Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Teen Drug Use Hits Historic Low for Fifth Year

12/22/2025

43 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, National Institute of Health-funded Monitoring the Future survey shows teen drug and alcohol use remains at a historic low for the fifth consecutive year.
The decline began during the COVID-19 pandemic and has persisted through 2025.
In 2025, 91% of eighth graders, 82% of 10th graders, and 66% of 12th graders reported not using marijuana, alcohol, or nicotine, while some grades saw increases in heroin and cocaine use.

1 of 1

Story summary

In 2025, National Institute of Health-funded Monitoring the Future survey shows teen drug and alcohol use remains at a historic low for the fifth consecutive year.
The decline began during the COVID-19 pandemic and has persisted through 2025.
In 2025, 91% of eighth graders, 82% of 10th graders, and 66% of 12th graders reported not using marijuana, alcohol, or nicotine, while some grades saw increases in heroin and cocaine use.