About the Indicator:

Alcohol is the most frequently used substance nationally and statewide, and is associated with a number of adverse health and social consequences. Reported use of alcohol in the past 30 days is a common measure of recent alcohol use. In Minnesota, it is illegal for a person under age 21 to consume alcohol.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, any past 30 day alcohol use was reported by 24.4% of 9th graders and 39.2% of 11th graders nationally.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day alcohol use, those who DIDN'T report alcohol use were 2.6 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 1.8 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.6 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 2.5 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.4 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 2 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 1.9 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 2.3 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day alcohol use, those who DIDN'T report use were 1.7 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.4 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.6 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.2 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.

Further, those students who reported using alcohol monthly or more often were 1.8 times more likely to think that most students in their school also drank monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't drink. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.7 times more likely themselves to report using alcohol that often.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

*The options for sexual orientation were added in 2013. In 2019, three more response options were included: "Pansexual," "Queer," and "I don't describe myself in any of these ways."

Alcohol is the most frequently used substance nationally and statewide, and is associated with a number of adverse health and social consequences. Reported use of alcohol in the past 30 days is a common measure of recent alcohol use. In Minnesota, it is illegal for a person under age 21 to consume alcohol.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, any past 30-day alcohol use was reported by 24.4% of 9th graders and 39.2% of 11th graders nationally.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day alcohol use, those who DIDN'T report alcohol use were 2.6 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 1.8 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.6 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 2.5 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.4 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 2 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 1.9 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 2.3 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day alcohol use, those who DIDN'T report use were 1.7 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.4 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.6 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.2 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.

Further, those students who reported using alcohol monthly or more often were 1.8 times more likely to think that most students in their school also drank monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't drink. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.7 times more likely themselves to report using alcohol that often.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Alcohol is the most frequently used substance nationally and statewide, and is associated with a number of adverse health and social consequences. Reported use of alcohol in the past 30 days is a common measure of recent alcohol use. In Minnesota, it is illegal for a person under age 21 to consume alcohol.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, any past 30 day alcohol use was reported by 24.4% of 9th graders and 39.2% of 11th graders nationally.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8^th, 9^th, and 11^th graders who reported past-30 day alcohol use, those who DIDN'T report alcohol use were 2.6 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 1.8 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.6 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 2.5 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.4 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 2 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 1.9 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 2.3 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day alcohol use, those who DIDN'T report use were 1.7 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.4 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.6 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.2 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.

Further, those students who reported using alcohol monthly or more often were 1.8 times more likely to think that most students in their school also drank monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't drink. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.7 times more likely themselves to report using alcohol that often.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

The average age at which young people ages 12 to 17 begin to drink is 13 years old. 

According to the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 20.3% of 9^th graders and 15.2% of 11^th graders nationally reported they first drank alcohol before age 13 years.

N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

The average age at which young people ages 12 to 17 begin to drink is 13 years old. 

According to the national 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 20.3% of 9^th graders and 15.2% of 11^th graders reported they first drank alcohol before age 13 years. Nationally, 14.5% of white students, 18.0% of black students, and 21.3% of Hispanic students reported their first drink of alcohol at younger than age 13.

N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

The average age at which young people ages 12 to 17 begin to drink is 13 years old. 

According to the national 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 20.3% of 9^th graders and 15.2% of 11^th graders reported they first drank alcohol before age 13 years.

N/A  or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Up through the 2016 MSS, acute, short-term “binge drinking” was defined as having five or more drinks of alcohol on a single occasion. In 2019, the binge drinking definition changed to 5 or more drinks for male students and 4 or more drinks for female students. Therefore, trend data for female students CANNOT BE COMPARED between 2013/2016 and 2019.

Up until 2010, the MSS asked students about past two-week binge drinking; in 2013 they were asked about past 30-day binge drinking.

Binge drinking has been associated with alcohol related injuries and deaths, as well as violence and crime. In Minnesota, it is illegal for a person under age 21 to consume alcohol. 

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 13.5% of 9^th graders and 24.6% of 11^th graders reported binge drinking in the past month nationally.

