# US youth substance use decline > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-youth-substance-use-decline > Updated: 2026-07-31T18:18:03.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-31: US Youth Substance Use and Mental Health Improves, Survey Shows US national and Maryland surveys report declines in youth tobacco, alcohol, vaping and cannabis use, alongside reduced depression and suicidal thoughts, though mental‑health issues persist. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-youth-substance-use-and-mental-health-improves-survey-shows ### 2026-07-27: U.S. Survey Shows Decline in Teen Drug Use and Mental‑Health Issues SAMHSA reports declines in teen drug use, drinking, vaping, depression and suicide thoughts, but anxiety remains high and treatment gaps persist. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-survey-shows-decline-in-teen-drug-use-and-mentalhealth-issues --- Cite as: US youth substance use decline. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-youth-substance-use-decline