A key federal report on mental health and substance use has revealed continued improvements in several areas, particularly among young people. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, recently released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, presents data showing positive trends from 2021 to 2025.
The survey found that fewer adolescents aged 12 to 17 reported using tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and engaging in binge drinking in the preceding month. In the past year, this age group also showed decreased rates of illicit drug and marijuana use, initiation of alcohol or marijuana use, and vaping. Additionally, there were reductions in substance use disorders, alcohol use disorders, and drug use disorders among adolescents.
Adolescents also experienced declining trends in major depressive episodes. The report indicated fewer serious thoughts of suicide, fewer instances of making a suicide plan, and fewer suicide attempts within this demographic. Young adults aged 18 to 25 reported similarly favorable trends.
Despite these positive developments, a significant portion of young people continue to face mental health challenges. The survey indicated that nearly 20% of adolescents reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms in the two weeks prior to the survey, a rate considerably higher than the approximately 7% reported by adults over 18.
Overall, the survey data showed that more than half of individuals over 12 years old used an illicit drug, drank alcohol, used tobacco, or vaped nicotine in the previous month. This includes 44% who consumed alcohol, 16% who used a tobacco product, 10% who vaped nicotine, and 16% who used an illicit drug.
Experts acknowledge the encouraging trends among young people but emphasize that substantial work remains. "There's still a lot of work to be done," said Robyn Oster, policy director for the Partnership to End Addiction. She noted that nearly 45 million people still have a substance use disorder and that a vast majority of those needing treatment do not receive it. "It’s still well over 80% of people who needed it did not get substance use treatment in the past year, let alone quality treatment."