N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Acute, short-term “binge drinking” is defined as having five or more drinks of alcohol on a single occasion. Up until 2010, the MSS asked students about past two week binge drinking; in 2013 they were asked about past 30 day binge drinking. Binge drinking has been associated with alcohol related injuries and deaths, as well as violence and crime. In Minnesota, it is illegal for a person under age 21 to consume alcohol. 

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 13.5% of 9^th graders and 24.6% of 11^th graders reported binge drinking in the past month nationally.

N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Acute, short-term “binge drinking” is defined as having five or more drinks of alcohol on a single occasion. Up until 2010, the MSS asked students about past two week binge drinking; in 2013 they were asked about past 30 day binge drinking. Binge drinking has been associated with alcohol related injuries and deaths, as well as violence and crime. In Minnesota, it is illegal for a person under age 21 to consume alcohol. 

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 13.5% of 9^th graders and 24.6% of 11^th graders reported binge drinking in the past month nationally.

N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Only includes students who reported ever having had sexual intercourse

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Only includes students who reported ever having had sexual intercourse

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Only includes students who reported ever having had sexual intercourse

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they have 5 or more drinks of alcohol once or twice per week. "N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

*The options for sexual orientation were added in 2013. In 2019, three more response options were included: "Pansexual," "Queer," and "I don't describe myself in any of these ways."

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they have 5 or more drinks of alcohol once or twice per week.  "N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they have 5 or more drinks of alcohol once or twice per week.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they purchased alcohol from one or more of the following sources: gas stations, convenience stores, bars or restaurants, liquor stores, or on the internet.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they purchased alcohol from one or more of the following sources: gas stations, convenience stores, bars or restaurants, liquor stores, or on the internet.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they purchased alcohol from one or more of the following sources: gas stations, convenience stores, bars or restaurants, liquor stores, or on the internet.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they got alcohol from one or more of the following sources: their friends, their parents, other family members, getting someone else to buy it for them, or at parties.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they got alcohol from one or more of the following sources: their friends, their parents, other family members, getting someone else to buy it for them, or at parties.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they got alcohol from one or more of the following sources: their friends, their parents, other family members, getting someone else to buy it for them, or at parties.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they took alcohol from one or more of the following sources: their home, a friend’s home, or from stores.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.


Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they took alcohol from one or more of the following sources: their home, a friend’s home, or from stores.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.


Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

This indicator reflects students responding that they took alcohol from one or more of the following sources: their home, a friend’s home, or from stores.  These data include only students who reported any alcohol use in the past 30 days.  Students were asked to select all methods of obtaining alcohol that applied.  N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.


Access questions were not asked in 2016.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them drinking alcohol. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to have one or two drinks nearly every day. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them drinking alcohol. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to have one or two drinks nearly every day. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them drinking alcohol. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to have one or two drinks nearly every day. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: This question was new to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey. Other response options included: "neither agree nor disagree", "disagree", and "strongly disagree."

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: This question was new to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey. Other response options included: "neither agree nor disagree", "disagree", and "strongly disagree."

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: This question was new to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey. Other response options included: "neither agree nor disagree", "disagree", and "strongly disagree."

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: This question was new to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey. Other response options included: "neither agree nor disagree", "disagree", and "strongly disagree."

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: This question was new to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey. Other response options included: "neither agree nor disagree", "disagree", and "strongly disagree."

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: This question was new to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey. Other response options included: "neither agree nor disagree", "disagree", and "strongly disagree."

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

When asked how often they think MOST STUDENTS at their school drink alcohol, 53% of Minnesota’s 8^th, 9^th, and 11^th graders responded with monthly or more often. In reality, past month alcohol use was reported by 17% of students. Students who believe that most students do drink alcohol monthly or more often are over 6.5 times more likely to report they drink alcohol monthly or more often themselves, as compared to students who perceive that most students don’t drink monthly or more often.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

When asked how often they think MOST STUDENTS at their school drink alcohol, 53% of Minnesota’s 8^th, 9^th, and 11^th graders responded with monthly or more often. In reality, past month alcohol use was reported by 17% of students. Students who believe that most students do drink alcohol monthly or more often are over 6.5 times more likely to report they drink alcohol monthly or more often themselves, as compared to students who perceive that most students don’t drink monthly or more often.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

When asked how often they think MOST STUDENTS at their school drink alcohol, 53% of Minnesota’s 8^th, 9^th, and 11^th graders responded with monthly or more often. In reality, past month alcohol use was reported by 17% of students. Students who believe that most students do drink alcohol monthly or more often are over 6.5 times more likely to report they drink alcohol monthly or more often themselves, as compared to students who perceive that most students don’t drink monthly or more often.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Reported tobacco use within the past 30 days (“30-day use”) is a frequent measure of current use, especially among youth. Youth tobacco use is presented here using 30-day use of cigarettes. In Minnesota, no person under 18 may possess, use, purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or tobacco-related devices (Minn. Stat. § 609.685).

