high doses.

Stressful life events like divorce, death, or major changes increase teen substance use risk. Academic pressures during exam periods or college applications create vulnerability. Social situations like parties or gatherings often involve peer pressure to use substances.

In What Ways Does Intergenerational Trauma Play a Role in Substance Abuse?

Teenagers in Arkansas are 8.88% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Arizona are 8.61% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Alaska are 10.13% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Alabama are 13.53% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world, with people in almost every country consuming it daily.

Young Men at The Highest Risk of Developing Schizophrenia as a Result of Cannabis Use

Drug use impacts every part of a teen’s life—from academic performance to mental health and physical health. It can cause mood swings, secretive behavior, and problems with concentration. Teens using substances may also experience dilated pupils, changes in body temperature, and erratic behavior. Synthetic marijuana is one of the most dangerous abused drugs among teens.

For more information about our clinical services or to learn about our specialized approach to adolescent treatment, visit our website or call us directly. We’re located in West Palm Beach and serve families throughout Palm Beach County. For many families, professional help is the best option for dealing with underage alcohol and drug use. Benzodiazepine drugs, including valium and xanax, are often prescribed to patients with anxiety.