Partnership to End Addiction

Federal Survey Reveals Declining Substance Use and Improved Mental Health Among U.S. Youth

- The 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows significant declines in tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drug use among adolescents aged 12–17 and young adults aged 18–25. - Fewer adolescents reported major depressive episodes, serious thoughts of suicide, making a suicide plan, and attempting suicide compared to prior years. - Public health experts attribute the positive trends to reduced risky behaviors, increased supervised screen time, and effective public health messaging about substance dangers. - Despite progress, nearly 20% of adolescents still experience moderate or severe anxiety symptoms, and over 80% of those needing substance use treatment did not receive it.