Objective:

To assess the perceived risk of fentanyl use among US adolescents in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades.

Approach:

• Study Design: Cross-sectional survey study using data from the 2025 Monitoring the Future study, a nationally representative survey of US adolescents.
• Participants: Included 3972 students from 8th, 10th, and 12th grades, with response rates of 86%, 81%, and 77% respectively.
• Data Collection: Survey questions assessed perceived risk of fentanyl use at three levels: experimental, occasional, and regular use.
• Demographic Analysis: Demographic variables included sex, race and ethnicity, parent educational level, and population density.
• Statistical Analysis: Used Poisson regression models to test for statistically significant prevalence differences across demographic groups.

Key Findings:

• Fentanyl is involved in at least 75% of adolescent overdose deaths.
• Adolescent overdose mortality rates doubled from 2019 to 2020 and have remained high.
• Drug overdoses are the third leading cause of death among US youth.

Interpretation:

Limitations:

• The study relies on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias.
• The sample may not fully represent all demographic groups due to nonresponse.

Conclusion:

Sources:

• Monitoring the Future Study