- Many teenagers do not use drugs or alcohol today in many areas.
- Most teens also avoid nicotine and vaping products.
- Use went down a lot during the pandemic years.
- The survey asks students about recent substance use.
- The study looks at eighth, tenth and twelfth grades nationwide.
- Researchers say teen use has not rebounded yet.
- A few drugs show a small increase this year.
- Experts say it is important to keep monitoring results.
Difficult words
- nicotine — a drug in cigarettes and some products
- pandemic — a disease that spreads in many countries
- survey — a set of questions to many people
- substance — a type of material or chemical
- researcher — a person who studies and checks factsResearchers
- rebound — to return to a previous level or amountrebounded
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you know teenagers who do not use drugs or alcohol?
- Did you or your friends change habits during the pandemic?
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