Shifting Consumption Patterns: Less Alcohol and Tobacco, More Vaping and Marijuana in Mexico

Web Editor

December 23, 2025

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Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption in Decline, Cannabis and Vaping on the Rise

In Mexico, alcohol remains the most consumed substance; however, its consumption among adolescents has decreased, while the use of cannabis and vaping devices has increased significantly among various population groups, according to the latest data from the National Survey on Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Consumption (ENCODAT 2025) presented by Health Secretary David Kershenobich during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference.

Mixed Picture of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Substance Consumption

The survey, conducted among individuals aged 12 to 65, indicates that overall alcohol consumption in the population increased from 71% in 2015 to 73.7% in 2025, with a marked rise among adult women, whose consumption rose from 62.6% to 69.3% during the same period.

Conversely, alcohol consumption among adolescents has decreased, falling from 28% in previous measurements to 17.8%, and excessive monthly consumption among this group dropped from 8.3% to 2.6%.

Significant Transformations in Other Substances

The ENCODAT results also reveal substantial changes regarding other substances. Cannabis remains the most prevalent illegal drug, and its consumption has increased: rising from 9.3% to 13.3% in this period.

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Moreover, vaping shows a concerning upward trend, despite traditional tobacco consumption showing signs of decline in certain population segments. These findings have prompted authorities to propose awareness campaigns for 2026 targeting the reduction of vaping use, especially among youth, and strengthening comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies nationwide.

Increased Cannabis Consumption

When questioned by the press about overall cannabis consumption in Mexico, President Sheinbaum stated that while opinions and actions vary, the goal is to guide a reduction in substance consumption.

“The United States has decreased restrictions on cannabis use, recently signed by President Trump. It’s always debatable whether it should be used or not; the Supreme Court resolved some related matters years ago. Therefore, we prefer that no one uses these drugs and aim to guide this from a young age,” she said.

Sheinbaum Pardo also mentioned that her government aims to launch comprehensive prevention and attention campaigns “from school and family… with access and support mechanisms for all children and adolescents.”

Mental Health in Mexico

In addition to consumption patterns, the ENCODAT 2025 incorporated modules on mental health and risky behaviors, highlighting that a significant proportion of adolescents face psychological distress and other vulnerability factors.

The data showed that adolescents had the highest prevalence of mental health issues: 13 out of every 100 girls and 7 out of every 100 boys aged 12 to 17 experienced psychological distress.

For adults (aged 18 and above), the figure was 10.2% for women and 5.1% for men.

This reflects significant gender-related challenges: in all age groups, women exhibit nearly double the prevalence of mental health issues and incidents of violence.

Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized that these data will be crucial for formulating more effective public policies, as well as guiding preventive programs and mental health and addiction attention.

The federal government has stated that it will continue using this evidence to design targeted interventions, with a particular focus on youth and school environments, aiming to mitigate risks and promote healthy lifestyles.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What are the main findings of the ENCODAT 2025 survey?
    The survey reveals that alcohol consumption remains high, but has decreased among adolescents. Meanwhile, cannabis and vaping use have increased across various population groups.
  • How has alcohol consumption changed among adolescents?
    Alcohol consumption among adolescents has decreased, falling from 28% to 17.8%, and excessive monthly consumption dropped from 8.3% to 2.6%.
  • What is the trend regarding cannabis use?
    Cannabis remains the most prevalent illegal drug, with its consumption increasing from 9.3% to 13.3%.
  • What are the mental health concerns highlighted by ENCODAT 2025?
    A significant proportion of adolescents face psychological distress, with 13 out of every 100 girls and 7 out of every 100 boys aged 12 to 17 experiencing such issues.
  • How will the government use these findings?
    The federal government intends to use this evidence for designing targeted interventions, focusing on youth and school environments, to mitigate risks and promote healthy lifestyles.