Adolescent Substance Use Remains Near Historic Lows: Findings from the 2025 NIDA and University of Michigan Monitoring the Future Survey

Source: University of Michigan

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the University of Michigan published new data from the Monitoring the Future Study, an annual survey of drug use behaviors and attitudes among eighth, 10th, and 12th graders that has been supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for 51 years. The latest findings show that adolescent substance use in the United States remains at historically low levels. 

The 2025 survey included 23,726 students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades from 270 public and private schools across the country, providing a nationally representative snapshot of substance use behaviors and attitudes among youth. 

Key Findings from the 2025 Data

Overall, substance use remained steady in 2025. While substance use continues to increase by grade level, differences between grades have narrowed over time.

• High rates of abstinence remain stable. Approximately 91% of eighth graders, 82% of 10th graders, and 66% of 12th graders reported abstaining from, or not using, marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine in the past 30 days.

• Alcohol use remained stable among all three grade levels, with 11% of eighth graders, 24% of 10th graders, and 41% of 12th graders reporting use in the past 12 months.

• Cannabis use remained unchanged among all grades, with 8% of eighth graders, 16% of 10th graders, and 26% of 12th graders reporting use in the past 12 months. Of note, 2% of 8th graders, 6% of 10th graders, and 9% of 12th graders reported use of cannabis products made from hemp, which include intoxicating products such as delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, in the past 12 months.

• Nicotine vaping remained stable among all grades, with 9% of eighth graders, 14% of 10th graders, and 20% of 12th graders reporting use in the past 12 months.

• Nicotine pouch use also remains low and stable among all grades, with 1% of eighth graders, 3% of 10th graders, and 7% of 12th graders reporting use in the past 12 months.

  
  

Cannabis, Vaping, and Smoking Trends

Cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit substance among adolescents. While overall prevalence declined sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since stabilized, patterns of use continue to change. Vaping cannabis now rivals traditional smoking methods among 12th graders, and edibles—cannabis infused foods—have become a common method of use. These products are often perceived by adolescents as lower risk and are easier to conceal. In addition, hemp-derived cannabinoid products such as delta-8 THC continue to be used by a minority of adolescents, particularly older teens.

In contrast, nicotine vaping remains one of the most prevalent substance use behaviors among teens. After peaking around 2019 and 2020, rates declined sharply and have since stabilized.

Click here for the full announcement from NIDA.

Reference: Miech, R. A., Patrick, M. E., O’Malley, P. M., Jager, J. O. and Jang, J. B. (2026). Monitoring the Future national survey results on drug use, 1975–2025: Overview and detailed results for secondary school students. Monitoring the Future Monograph Series. Ann Arbor, MI: Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan. Available at https://monitoringthefuture.org/results/annual-reports/