The study shows stable trends with isolated increases in certain substances.
An annual survey, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and conducted by the University of Michigan, found that substance use among U.S. adolescents remained near historic lows in 2025, continuing a trend that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Monitoring the Future study reported stable levels of abstention from alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana across eighth, 10th, and 12th graders.
“We are encouraged that adolescent drug use remains relatively low and that so many teens choose not to use drugs at all,” said Director Nora Volkow of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “It is critical to continue to monitor these trends closely to understand how we can continue to support teens in making healthy choices and target interventions where and when they are needed.”
While most substance use rates held steady, researchers observed modest increases in reported heroin and cocaine use among some age groups, though overall levels remain far below those seen in past decades. The survey collected responses from more than 23,000 students nationwide and continues to inform public health monitoring and prevention efforts.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Commissioner Bhattacharya and NIH researchers as they monitor youth health trends and risk behaviors.
- For wisdom for Director Volkow as she oversees the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the reviews of studies and surveys.
- For students, parents, and educators working to support healthy decision-making among adolescents.
Sources: National Institutes of Health
