A recent study attempted to observe trends in cocaine use among young adults, and describe differing trends based on college enrollment. In this study, data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2002-2016 was used to measure cocaine use, prevalence of use, and college enrollment.

The data showed that overall cocaine use and cocaine use disorders have declined in the past 15 years in those aged 18-22. During this time period, non-student/student differences in use declined as well. Interestingly, other recent research has indicated increased cocaine use within young adults aged 18-25. Since the current study only included aged 18-22, the trend may not hold true for all young adults.

College enrollment played a role in cocaine use in this study, and although non-students had higher rates of lifetime use than students, the two groups had similar past year and 30-day use. It is likely that precollege factors such as poverty, family functioning, and negative peer associations may play a role in this association rather than educational status alone.

Overall, although cocaine use remains prevalent in emerging adults, use has decreased since the early 2000s in those aged 18-22. College enrollment may put young adults at risk for short-term use, but non-college young adults experience more prevalence of use disorders.

Take Away: Cocaine use is prevalent among emerging adults but has decreased over the past 15 years. College students and non-students have similar trends in past year and past 30-day use, but non-college students are significantly more likely to experience a use disorder.

Schneider, K.E., Johnson J.K., Johnson, R.M. (2019). Cocaine use is declining among emerging adults in the Unite States: Trends by college enrollment. Addictive Behaviors. doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.04.15.