Addiction is a real concern in Iowa, especially among young adults. A lot of young people in the state experiment with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs as they navigate life’s challenges. Some of them turn to these substances to handle stress, which has been even more common during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
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When it comes to alcohol, the numbers in Iowa are higher than the national average. In 2020, 57% of young adults in Iowa reported drinking alcohol in the past month. That’s quite a bit higher than the 49% reported across the country. Binge drinking is also a big issue, with 33% of young adults in Iowa saying they drank excessively in the past month. This kind of drinking can seriously affect both physical and mental health, and many young people are already feeling those negative effects.
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Tobacco use is another problem. Over a quarter of young adults in Iowa have used tobacco products in the past month, which is higher than the national average. Vaping is also popular, with 18% of young adults in Iowa using e-cigarettes.
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Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug among young adults in Iowa. About 21% of them reported using it in the past month. While other drugs like opioids, cocaine, meth, and heroin aren’t as common, they still pose serious risks. In 2020 alone, there were more than 1,200 substance use admissions for young people in Iowa, showing just how much of a problem addiction is in the state.
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These statistics make it clear that addiction is a significant issue in Iowa, particularly for young people. It highlights the need for more resources and support to help prevent and treat addiction in the stat