Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – 2011
Presents key findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) on illicit drug, alcohol, and tobacco use trends among persons 12 years of age and older in the U.S. Highlights summary notes that marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug, with use rates increasing, while use rates for the non-medical use of prescription drugs have declined slightly. Section on illicit drug use notes that illicit drug use among pregnant women is 4.4%, with significantly higher percentages for younger pregnant women in their teens and early 20s. Section containing alcohol use data reports that nearly 11% of pregnant women report some alcohol use. One in six pregnant women report tobacco use, with over 22% of pregnant teenagers aged 15-17 reporting tobacco use. Chapter on initiation of substance use notes that marijuana accounts for the largest percentage of first drug use among youth, followed by prescription drugs. Youth prevention section includes data illustrating the connection between low perceived risk and high use rates, particularly for marijuana. Also includes a section on overall substance dependence and abuse rates, and associated treatment data. Marijuana has the highest rates of dependence/abuse, while alcohol is the substance for which most treatment is received. Discussion of youth drug use trends emphasizes serious nature of prescription drug abuse and large increases in marijuana use.