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, any past 30-day cigarette smoking was reported by 10.2% of 9th graders and 21.1% of 11th graders nationally.

According to 2013 MSS data, those students who reported using tobacco monthly or more often were 2 times more likely to think that most students in their school also used tobacco monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't use. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.4 times more likely themselves to report using tobacco that often.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

*The options for sexual orientation were added in 2013. In 2019, three more response options were included: "Pansexual," "Queer," and "I don't describe myself in any of these ways."

Reported tobacco use within the past 30 days (“30-day use”) is a frequent measure of current use, especially among youth. Youth tobacco use is presented here using 30-day use of cigarettes. In Minnesota, no person under 18 may possess, use, purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or tobacco-related devices (Minn. Stat. § 609.685).

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, any past 30-day cigarette smoking was reported by 10.2% of 9th graders and 21.1% of 11th graders nationally.

According to 2013 MSS data, those students who reported using tobacco monthly or more often were 2 times more likely to think that most students in their school also used tobacco monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't use. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.4 times more likely themselves to report using tobacco that often.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Reported tobacco use within the past 30 days (“30-day use”) is a frequent measure of current use, especially among youth.  Youth tobacco use is presented here using 30-day use of cigarettes.  In Minnesota, no person under 18 may possess, use, purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or tobacco-related devices (Minn. Stat. § 609.685).  

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, any past 30 day cigarette smoking was reported by 10.2% of 9th graders and 21.1% of 11th graders nationally.

According to 2013 MSS data, those students who reported using tobacco monthly or more often were 2 times more likely to think that most students in their school also used tobacco monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't use. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who

think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.4 times more likely themselves to report using tobacco that often.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: *The options for sexual orientation were added in 2013. In 2019, three more response options were included: "Pansexual," "Queer," and "I don't describe myself in any of these ways."

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Reported tobacco use within the past 30 days (“30-day use”) is a frequent measure of current use, especially among youth. Youth tobacco use is presented here using 30-day use of any of the following substances: cigarettes; cigars, cigarillos or little cigars; chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip; e-cigarettes; or hookah. In Minnesota, no person under 18 may possess, use, purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or tobacco-related devices (Minn. Stat. § 609.685).

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Reported tobacco use within the past 30 days (“30-day use”) is a frequent measure of current use, especially among youth. Youth tobacco use is presented here using 30-day use of any of the following substances: cigarettes; cigars, cigarillos or little cigars; chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip; e-cigarettes; or hookah. In Minnesota, no person under 18 may possess, use, purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or tobacco-related devices (Minn. Stat. § 609.685).

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Reported tobacco use within the past 30 days (“30-day use”) is a frequent measure of current use, especially among youth. Youth tobacco use is presented here using 30-day use of any of the following substances: cigarettes; cigars, cigarillos or little cigars; chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip; e-cigarettes; or hookah. In Minnesota, no person under 18 may possess, use, purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or tobacco-related devices (Minn. Stat. § 609.685).

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they smoked cigarettes.  Low perceived risk of harm increases the likelihood of use.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

*The options for sexual orientation were added in 2013. In 2019, three more response options were included: "Pansexual," "Queer," and "I don't describe myself in any of these ways."

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they smoked cigarettes.  Low perceived risk of harm increases the likelihood of use.
"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they smoked cigarettes.  Low perceived risk of harm increases the likelihood of use.
"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them smoking cigarettes. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to smoke cigarettes. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them drinking alcohol. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to have one or two drinks nearly every day. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them drinking alcohol. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to have one or two drinks nearly every day. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: *The options for sexual orientation were added in 2013. In 2019, three more response options were included: "Pansexual," "Queer," and "I don't describe myself in any of these ways."

