The kids are not alright.
A new report shows that since 2021, young adults have been turning to drugs at alarming levels. The study, conducted by UK youth charity group The Mix, found that there has been a 50 percent increase in drug use among people ages 16 to 25 and a 75 percent increase in using drugs as a form of escapism.
Interestingly, young people’s use of alcohol has decreased within the last year. In 2021, 74.6 percent of young people reported drinking alcohol. This year, that number has fallen to 51 percent. However, the study theorizes this is because they are turning away from alcohol to focus on drugs, including cannabis, ketamine and methadone.
According to the report, there’s multiple factors attributing to increased drug use. The Covid-19 pandemic was a major factor, as kids were left alone and in isolation during formative years. Now, they’re looking to make up for those years by “embracing pleasure” with friends via drugs. On top of that, they’re emotionally burnt out, navigating social pressure and facing massive global issues like climate change and rising costs. Suffice to say, the kids are struggling.
