Addiction affects all socioeconomic groups. Little consensus exists regarding the relationship between socioeconomic status (income, wealth, and parental education) and substance use alcohol use, smoking, and marijuana use). Youth from low-income families face unique stressors that can increase the risk of substance abuse which can have substantial adverse outcomes.

The relationship between family income and youth substance abuse is complex. Youth substance abuse is defined as a repeated use of substances, such as alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drugs among minors, which can lead to harmful addictions and negative physiological changes. Previous literature has shown that adolescents with low socioeconomic status (SES) are more likely to engage in substance use. However, there is growing evidence that adolescents with high SES are also at high risk for substance abuse (Humensky, 2010). The relationship between family income and substance abuse is nuanced, with some research suggesting that low SES is associated with higher drug usage among teens. Among those who reported ever using illicit drugs in their lifetime, those who were in the lowest annual family income category (<$20,000) (Baptiste-Roberts and Hossain, 2018; Moustgaard et al., 2025). However, there is also evidence that high SES may lead to higher risk for developing substance abuse, or that SES has no visible effect on substance abuse. Frequent family meals are related to lower substance use in female but not male adolescents (Rahal et al., 2025). Regardless of income level, several risk factors increase a young person’s vulnerability to substance abuse (genetics, family history of addiction, mental health issues, lack of parental supervision etc.). A constellation of socio-relational and other environmental factors plays a role in the intergenerational transmission of substance use (Meulewaeter et al., 2022). Treatment dropout in substance use disorder programs poses a significant challenge to achieving successful outcomes (Zhang and Wu, 2025). The purpose of this research is to investigate possible relationships between substance use among High School students and familial income in Florida.

Median family income data was procured from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD). In addition, Youth Substance Abuse Data was procured from the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey 2024 State Report. One limitation of this method is that the NIMHD data population does not include 2024 data, only 2019-2023. By cross referencing Table C3 Methods (Contd.) created to assess any relationships between family income and a variety of different substances (Marijuana, Cigarettes, Nicotine Vapes, and Coefficient Alcohol/Illicit of Drugs.) Determination calculated using linear regressions. Figure A: was Figure B: Results (Contd.) References Executive Office of the Governor 2024 State Report Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey. www.myflfamilies.com/sites/default/files/202 5-06/2024 Florida Youth Substan ce Abuse Survey State Repor t.pdf. Accessed 13 July 2025. Figure D: Illicit Drug/Alcohol use and family income are not related Results and Table C5 (Figures A & B respectively) with the Income Data, multiple scatter plots were created to assess any relationships between family income and a variety of different substances (Marijuana, Cigarettes, Nicotine Vapes, and Coefficient Alcohol/Illicit of Drugs.) Determination calculated using linear regressions. 

The dataset from Figure A seemed to have a statistically significant negative correlation for all substances, as seen by Figure C. However, Figure C also depicts a lack of statistical significance when finding correlations with Figure B

Figure A (Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey 2024 State Report):

Figure B (Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey 2024 State Report):

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

Family income has a complex relationship with youth substance abuse. Both higher and lower family income are associated with increased risks by different factors. Youth from wealthier families are more likely to engage in using heavy alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. In contrast, youth from low-income families are facing challenges viz., parental substance abuse, health disparities, limited resources, and environmental stress. Addiction crosses all boundaries of wealth and social status, affecting people from all socioeconomic groups. Numerous studies have shown that adolescents living with single parents, stepparents, or with neither parent are at risk of substance use. There is a need to gain further knowledge related to how various indicators of SES are associated with substance use and differential associations with different substances. Prevention and treatment may involve psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy. Effective programs need to be developed to avert detrimental forms of substance abuse by youth.