About the Indicator:

Current marijuana use is often assessed with measures of reported use in the past 30 days (30-day use). Students were asked about their use of marijuana, bud, weed, pot, hashish, hash, or hash oil.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 17.7% of 9th graders and 25.5% of 11th graders nationally reported any past 30 day marijuana use.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day marijuana use, those who DIDN'T report marijuana use were 2.7 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 1.8 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.6 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 2.5 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.3 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 2.3 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 2.1 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 2.5 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day marijuana use, those who DIDN'T report marijuana use were 1.9 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.6 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.8 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.4 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.

Further, those students who reported using marijuana monthly or more often were 1.9 times more likely to think that most students in their school also used marijuana monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't use. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.6 times more likely themselves to report using marijuana that often.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

*The options for sexual orientation were added in 2013. In 2019, three more response options were included: "Pansexual," "Queer," and "I don't describe myself in any of these ways."

Current marijuana use is often assessed with measures of reported use in the past 30 days (30-day use). Students were asked about their use of marijuana, bud, weed, pot, hashish, hash, or hash oil.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 17.7% of 9th graders and 25.5% of 11th graders nationally reported any past 30 day marijuana use.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day marijuana use, those who DIDN'T report marijuana use were 2.7 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 1.8 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.6 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 2.5 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.3 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 2.3 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 2.1 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 2.5 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day marijuana use, those who DIDN'T report marijuana use were 1.9 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.6 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.8 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.4 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.

Further, those students who reported using marijuana monthly or more often were 1.9 times more likely to think that most students in their school also used marijuana monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't use. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.6 times more likely themselves to report using marijuana that often.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Current marijuana use is often assessed with measures of reported use in the past 30 days (30-day use). Students were asked about their use of marijuana, bud, weed, pot, hashish, hash, or hash oil.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 17.7% of 9th graders and 25.5% of 11th graders nationally reported any past 30 day marijuana use.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day marijuana use, those who DIDN'T report marijuana use were 2.7 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 1.8 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.6 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 2.5 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.3 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 2.3 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 2.1 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 2.5 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day marijuana use, those who DIDN'T report marijuana use were 1.9 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.6 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.8 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.4 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.

Further, those students who reported using marijuana monthly or more often were 1.9 times more likely to think that most students in their school also used marijuana monthly or more often, as compared to those who didn't use. The association was even stronger in the other direction: students who think most of their peers use monthly or more often were 6.6 times more likely themselves to report using marijuana that often.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: According to the national 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 8.5% of 9^th graders and 6.7% of 11^th graders reported they first used marijuana before age 13 years.

N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: According to the national 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 8.5% of 9^th graders and 6.7% of 11^th graders reported they first used marijuana before age 13 years. Nationally, 5.4% of white students, 10.6% of black students, and 10.9% of Hispanic students reported first using marijuana while younger than age 13.

N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: According to the national 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 8.5% of 9^th graders and 6.7% of 11^th graders reported they first used marijuana before age 13 years.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of inhalants in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they sniffed glue, breathed the contents of aerosol spray cans, or inhaled any other gases or sprays in order to get high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month use of inhalants among 12th graders was lower in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 0.67:1.00).  The state's rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of methamphetamine in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used meth, glass, crank, crystal meth or ice. N/A  or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month methamphetamine use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 1.40:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of MDMA, GHB or Ketamine in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used MDMA (E, X, Ecstasy), GHB (G, Liquid E, Liquid X, roofies), or Ketamine (Special K).  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

In 2007, reported past 12 month MDMA/Ecstasy use among 12th graders was lower in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 0.89:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of crack or cocaine in the past 12 months.  Student were asked whether they used crack, coke, or cocaine in any form.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month crack/cocaine use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 2.9%.  Nationally, 2.9% reported use of cocaine and 1.2% reported use of crack.  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of psychedelics in the past 12 months. Students were asked whether they used LSD (acid), PCP (wet sticks or dipped joints), or other psychedelics (mushrooms, angel dust).  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month psychedelic use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 4.3%.  Nationally, 2.6% reported use of LSD and 4.8% reported use of other hallucinogens.  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).   For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of heroin in the past 12 months.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month heroin use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 1.33:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of synthetic drugs in the past 12 months. Students were asked whether they used synthetic drugs such as bath salts (White Wave, White Lightning), or synthetic marijuana (K2, Gold), that they took only to get high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

Because the question about synthetic drugs was added to the survey in 2013, trend data are not available.

