# Prevalence and Factors Associated with Alcohol and Illicit Drug Use Among Brazilian Youth > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/prevalence-alcohol-illicit-drug-use-brazilian-youth/ > **Published:** 2026-03-26T09:02:22-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:38:05-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore the prevalence alcohol illicit drug use brazilian youth in this multicenter study revealing key factors and patterns among young adults in Brazil. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #56Monitored Relevance  Early-stage or contextual signal requiring further evidence before action. 🔬 Evidence Watch  |  CED Clinic CannabisYoung AdultsEpidemiologyPopulation Health[Harm Reduction](https://cedclinic.com/can-you-mix-weed-and-alcohol/) Journal Scientific reports Study Type [Clinical Study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-psychiatric-risk/) Population Human participants Why This Matters This large Brazilian population study provides critical baseline data on [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) patterns among young adults during a formative life transition period. Understanding prevalence and risk factors in diverse populations helps clinicians recognize normal developmental patterns versus concerning use behaviors. Clinical Summary This multicenter cross-sectional study surveyed 8,581 Brazilian youth aged 16-25 across all state capitals from 2016-2017. The study found remarkably high lifetime prevalence rates: 71.6% for alcohol and 30% for illicit drugs, with cannabis being the most common illicit substance at 27.4%. Males showed higher rates of frequent alcohol use, while participants without partners and those with same-sex experiences demonstrated elevated [substance use](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) across multiple categories. The authors noted these rates exceed previous Brazilian estimates, though the study’s cross-sectional design limits causal interpretation of associated factors. Dr. Caplan’s Take “These prevalence rates align with what I observe clinically – [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) among young adults is far more common than many healthcare providers realize. This data helps normalize conversations about [substance use](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) patterns rather than treating any cannabis exposure as inherently pathological.” Clinical Perspective 🧠 Clinicians should use this data to inform realistic, non-judgmental discussions about substance use with young adult patients. Rather than focusing solely on abstinence messaging, providers should assess use patterns, functional impact, and provide [harm reduction](https://cedclinic.com/can-you-mix-weed-and-alcohol/) guidance where appropriate while screening for problematic use behaviors. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [𝕏 Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Prevalence%20and%20factors%20associated%20with%20alcohol%20and%20illicit%20drug%20use%20among%20Brazil...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41339460/)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41339460/)[🦥 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Prevalence%20and%20factors%20associated%20with%20alcohol%20and%20illicit%20drug%20use%20among%20Brazil...%20--%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41339460/)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan/)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://substack.com/@doctorapproved)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/category/cannabis-news/feed/) 📰 Source: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41339460/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41339460/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What is the prevalence of cannabis use among Brazilian youth?](#What_is_the_prevalence_of_cannabis_use_among_Brazilian_youth) - [Which demographic groups show higher rates of substance use among young adults?](#Which_demographic_groups_show_higher_rates_of_substance_use_among_young_adults) - [How does overall substance use among Brazilian youth compare to previous data?](#How_does_overall_substance_use_among_Brazilian_youth_compare_to_previous_data) - [What other illicit substances are commonly used besides cannabis?](#What_other_illicit_substances_are_commonly_used_besides_cannabis) - [What are the clinical implications of these findings for healthcare providers?](#What_are_the_clinical_implications_of_these_findings_for_healthcare_providers) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What is the prevalence of cannabis use among Brazilian youth? This large multicenter study found that 27.4% of Brazilian youth aged 16-25 reported lifetime cannabis use, making it the most commonly used illicit substance. This prevalence rate is significantly higher than previous estimates and represents a substantial portion of young adults in Brazil. #### Which demographic groups show higher rates of substance use among young adults? Males demonstrated higher rates of frequent alcohol use compared to females. Additionally, participants without romantic partners had elevated rates of alcohol and hallucinogen use, while those reporting same-sex sexual experiences showed increased substance use across all drug categories. #### How does overall substance use among Brazilian youth compare to previous data? The study revealed that Brazilian youth exhibit substance use rates that exceed previous estimates, with 71.6% reporting lifetime alcohol use and 30% reporting illicit drug use. These elevated levels suggest a significant increase in psychoactive substance use during the transition to adulthood period. #### What other illicit substances are commonly used besides cannabis? After cannabis (27.4%), cocaine was the second most commonly used illicit substance at 9.9% lifetime prevalence. The study also identified hallucinogen use as occurring at notable rates, particularly among certain demographic groups like those without romantic partners. #### What are the clinical implications of these findings for healthcare providers? Healthcare providers should implement routine substance use screening for patients aged 16-25, particularly focusing on high-risk groups identified in the study. The elevated prevalence rates underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention and harm reduction strategies tailored to young adults transitioning to independence. {“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “ScholarlyArticle”, “headline”: “Prevalence and factors associated with alcohol and illicit drug use among Brazilian youth: a multicenter cross-sectional study.”, “url”: “https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41339460/”, “about”: “scientific reports [clinical study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-psychiatric-risk/) prevalence factors”, “isPartOf”: “Scientific reports”} [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [The effect of cannabis use on the time course of positive and negative affect in the daily life of youth.](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-effects-youth-daily-mood-patterns/) This article explores how cannabis use influences mood fluctuations in young people, providing insights relevant to substance use patterns. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-effects-youth-daily-mood-patterns/) [Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment Europe Review](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-disorder-treatment-europe-evidence-watch/) A comprehensive review of [cannabis use disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/) treatments in Europe, highlighting clinical approaches and evidence-based practices. [Explore Treatments](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-disorder-treatment-europe-evidence-watch/) [Study highlights stroke risk linked to recreational drugs, including among young users](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-stroke-risk-young-users-study-highlights/) This study discusses the increased stroke risk associated with recreational drug use, emphasizing implications for young users. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-stroke-risk-young-users-study-highlights/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).