Tobacco, Alcohol, Cannabis, and Other Drug Use in the US Before and During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
Key Points Question How do rates of substance use in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compare with earlier years? Findings In this cross-sectional study of 19 631 youths, young adults, and adults, substance use substantially decreased across nearly all substance categories in 2018 to 2019 vs 2020 among youths and young adults, whereas consistent changes were not seen in older persons. Meaning While differences in data collection methods may have contributed to observed changes, these findings suggest that despite significant stressors during 2020, substance use declined in youths; reductions in youths but not adults during this period of social isolation may reflect, in part, youth-specific sensitivity to peer influences on substance use.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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