The CDC's latest numbers on youth substance use: 8 trends to know

The CDC has observed "promising declines" in rates of substance use among high school students. 

The agency published data from the 2013-2023 "Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report" on Aug. 6. The survey is conducted every two years. In 2023, more than 20,000 students at 155 schools responded. 

Since 2013, the percentage of students who report using alcohol, marijuana and select illicit drugs have decreased. Since 2017, the number of students who misused prescription opioids also decreased. 

Here are eight stats to note: 

1. In 2023, 22% of high school students reported currently using alcohol, down from 35% in 2013. The number of students who reported currently using marijuana declined from 23% in 2013 to 17% in 2023. 
   
   
2. The number of students who reported having ever used certain illicit drugs declined from 16% in 2013 to 10% in 2023. 
   
   
3. Female and LGBTQ+ students were more likely to engage in substance use behavior than other groups. Among female students surveyed, 24% said they drank alcohol in the past 30 days, compared to 20% of male students. Among LGBTQ+ students surveyed, 26% reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days, compared to 21% of cisgender and heterosexual students. 
   
   
4. Rates of alcohol use remained roughly flat among most racial and ethnic groups between 2021 and 2023. Among Black students surveyed, 17% reported consuming alcohol in the past 30 days, up from 13% in 2021. 
   
   
5. In 2023, 19% of female students reported using marijuana in the past 30 days, compared to 15% of male students. Among LGBTQ+ students surveyed, 25% reported using marijuana in the past 30 days, compared to 14% of cisgender and heterosexual students. 
   
   
6. Rates of marijuana use remained roughly flat among all racial and ethnic groups between 2021 and 2023. 
   
   
7. In 2023, 14% of female students reported ever misusing prescription opioids, compared to 9% of male students. 
   
   
8. Rates of prescription opioid use remained roughly flat among male and female students between 2021 and 2023, and roughly flat among all racial and ethnic groups. 

The CDC also noted improvements in youth mental health between 2021 and 2023. 

Read the full report here.