For national comparisons, click here: State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of inhalants in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they sniffed glue, breathed the contents of aerosol spray cans, or inhaled any other gases or sprays in order to get high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month use of inhalants among 12th graders was lower in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 0.67:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of methamphetamines in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used meth, glass, crank, crystal meth or ice. N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month methamphetamine use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 2.80:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of MDMA, GHB or Ketamine in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used MDMA (E, X, Ecstasy), GHB (G, Liquid E, Liquid X, roofies), or Ketamine (Special K).  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2007, reported past 12 month MDMA/Ecstasy use among 12th graders was lower in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 0.89:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of crack or cocaine in the past 12 months.  Student were asked whether they used crack, cocaine in chunk or rock form, or cocaine in any other form.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month crack/cocaine use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 2.9%.  Nationally, 2.9% reported use of cocaine and 1.4% reported use of crack.  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of psychedelics in the past 12 months. Students were asked whether they used LSD (acid), PCP (wet sticks or dipped joints), or other psychedelics (mushrooms, angel dust).  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month psychedelic use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 4.3%.  Nationally, 2.6% reported use of LSD and 4.8% reported use of other hallucinogens.  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).   For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of heroin in the past 12 months.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month heroin use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 1.33:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of synthetic drugs in the past 12 months. Students were asked whether they used synthetic drugs such as bath salts (White Wave, White Lightning), or synthetic marijuana (K2, Gold), that they took only to get high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

Because the question about synthetic drugs was added to the survey in 2013, trend data are not available.

For national comparisons, click here: State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of inhalants in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they sniffed glue, breathed the contents of aerosol spray cans, or inhaled any other gases or sprays in order to get high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month use of inhalants among 12th graders was lower in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 0.67:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of methamphetamines in the past 12 months. Students were asked whether they used meth, glass, crank, crystal meth or ice. N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month methamphetamine use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 2.80:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of MDMA, GHB or Ketamine in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used MDMA (E, X, Ecstasy), GHB (G, Liquid E, Liquid X, roofies), or Ketamine (Special K).  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2007, reported past 12 month MDMA/Ecstasy use among 12th graders was lower in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 0.89:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of crack or cocaine in the past 12 months.  Student were asked whether they used crack, cocaine in chunk or rock form, or cocaine in any other form.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month crack/cocaine use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 2.9%.  Nationally, 2.9% reported use of cocaine and 1.4% reported use of crack.  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of psychedelics in the past 12 months. Students were asked whether they used LSD (acid), PCP (wet sticks or dipped joints), or other psychedelics (mushrooms, angel dust).  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month psychedelic use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 4.3%.  Nationally, 2.6% reported use of LSD and 4.8% reported use of other hallucinogens.  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).   For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of heroin in the past 12 months.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

In 2010, reported past 12 month heroin use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 1.33:1.00).  State rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).  For more national comparisons, click here State Epi Profile.

Counts by race/ethnicity may not equal the state total, as students were allowed to select all applicable categories.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any use of synthetic drugs in the past 12 months. Students were asked whether they used synthetic drugs such as bath salts (White Wave, White Lightning), or synthetic marijuana (K2, Gold), that they took only to get high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. As a result of discrepancies in illicit drug use responses, 2013 drug use data are not reliable and are not included here.

Because the question about synthetic drugs was added to the survey in 2013, trend data are not available.

