The chart illustrates the percentage of Norwich students in grades 6-12 who reported trying alcohol, vape pens (nicotine), and marijuana recently, over three different years: 2019, 2021-2022, and 2023. Notably, the use of vape pens saw a significant increase in 2021-2022, reaching 7%, but dropped to 4.5% in 2023. Alcohol use remained relatively stable between 2019 and 2021-2022, with a slight decrease in 2023. Marijuana usage was the highest among the substances in 2021-2022 at 8.4%, but it also saw a decline in 2023. These trends suggest a shift in substance use patterns among students, with a notable decrease in 2023 across all substances. The data highlights the importance of monitoring and addressing substance use in schools, as well as the potential impact of interventions or societal changes on student behavior.
