Teens Landing in ER for Cannabis, Adults for Alcohol
Researchers found 84% of substance-related visits among teens involved cannabis, while alcohol accounted for 70% among adults ages 55 to 64.
- On Nov 4, 2026, a study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry revealed diverging patterns in substance-related emergency encounters: cannabis dominated visits among adolescents, while alcohol prevailed among older adults.
- Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine analyzed more than 5 million emergency department visits and hospitalizations across the United States between 2016 and 2023 to identify these age-based trends.
- Among adolescents ages 16–18, 84% of substance-related hospital encounters involved cannabis, whereas 70% of visits among adults ages 55–64 were alcohol-related, according to the findings.
- Kevin Y. Xu, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine, noted that high-potency cannabis products pose particular risks for adolescents undergoing critical periods of brain development.
- Study first author Jacob Steinle said researchers "plan to continue our research, building upon these foundations so that clinicians can better inform each individual patient" about substance-use risks across age groups.
43 Articles
43 Articles
Cherokee Tribune Ledger News
Teens landing in ER for cannabis and adults more for alcohol: study
The data included ER visits related to opioids, stimulants and other addictive substances, along with alcohol and cannabis.
Cannabis dominates youth hospital visits while alcohol impacts older adults
A large national study analyzing emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to alcohol or cannabis use across the U.S. has found diverging age patterns: Among people who presented to the hospital for a substance-related problem, cannabis was involved in the majority of visits by adolescents and young adults, while alcohol predominated among older adults.
Cannabis involved in most substance-related emergency visits among teens, young adults
A large national study analyzing emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to alcohol or cannabis use across the U.S. has found diverging age patterns: Among people who presented to the hospital for a substance-related problem, cannabis was involved in the majority of visits by adolescents and young adults, while alcohol predominated among older adults.
Cannabis Involved in Most Substance-Related Emergency Visits Among Teens and Young Adults
(Newswise) — A large national study analyzing emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to alcohol or cannabis use across the U.S. has found diverging age patterns: Among people who presented to the hospital for a substance-related problem, cannabis was involved in the majority of visits by adolescents and young adults, while alcohol predominated among older […]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