For national comparisons, click here: State Epi Profile.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

In 2013, a new question was added to the Minnesota Student Survey asking about student's past month misuse of any prescription drugs (use of prescription drugs not prescribed for them). Prescription drugs can have dangerous health consequences if used incorrectly, or if used by by someone other than for whom they were intended.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day prescription drug misuse, those who DIDN'T report misuse were 3.8 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 2.2 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.9 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 3.6 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.5 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 3 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 2.6 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 3.4 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day prescription drug misuse, those who DIDN'T report misuse were 2 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.7 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.9 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.2 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

 In 2013, a new question was added to the Minnesota Student Survey asking about student's past month misuse of any prescription drugs (use of prescription drugs not prescribed for them). Prescription drugs can have dangerous health consequences if used incorrectly, or if used by by someone other than for whom they were intended.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day prescription drug misuse, those who DIDN'T report misuse were 3.8 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 2.2 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.9 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 3.6 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.5 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 3 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 2.6 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 3.4 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day prescription drug misuse, those who DIDN'T report misuse were 2 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.7 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.9 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.2 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

*The options for sexual orientation were added in 2013. In 2019, three more response options were included: "Pansexual," "Queer," and "I don't describe myself in any of these ways."

In 2013, a new question was added to the Minnesota Student Survey asking about student's past month misuse of any prescription drugs (use of prescription drugs not prescribed for them). Prescription drugs can have dangerous health consequences if used incorrectly, or if used by by someone other than for whom they were intended.

According to 2013 MSS data, compared to 8th, 9th, and 11th graders who reported past-30 day prescription drug misuse, those who DIDN'T report misuse were 3.8 times less likely to report past-year suicidal ideation; 2.2 times less likely to report problems with feeling depressed in the past year; 1.9 times less likely to report feeling anxious in the past year; 3.6 times less likely to report self harm in the past year; 1.5 times less likely to report past-month bullying victimization; 3 times less likely to report not feeling safe in their neighborhoods; 2.6 times less likely to report not being able to talk to their parents about problems; and 3.4 times less likely to report their parents only care about them some, a little, or not at all.

On the other hand, compared to those students who DID report past 30-day prescription drug misuse, those who DIDN'T report misuse were 2 times more likely to report better teacher-student relationships; 1.7 times more likely to report greater educational engagement; 1.9 times more likely to report that the adults in their communities care about them quite a bit or very much; and 1.2 times more likely to report weekly participation in community activities.


"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any abuse of prescription drugs in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used Oxycodone, OxyContin (oxy), Percocet, Percodan, Vicodin or other pain relievers not prescribed for them by a doctor.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

In 2010, reported past 12 month prescription pain reliever use among 12th graders was similar in Minnesota to the national average (rate ratio = 1.02:1.00).  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF). 

About the Indicator: Drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any abuse of prescription drugs in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used Oxycodone, OxyContin (oxy), Percocet, Percodan, Vicodin or other pain relievers not prescribed for them by a doctor.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

In 2010, reported past 12 month prescription pain reliever use among 12th graders was similar in Minnesota to the national average (rate ratio = 1.02:1.00).  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF). 

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of students reporting any abuse of prescription drugs in the past 12 months.  Students were asked whether they used Oxycodone, OxyContin (oxy), Percocet, Percodan, Vicodin or other pain relievers not prescribed for them by a doctor.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

In 2010, reported past 12 month prescription pain reliever use among 12th graders was similar in Minnesota to the national average (rate ratio = 1.02:1.00).  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF). 

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of their own or someone else’s prescription ADHD or ADD drugs like Ritalin (hyper pills) in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

In 2010, reported past 12 month ADHD or ADD drug use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 1.17:1.00).  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of their own or someone else’s prescription ADHD or ADD drugs like Ritalin (hyper pills) in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

In 2010, reported past 12 month ADHD or ADD drug use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 1.17:1.00).  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of their own or someone else’s prescription ADHD or ADD drugs like Ritalin (hyper pills) in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

In 2010, reported past 12 month ADHD or ADD drug use among 12th graders was higher in Minnesota than the national average (rate ratio = 1.17:1.00).  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of prescription stimulants like Benzedrine (bennies, speed, uppers, pep pills) or diet pills in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of prescription stimulants like Benzedrine (bennies, speed, uppers, pep pills) or diet pills in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Other drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of prescription stimulants like Benzedrine (bennies, speed, uppers, pep pills) or diet pills in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of prescription tranquilizers (Valium, Xanax, nerve pills), sedatives, or barbiturates in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicate that the data are unavailable or were not collected.  

In 2010, reported past 12 month tranquilizer/sedative use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 3.2%.  Nationally, 5.6% reported use of tranquilizers and 4.8% reported use of sedatives.  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of prescription tranquilizers (Valium, Xanax, nerve pills), sedatives, or barbiturates in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicate that the data are unavailable or were not collected.  

