National surveys show that most young Americans continue to avoid drugs.
New results from a national survey show that most teens in the United States continue to report very low levels of drug use, and many choose not to use substances at all. The findings come from the Monitoring the Future survey, a longitudinal study that tracks drug use and attitudes among eighth-, 10th-, and 12th-grade students nationwide. The survey has been supported by federal health agencies for more than five decades and is considered one of the most reliable measures of adolescent substance use.
According to the latest data, consumption levels for most drugs in 2025 remained close to historic lows first seen in 2021. The researchers say the declines began during the pandemic, when many young people spent more time at home and were less likely to access drugs in ways that lead to experimentation. Although daily life has largely returned to normal, lower levels of use have remained stable rather than bouncing back.
One of the most striking findings is the high rate of teenagers who say they have not recently used alcohol, marijuana, or nicotine. In the past 30 days, more than 10 out of 10 eighth graders had not used these substances. Among 10th graders, more than eight in ten said so. Even among 12th graders, nearly two-thirds reported not using alcohol, marijuana, or nicotine in the past month. These numbers suggest that abstinence from substance use is more common and socially accepted among young people.
Alcohol consumption also remained stable across grade levels. About one in ten eighth graders reported drinking alcohol in the past year. For 10th graders, that number rises to one in four. Among high school seniors, more than four in ten reported that they had used alcohol in the past 12 months. While use increases with age, the researchers note that these levels are still lower than those reported by adolescents in previous decades.
Marijuana use followed a similar pattern. Past year use was reported by about eight percent of eighth graders, 16 percent of 10th graders, and 26 percent of 12th graders. A small proportion of students reported using marijuana products made from hemp, including forms that can cause a high. Health experts continue to closely monitor these products because they are often easy to access and can be considered harmless.
Nicotine use, including vaping, also remained stable. Fewer than one in ten eighth graders reported vaping nicotine in the past year. The rate was higher for older students, reaching one in five 12th graders. Use of nicotine pouches, which does not include smoking or vaping, remained low across all grades.
While most drug use remained low, the survey found small increases in heroin and cocaine use. Even with these increases, use of these drugs among adolescents remains low. Less than one percent of students in each grade reported using heroin in the past year. Cocaine use was also reported by a very small proportion of students. The researchers emphasized that today’s levels are lower than those seen decades ago, but they said changes over time are observable.
The survey is based on responses from more than 23,000 students in public and private schools across the country. Students completed the survey online while at school, answering questions about their substance use, beliefs about harm, and thoughts about drug availability. Results were carefully adjusted to reflect national trends.
Health officials say the findings mark progress but also highlight the need for continued attention. Ongoing prevention efforts, clear information and support for healthy choices are needed to reduce drug use among adolescents. Researchers plan to track these trends each year to see how teen behavior changes with new substances and social pressures.
Sources:
Most drug use among American teenagers is low
2–3% of Indians are drug addicts, 90% of them do not seek treatment: AIIMS Director
