Americans used more illicit drugs – from marijuana to Ecstasy to pain relievers – in 2009, compared to 2008, according to the annual National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health, conducted by by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Among the findings are flat or increasing trends in substance abuse among youth aged 12-17 years, according to the survey. Marijuana use in this age group increased from 6.7% in 2008 to 7.3% in 2009.
In addition, illicit drug use among young adults aged 18-25 years increased from 19.6% in 2008 to 21.1% in 2009. The increases were driven largely by increases in the use of marijuana, according to the survey.
“The results are a wake-up call to the nation,” said Gil Kerlikowske, director of White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, during a press briefing on Wednesday morning.
To learn more about the survey, watch the video interview with Dr. Westley Clark, director of SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.