Introduction to Teen Substance Use
It’s a sobering report in one way. More American teenagers are staying away from alcohol, marijuana and nicotine — but two other vices are growing in use, according to a national survey released Wednesday.
While teens are drinking and smoking less, the use of two dangerous substances is on the rise in a concerning way. LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – stock.adobe.com
The "Monitoring the Future" Survey
The federally-funded “Monitoring the Future” survey, run by the University of Michigan, collects responses from 24,000 students in grades 8, 10 and 12 across the country every year since 1975.
Researchers found several similarities to the previous year’s findings, with two notable exceptions.
Decline in Alcohol, Marijuana, and Nicotine Use
82% of 10th graders hadn’t used alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes or electronic cigarettes in the past month, while 91% of 8th graders had abstained, a slight uptick from 2024.
And both the 2024 and 2025 surveys found that roughly two-thirds of high school seniors said they hadn’t drunk alcohol or used marijuana or tobacco products in the past month.
Increase in Heroin and Cocaine Use
However, there was a concerning increase in the number of students using heroin and cocaine.
Heroin and cocaine use a slight, but concerning, increase in use amongst middle- and high-schoolers from 2024 data. Pixel-Shot – stock.adobe.com
All three grades saw rises in heroin use, while more 8th and 12th graders are now using cocaine than previously noted.
While the numbers are still “leagues below what they were decades ago,” the increases — all of which were less than a 1% difference from last year — still deserve a close eye, according to survey team lead Richard Miech.
Other Trends in Teen Behavior
The study also noted that sexual activity is down, echoing the general trend of people losing interest in frisky activities.
And teen drug use has been declining steadily over recent years, with a dramatic decrease in the early days of the COVID pandemic.
Researchers have a few ideas why both overall substance use and sexual relations among teens continue to drop.
“Online connections don’t create the same opportunities for experimenting with sex, alcohol or marijuana as unsupervised time face-to-face,” said Rutgers University professor of Sexual and Reproductive Health Laura Lindberg.
Other factors that could explain the drop in drugs include efforts to stop young people from vaping and taxes on certain substances, making prices higher.
Caffeine Use Among Teens
One substance that stayed as popular as ever? Caffeine.
More than 20% of high schoolers and around 18% of tweens are downing energy drinks daily, despite the potential health risks of consuming too much caffeine.
Conclusion
The survey’s findings suggest that while there is a decline in the use of certain substances among teens, there is still a need for concern and vigilance when it comes to the use of heroin and cocaine.
It is essential for parents, educators, and policymakers to be aware of these trends and to work together to prevent and address substance use among teens.
FAQs
Q: What is the "Monitoring the Future" survey?
A: The "Monitoring the Future" survey is a federally-funded survey that collects responses from 24,000 students in grades 8, 10 and 12 across the country every year since 1975.
Q: What substances are seeing a decline in use among teens?
A: Alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are seeing a decline in use among teens.
Q: What substances are seeing an increase in use among teens?
A: Heroin and cocaine are seeing an increase in use among teens.
Q: Why are teens using fewer substances?
A: Researchers believe that online connections, efforts to stop young people from vaping, and taxes on certain substances may be contributing to the decline in substance use among teens.
