The latest findings from the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey are deeply concerning: marijuana use, hallucinogen consumption, vaping, and binge drinking are at all-time highs among American adults—and it’s not just teens we need to worry about.

The national study shows record-setting levels of drug and alcohol use across both young adults (ages 19–30) and older adults (ages 35–50). About one-third of older adults reported using marijuana in the past year—more than double the percentage from a decade ago. This group also reported record use of hallucinogens like LSD, MDMA, mushrooms, and PCP. Alarmingly, binge drinking is also on the rise, with one in three middle-aged adults reporting recent episodes of excessive alcohol use.

Among younger adults, marijuana use is at the highest levels since records began in 1988. Nearly half of 19–30-year-olds reported using marijuana in the past year. Hallucinogen use is increasing as well, especially among those in their late 20s. Vaping nicotine and marijuana has also reached new highs, with 21% reporting marijuana vaping and 14% reporting recent nicotine vaping.

These trends are not limited by race or background, but some disparities exist: binge drinking is highest among White (31.4%) and Hispanic (30.6%) middle-aged adults, while Black adults reported a lower rate (17.1%) in the same age group.

As Coroner for Orleans Parish, I see the consequences of these behaviors firsthand. Substance use impacts families, communities, and our collective future. This isn’t just a youth issue. It’s a community-wide crisis affecting people across the lifespan.

Dr. Nora Volkow of the National Institute on Drug Abuse said it best: “Substance use is not limited to teens and young adults.” These numbers tell us how urgently we need to respond—with education, prevention, and access to treatment.

Let this be a wake-up call.