Teen Drug Use Rates Stay Low, NIH Survey Shows

Monitoring the Future Survey

Based out of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, the Monitoring the Future Survey has been reported by the National Institute of Health since 1974. Results are based on self-reports of drug use by teens and preteens. The study examined 8th, 10th, and 12th graders who indicated their substance use patterns for the past 30 days, 12 months, and lifetime.

The most recent survey included input from 23,726 students attending schools across the country.

Key Findings on Teen Drug Use

Results from the 2025 study show that drug use among teens is holding at the low-point reached during the pandemic. Numbers remained consistent with those reported in 2024.

Alcohol: 11% of 8th graders, 24% of 10th graders, and 41% of 12th graders reported using alcohol in the past 12 months.

Cannabis: 8% of 8th graders, 16% of 10th graders, and 26% of 12th graders reported marijuana use in the past 12 months.

Nicotine (vaping): 9% of 8th graders, 14% of 10th graders, and 20% of 12th graders reported vaping nicotine in the past 12 months.

Nicotine (pouch): 1% of 8th graders, 3% of 10th graders, and 7% of 12th graders reported using nicotine pouches in the past 12 months.

Heroin: 0.5% of 8th graders, 0.5% of 10th graders, and 0.9% of 12th graders reported using heroin in the past 12 months. These values were slightly higher than reports from 2024, when the percentages were between 0.1 and 0.2 for all three grade levels.

Cocaine: Use of cocaine increased among 8th graders and 12th graders but remained steady for 10th graders. Numbers for 8th graders jumped from 0.2% to 0.6%, and for 12th graders it increased from 0.9% to 1.4%. Among 10th graders, the number stayed at 0.7% for 2024 and 2025.

Abstinence: Overall numbers for abstaining from substances remained stable between 2024 and 2025, with 91% of 8th graders, 82% of 10th graders, and 66% of 12th graders reporting abstaining from marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine for the past 30 days.

These stable numbers appear consistent with Rehab.com’s Drug Use Statistics Report, which show that 7.7% of 12-17 year olds have reported any type of drug use over the past 12 months.

What These Trends Mean for Parents and Providers

While this data is encouraging, experts caution that low overall rates do not eliminate individual risk. Even limited experimentation can escalate quickly particularly for teens with co-occurring mental health conditions, family history of addiction, or increased exposure to substances like high-potency cannabis or nicotine vapes.

Early intervention and access to appropriate treatment remain critical.

Finding Help For Teen Drug Use

If a teen in your life is struggling with drug or alcohol use, professional help is available. Rehab.com connects families with specialized treatment programs for children and teens.

Explore treatment options by location, level of care and insurance coverage. Or for immediate confidential help, call 800-985-8516 ( Sponsored Helpline ) today.

Early support can make a lifelong difference.