Lifetime Drug Use in Mexico Rises to 14.4%: ENCODAT 2025

The consumption of psychoactive substances continues to pose a structural challenge for health systems worldwide, driven by social, technological, and economic factors that have altered the availability, potency, and access to drugs. In this context, Mexico’s National Survey on Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption 2025 (ENCODAT 2025) provides an updated picture of substance use and mental health trends, offering data to guide public policy, prevention strategies, and health services.

The survey is part of a broader effort to strengthen the national health system through evidence-based, equitable, and people-centered approaches, says David Kershenobich, Mexico’s Minister of Health. The circulation of synthetic opioids and high-purity stimulants has heightened public health risks, reinforcing the need for timely data, early intervention, and coordinated responses that go beyond containment.

Epidemiological surveillance plays a central role in this strategy. ENCODAT 2025 introduces methodological updates that include specific modules for emerging phenomena, stronger measurement of polysubstance use, and improved tools to capture risks linked to substances such as fentanyl and methamphetamines. The survey was developed through collaboration among federal institutions, state governments, academic centers, and public health specialists.

Substance use remains widespread globally. Estimates indicate that about 2.5 billion people over the age of 15 consume alcohol, 1.25 billion use tobacco products and 316 million people between 15 and 65 use drugs other than alcohol or tobacco. Substance use disorders affect hundreds of millions worldwide and are closely linked to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, and schizophrenia. Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs are among the leading risk factors for disability and premature mortality, particularly among people aged 25 to 49.

In Mexico, ENCODAT data shows that substance use is common and evolving. The prevalence of having used any drug at least once in a lifetime among people aged 12 to 65 rose from 10.3% in 2016 to 14.4% in 2025. Increases were recorded in several regions, including Mexico City, the Center, the Northwest, the Northeast, and the Northern Peninsula. Cannabis remains the most commonly used illegal drug, with lifetime use increasing from 8.6% to 12% over the same period.

By contrast, drug use among adolescents showed a decline. Lifetime use of any drug among those aged 12 to 17 fell from 6.4% in 2016 to 4.7% in 2025, and illegal drug use in this group also decreased. The average age of initiation for illegal drugs and cannabis increased in the overall population, suggesting later onset.

ENCODAT 2025 also reports low but measurable levels of non-medical fentanyl use, limited to adults over 18, and notes increases in the reported use of certain prescription drugs outside medical supervision, though results should be interpreted cautiously due to changes in survey instruments.

Alcohol consumption remains widespread. Nearly three-quarters of the population reported having consumed alcohol at least once, with increases among women and declines among adolescents. Excessive alcohol consumption declined overall, particularly among adolescents and adult men. About 1.8% of the population met criteria for alcohol dependence, with treatment access remaining limited.

The survey integrates mental health indicators into its analysis, reflecting the growing burden of mental disorders. In Mexico, the number of people living with a mental disorder increased to 18.1 million by 2021, and mental health conditions now account for 7.6% of the national disease burden. ENCODAT 2025 also highlights emerging challenges such as gambling disorder and problematic internet use, which share risk factors with substance use disorders.

By combining substance use and mental health data, ENCODAT 2025 aims to support more targeted, inclusive, and effective public policies. Authorities emphasize that transparent access to this information is essential for designing prevention, treatment, regulation, and harm reduction strategies that respond to current and future risks.