Lifetime and current substance use patterns in adolescent and adult Mexican population.

OBJECTIVE

To identify substance experimentation and current use profiles among the Mexican adolescent and adult population, overall and by sociodemographic characteristics.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We analyzed data from the 2025 National Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Consumption Survey. We considered lifetime use for adolescents and current use for adults. To identify classes of substance use, including legal, illegal, and non-prescribed medical substances, we performed latent class analysis.

RESULTS

A three-class model provided the best fit for both groups: non-users, legal substance users, and polysubstance users. Among adolescents, user classes were characterized by a higher male proportion and a greater medium socioeconomic level distribution (67.3%) in polysubstance experimenters. In adults, polysubstance use remained mainly in male and metropolitan groups, while the "legal substance" class showed a significant female majority (63.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Substance use patterns in Mexico are heterogeneous across the life course. Strengthening MPOWER, SAFER, and illegal drug control measures are essential to address these epidemiological profiles.