Vaping remains the most common substance used by Los Angeles teens, while public health officials warn that counterfeit fentanyl pills have increased the risks facing young people and their families.
Substance use among teenagers in Los Angeles County remains a serious public health concern, even as overall youth use has declined compared to previous decades. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Substance Abuse Prevention and Control), thousands of residents continue to be affected by substance use disorders, and the county recorded 2,438 overdose deaths in 2024, highlighting the broader environment in which youth prevention efforts take place.
Among high school students, school-based data from the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) and the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) show that alcohol and cannabis remain the most commonly used substances, while drugs such as cocaine and MDMA are far less common, typically reported at low single-digit percentages nationally. The CDC’s 2023 YRBS found that roughly 4 in 10 high school students report recent alcohol use, while about 1 in 4 report cannabis use, depending on the year and location.
Vaping continues to be one of the most common forms of substance use among adolescents. Los Angeles County Public Health surveillance data show that about 30% of high school students have tried e-cigarettes, and around 10% report current use, making nicotine vaping a key focus of prevention programs in schools. Public health officials have noted that vaping became the most widespread form of nicotine use among teens in the late 2010s and remains a major concern today.
Health experts, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), emphasize that adolescence is a critical stage of brain development, and early exposure to alcohol or drugs increases the likelihood of addiction later in life. In addition to traditional substances, Los Angeles health officials also warn about a newer and more dangerous threat: counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has identified fentanyl contamination as a major driver of accidental overdose deaths, even among individuals who did not intend to use opioids.
Overall, while youth substance use rates have generally declined, Los Angeles public health agencies stress that prevention remains essential. The combination of vaping, alcohol and cannabis use, mental health challenges, and the rising danger of fentanyl in the drug supply makes early intervention and education critical for protecting adolescent health.
How to help:
*Start conversations early and talk regularly, not just once
*Ask open questions about school, friends, and what they see online
*Focus on listening more than lecturing
*Stay informed: vaping is the most common teen substance, followed by alcohol and cannabis
*Talk clearly about the danger of fake pills that may contain fentanyl
*Explain that you cannot tell if a pill is dangerous just by looking at it
*Watch for changes in mood, sleep, secrecy, or friend groups
*Be aware of vape signs (sweet smells, pens, USB-looking devices)
*Stay connected with schools and counselors
