While in recent years the United States has witnessed an increasing trend regarding marijuana use among adults, there has been a decline of teenage marijuana and most substance use. Prevention efforts, education, and growing awareness about the risk of substance use have helped push the numbers in the right direction. But in Illinois, a different story seems to be unfolding.

Researchers from the University of Illinois conducted the Illinois Youth Survey (IYS), which provides data on health and socials indicators such as substance use in schools, found the following troublesome trends in the 2024 IYS:

  • Alcohol use among teenagers in the state is now 7%, nearly double the national average, with marijuana use, prescription drug misuse, and vaping becoming more common among teenagers in eighth, tenth, and twelfth grade across the state.
  • 21% of 8th graders, 28% of 10th graders, and 39% of 12th graders reported using marijuana, alcohol, inhalants, or vaping products within the past year.
  • 6% of sophomores and 10% of seniors reported experiencing blackouts after drinking or consuming any substances.
  • 11% of seniors reported driving or riding with someone impaired.

At the same time, the 2023 Illinois Annual Cannabis Report: Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act Evaluation found a 3%-point increase of marijuana use within the past month among 12–17-year-olds and 18–25-year-olds, in comparison to surrounding states and the rest of the U.S.

The state of Illinois also saw a 4.6% increase in past-year marijuana use between 2018-2019 and 2021 among residents 12 years of age and older.

This alarming substance use data emerging from Illinois speaks to the ways in which teenagers may be coping and may have been heightened by COVID-19 and the increasing use of social media. Many teens are turning to alcohol, marijuana and other substances as an escape, but these short-term solutions could lead to long-term negative outcomes.

Research shows that spending more than 3 hours per day on social media significantly increases a teen’s risks for mental health struggles, but teens are reporting spending nearly 5 hours a day on social media, constantly consuming perfectly curated realities. These realities may lead to comparison to others in achievements and appearances, while providing some sense of instant gratification. COVID-19 robbed these teenagers of real-world experiences and may have started a type of social isolation no generation has ever experienced.

We must use this data as a call to action to listen, connect, and continue to rebuild the real-world experiences teens did not experience during the pandemic, while continuing education efforts that offer up-to-date science-based information on the dangers of substance use.

References:

Center for Prevention Research and Development. (2024). Illinois Youth Survey 2024 Frequency Report: State of Illinois. Champaign, IL: CPRD, School of Social Work, University of Illinois.

Forrest, S. (2025). Illinois Youth Survey finds troubling substance use trends. https://news.illinois.edu/illinois-youth-survey-finds-troubling-substance-use-trends/

The editorial board. (2025). Editorial: Depression, isolation and substance use all are up. Are Illinois teens OK?. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/13/teens-depression-drinking-drugs-technology/

Illinois Department of Public Health. (2023). Cannabis Health Committee FY23 Annual Cannabis Report. Illinois Department of Public Health. https://cannabis.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/cannabis/documents/media/reports-and-public-presentations/cannabis-health-committee-fy23-annual-cannabis-report.pdf