US Youth Substance Use and Mental Health Improves, Survey Shows

A 2025 national survey of more than 60,000 Americans found that adolescents (12‑17) and young adults (18‑25) reported lower rates of past‑month tobacco, alcohol, binge drinking and marijuana use, as well as declines in illicit drug use, substance‑use disorders, major depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts. Despite these gains, mental‑health challenges remain common; 18 % of adolescents reported moderate or severe anxiety and 15 % experienced a major depressive episode in the past year.

A 2024‑2025 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey echoed the national trend, showing a 45 % drop in high‑school e‑cigarette use since 2018 and reduced cannabis use among middle and high‑school students. Feelings of sadness or hopelessness also fell, though about one‑third of students still reported them. The state report noted a slight rise in smokeless‑tobacco use and highlighted ongoing bullying, dating‑violence and LGBTQ+ youth concerns. Both reports call for expanded prevention, digital‑wellness programs and improved treatment access.