Among adolescents and young adults globally, alcohol use disorder had the highest prevalence (13.3 million), followed by cannabis use disorder (10.7 million), with Europe and the Americas bearing the greatest burden.
Public health policymakers; global health researchers; youth substance use prevention advocates
10.69 million young people worldwide affected by cannabis use disorder
What the researchers found
Cannabis use disorder affected 10.69 million young people aged 10-24 globally in 2019, second only to alcohol use disorder (13.31 million). Opioid use disorder saw increasing prevalence and incidence from 2010-2019, while most other SUDs declined. Higher sociodemographic development correlated with higher SUD burden.
Why it matters
With 10.7 million young people affected, cannabis use disorder represents a massive global health burden that is often overshadowed by attention to opioids and alcohol.
The numbers in context
Alcohol use disorder: 13.31 million. Cannabis use disorder: 10.69 million. Opioid use disorder: 4.27 million. Females had lower burden than males across all SUDs. Highest burden in Europe and the Americas.
How the study worked
Analysis of Global Burden of Disease 2019 data examining prevalence, incidence, years of life lost, disability-adjusted life years, and mortality for substance use disorders among those aged 10-24.
What this study cannot tell us
Global Burden of Disease estimates rely on modeled data that may be imprecise for some regions. Definition and diagnosis of cannabis use disorder varies across countries. Data through 2019 only.
How to read the evidence
Global Burden of Disease analysis provides the most comprehensive global estimates; strong because of scope despite modeling limitations.
When this study was published
2025 publication using Global Burden of Disease 2019 data
The bigger picture
While opioid use disorder gets the most policy attention, cannabis use disorder affects more than twice as many young people globally. The correlation between higher national development and higher SUD burden suggests that wealth and access drive substance use.
Questions still open
- Has cannabis use disorder prevalence changed since 2019 with expanding legalization? Why do higher-income countries have higher SUD burden? Are current treatment resources proportional to disease burden?
Common questions
Is cannabis use disorder really that common among young people?
What is cannabis use disorder?
Read the original research
The burden of alcohol and substance use disorders in adolescents and young adults.
Drug and alcohol dependence, 266, 112495
Citation
Danpanichkul, Pojsakorn; Duangsonk, Kwanjit; Díaz, Luis Antonio; Chen, Vincent L; Rangan, Pooja; Sukphutanan, Banthoon; Dutta, Priyata; Wanichthanaolan, Ornpailin; Ramadoss, Vijay; Sim, Benedix; Tung, Daniel; Siranart, Noppachai; Noritake, Hidenao; Takahashi, Hirokazu; Noureddin, Mazen; Leggio, Lorenzo; Yang, Ju Dong; Fallon, Michael B; Arab, Juan Pablo; Winder, Gerald Scott; Liangpunsakul, Suthat; Mellinger, Jessica Leigh; Wijarnpreecha, Karn. (2025). The burden of alcohol and substance use disorders in adolescents and young adults.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 266, 112495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.112495
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