New research funded by the National Institutes of Health has revealed that binge drinking and drug use among middle-aged adults in the United States has reached unprecedented levels. The study, conducted as part of the Monitoring the Future project, found that nearly 30 percent of adults aged 35 to 50 reported binge drinking in 2022, a significant increase from the 23 percent reported in 2012. Additionally, marijuana use among this age group also reached historical levels, with 28 percent reporting the behavior, up from 13 percent in 2012.
The study also highlighted an increase in hallucinogen use among this age group, with 4 percent of adults reporting using a hallucinogen in 2022, double the figure from the previous year. These findings indicate that substance-use behavior is heavily influenced by generational culture and the legal status of various drugs. The study noted that the 50-year-olds in this age group reported the lowest marijuana use, suggesting a cohort effect related to the historical lows of drug use in the 1990s when they graduated from high school.
At the same time, the study revealed a different trend among younger adults between the ages of 19 and 30. While marijuana use in this age group was significantly higher at 44 percent in 2022, up from 28 percent in 2012, self-reported binge drinking had actually decreased to 30.5 percent in 2022, down from 35.2 percent a decade earlier.
The implications of these drug use trends are significant, especially considering the rise in alcohol-related deaths among people aged 65 and older. Understanding the patterns of drug use among different generations is crucial for public health professionals and communities to be prepared in responding to the associated risks.
Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, emphasized the importance of up-to-date knowledge to inform decisions related to substance abuse at different life stages. The data from this study and similar research can help health officials and individuals address these risks effectively.
Overall, the study highlights a growing trend of drug use among Americans, with marijuana and hallucinogen use reaching all-time highs. While alcohol remains a popular choice for middle-aged adults, binge drinking rates have been decreasing among younger adults. Continued research and understanding of these trends are necessary to effectively address the evolving behaviors and health impacts associated with substance use.
