Key facts
- A federal survey shows declining trends in adolescent use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drugs.
- Fewer adolescents reported major depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts or attempts.
- Young adults aged 18-25 also exhibited favorable trends in substance use and mental health.
- Nearly 20% of adolescents surveyed experienced moderate or severe anxiety symptoms.
- More than half of individuals over 12 reported using an illicit drug, alcohol, tobacco, or vaped nicotine in the past month.
- A substantial majority of those needing substance use treatment did not receive it.
A key U.S. government report on mental health, substance use, and addiction has revealed continued improvements in several metrics, particularly among young people. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health report, which includes data allowing researchers to track trends from 2021 to 2025.
The survey found that fewer adolescents aged 12 to 17 reported using tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and engaging in binge drinking in the previous month. This age group also showed a decrease in illicit drug and marijuana use, starting alcohol or marijuana use, and substance use disorders over the past year. Furthermore, adolescents reported declining trends in major depressive episodes and fewer serious thoughts of suicide, suicide plans, and suicide attempts.
Young adults aged 18 to 25 experienced similarly favorable trends. However, the report also highlighted persistent mental health challenges, with nearly 20% of adolescents surveyed reporting moderate or severe anxiety symptoms in the preceding two weeks, compared to about 7% of adults over 18.
Overall, the survey indicated that more than half of individuals over 12 used an illicit drug, drank alcohol, used tobacco, or vaped nicotine in the previous month. Specifically, 44% drank alcohol, 16% used a tobacco product, 10% vaped nicotine, and 16% used an illicit drug.
Robyn Oster, policy director for the Partnership to End Addiction, noted that while the trends among young people are promising, significant work remains. She stated that nearly 45 million people still have substance use disorder and that a large majority do not receive adequate treatment.