Generative artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a first stop for young adults seeking information about drugs and alcohol, a new study suggests. The research, published in JMIR Formative Research, found that 32% of 995 Americans aged 18 to 29 had used tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Meta AI for substance-related queries.
Among those who had turned to AI for such advice, nearly half said they did so at least monthly, with 12% using it weekly and 4% daily or almost daily. The findings raise public health concerns as chatbots become a more common source of health information, particularly for a demographic already vulnerable to the adverse effects of substance use.
“Using these tools can lead to misinformed or otherwise risky substance-use behaviour among young people, who are the age group most affected by adverse effects of substance use,” said Mireia Triguero Roura, a postdoctoral researcher at Rutgers University and lead author of the study, in a press release.
Chatbots supplement, not replace, search engines
The survey, conducted online in April 2026, found that 93% of those who used AI for substance-related questions had also used Google Search for the same purpose. This suggests that chatbots are supplementing rather than replacing established online search tools, at least for now.
Users primarily sought information about the risks and consequences of substance use, with nearly 93% citing this as a reason. Around half asked about specific substances, including dosage, while 35% explored topics related to substance use disorders such as addiction.
Young adults generally rated AI highly for helpfulness, reliability, and trustworthiness. Those who used it for substance-related queries gave it an average trustworthiness score of 3.66 out of five, compared with 3.51 for general use.
The study also found notable disparities in use by race and sex. Black respondents were more likely than white respondents to report using AI for substance-related information, with adjusted odds 2.52 times higher. Male respondents had approximately twice the adjusted odds of female respondents.
“The observed disparities in who chooses to use AI for drug-related inquiries could reflect differences in healthcare access, stigma, trust, and health information-seeking behaviors,” said Triguero Roura.
While the study focuses on the United States, the implications extend across the Atlantic. European health authorities are watching similar trends, as AI tools become more integrated into daily life. In France, for instance, a recent survey found that parents often underestimate their children's AI use, a gap that could have consequences for how young Europeans access health information.
The findings also echo broader concerns about AI's role in health advice. A separate survey indicated that travellers trust AI for pricing but not for trip planning, suggesting that confidence in AI varies by domain. In the realm of substance use, the stakes are higher, and the potential for harm is real.
As chatbots become more sophisticated, public health officials across Europe are grappling with how to regulate and guide their use. The European Union has been at the forefront of AI regulation, with the recent parliamentary votes showing the complex interplay between industry interests and public health priorities. Ensuring that AI provides accurate, evidence-based information about drugs and alcohol is a growing challenge.
The study's authors call for greater awareness and possibly for AI developers to incorporate safeguards, such as directing users to reliable sources or providing clear warnings about the limitations of AI-generated health advice. For now, the onus is on young adults to critically evaluate the information they receive, and on health systems to offer trustworthy alternatives.
