Is Gen Z Winning the War on Drugs? Or Are We Missing the Bigger Picture?

Drug Use Among Gen Z: A Mixed Bag of Trends

Overall Decrease, But Gender and Drug Choice Gaps Remain:

Drug use among 16-24 year olds in England and Wales has dipped to its lowest level in a decade, with one in six admitting to taking any illegal substances in the past year.

This marks a significant drop compared to Gen X’s party years in the late 90s, when nearly one in three experimented with drugs like ecstasy and cocaine.

However, the decline is primarily driven by men.

Females continue to catch up in overall drug use, highlighting a need for targeted policies and interventions.

Shifting Trends and Emerging Concerns:

While cannabis remains the most popular drug, ecstasy and nitrous oxide use plummeted to record lows.

Ketamine, however, reached its highest ever level.

The rise in hallucinogens like LSD and mushrooms could reflect increased availability and perception of them as less dangerous, despite potential risks.

The opioid category saw a slight uptick, raising concerns about the spread of new synthetic opioids and benzodiazepines.

Possible Explanations and Socioeconomic Factors:

Experts attribute the overall decrease to a combination of factors, including:

• • The current economic squeeze impacting disposable income.
  • Disruptive effects of the Covid pandemic.
  • Changes in drug pricing and availability.
  • Generation Z’s overall shift towards healthier habits like less alcohol and meat consumption.
• Additionally, the recent ban on nitrous oxide (“hippy crack”) might be influencing its decline.

Despite the positive trend, concerns remain:

The report highlights the need for continued monitoring and targeted interventions to address emerging trends and protect vulnerable populations.

The high cost of drug-related crime to society underlines the importance of effective prevention and harm reduction strategies.

Addressing gender disparities in drug use and ensuring access to adequate treatment services remains crucial.

In conclusion, the decline in drug use among Gen Z is encouraging, but it’s important to remain vigilant and address the persisting issues and emerging trends to ensure the safety and well-being of all young people.