In 2010, reported past 12 month tranquilizer/sedative use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 3.2%.  Nationally, 5.6% reported use of tranquilizers and 4.8% reported use of sedatives.  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: Drug consumption by youth is measured here as the number of 9th and 12th grade students reporting any abuse of prescription tranquilizers (Valium, Xanax, nerve pills), sedatives, or barbiturates in the past 12 months for the purpose of getting high.  N/A or * indicate that the data are unavailable or were not collected.  

In 2010, reported past 12 month tranquilizer/sedative use among 12th graders in Minnesota was 3.2%.  Nationally, 5.6% reported use of tranquilizers and 4.8% reported use of sedatives.  States rates are from the Minnesota Student Survey; national rates are from Monitoring the Future (MTF).

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they smoked marijuana once or twice per week. "N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they smoked marijuana once or twice per week. "N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

*The options for sexual orientation were added in 2013. In 2019, three more response options were included: "Pansexual," "Queer," and "I don't describe myself in any of these ways."

Students were asked specifically how much they thought people risked harming themselves physically or in other ways if they smoked marijuana once or twice per week. "N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

The Minnesota Student Survey added a question about the perceived harm of misusing prescription drugs 2013. 

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

The Minnesota Student Survey added a question about the perceived harm of misusing prescription drugs 2013. 

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

*The options for sexual orientation were added in 2013. In 2019, three more response options were included: "Pansexual," "Queer," and "I don't describe myself in any of these ways."

The Minnesota Student Survey added a question about the perceived harm of misusing prescription drugs 2013. 

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them smoking marijuana. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to smoke marijuana. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them smoking marijuana. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to smoke marijuana. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed considerably in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them smoking marijuana. In 2013, students were asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to smoke marijuana. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them using other illegal drugs (other than marijuana). In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to use prescription drugs not prescribed for them. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them using other illegal drugs (other than marijuana). In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to use prescription drugs not prescribed for them. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about parent disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent their parents would approve or disapprove of them using other illegal drugs (other than marijuana). In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their parents would feel it would be for them to use prescription drugs not prescribed for them. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about peer disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent to which their close friends would approve or disapprove of them using illegal drugs (other than marijuana). In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their friends would feel it would be for them to use prescription drugs not prescribed for them. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about peer disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent to which their close friends would approve or disapprove of them using illegal drugs (other than marijuana). In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their friends would feel it would be for them to use prescription drugs not prescribed for them. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about peer disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent to which their close friends would approve or disapprove of them using illegal drugs (other than marijuana). In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their friends would feel it would be for them to use prescription drugs not prescribed for them. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about peer disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent to which their close friends would approve or disapprove of them smoking marijuana once or twice a week. In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their friends would feel it would be for them to smoke marijuana. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about peer disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent to which their close friends would approve or disapprove of them smoking marijuana once or twice a week. In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their friends would feel it would be for them to smoke marijuana. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator: The Minnesota Student Survey question about peer disapproval changed in 2013. In prior years, students were asked about the extent to which their close friends would approve or disapprove of them smoking marijuana once or twice a week. In 2013, this question was dropped and students were instead asked how wrong their friends would feel it would be for them to smoke marijuana. Therefore, 9th grade trend data are available only for 2013 and 2016.

"N/A" indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. "*" indicates the data are unreliable as a result of small sample sizes or other reasons.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Intimate partner violence is a risk factor for both substance use and mental health disorders. N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. This question changed in 2013.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, physical dating violence was reported by 8.8% of 9th graders and 10.4% of 11th graders nationally.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Intimate partner violence is a risk factor for both substance use and mental health disorders. N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, physical dating violence was reported by 8.8% of 9th graders and 10.4% of 11th graders nationally.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)

About the Indicator:

Intimate partner violence is a risk factor for both substance use and mental health disorders. N/A indicates that the data are unavailable or were not collected. The wording of this question changed in 2013.

According to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, physical dating violence was reported by 8.8% of 9th graders and 10.4% of 11th graders nationally.

Data Source: Minnesota Student Survey (MSS)