US youth substance use decline

A SAMHSA report covering 2021‑2025 shows notable reductions among U.S. adolescents and young adults in past‑month use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, binge‑drinking, vaping and other illicit substances, as well as declines in substance‑use disorders, major depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts. About one‑fifth of teens still reported moderate or severe anxiety, and more than half of those aged 12 and older used at least one substance in the past month.

A subsequent national survey of over 60,000 respondents confirmed these downward trends and added state‑level detail from Maryland, where e‑cigarette use among high‑schoolers fell 45 % since 2018 and cannabis use declined. The Maryland data also noted a slight increase in smokeless‑tobacco use and persistent issues such as bullying, dating‑violence and concerns for LGBTQ+ youth. Both reports call for expanded prevention programs, digital‑wellness initiatives and improved access to treatment.

Overall, the data indicate continued progress in reducing youth substance use and improving mental‑health outcomes, while highlighting remaining challenges and the need for targeted interventions.