Despite decline, new concerns arise regarding teenage drug use

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The number of teenagers using drugs is now lower than it has been for decades and fewer are smoking cigarettes. But there are some new concerns.

The new information comes from a survey called "Monitoring the Future." Researchers have followed tens-of-thousands of teenagers every year since 1991.

The good news is fewer teens are smoking cigarettes and this survey shows an all-time low for teenagers abusing prescription painkillers, wwhich is great news.

But marijuana remains a concern and so does vaping.

There's been a fast uptake of teens using vaping devices or electronic-cigarettes.

The issue is if they're using nicotine, it is an addictive drug and many times teens don't realize they're getting hooked.

There's some evidence that shows teens who vape are more likely to transition to smoking tobacco cigarettes.

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