A new U.S. federal survey has revealed encouraging progress in youth mental health and substance use, with fewer teenagers and young adults reporting drug use, depression and suicidal thoughts compared to previous years.
The latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health, released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), analysed data collected between 2021 and 2025 and highlights several positive trends among young Americans despite ongoing concerns about mental health and addiction treatment.
Youth Drug and Alcohol Use Continues to Decline
The report found that adolescents aged 12 to 17 are using significantly fewer substances than in previous years.
Compared with earlier surveys, fewer teenagers reported using:
- Tobacco products
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Nicotine vaping devices
- Illicit drugs
- Engaging in binge drinking
The survey also showed fewer young people started using alcohol, vaping or marijuana during the past year, while diagnoses of alcohol and substance use disorders also declined.
Mental Health Shows Signs of Improvement
The findings also point to positive changes in adolescent mental health.
Compared with previous years, fewer teenagers reported:
- Major depressive episodes
- Serious suicidal thoughts
- Making suicide plans
- Attempting suicide
Young adults aged 18 to 25 also experienced similar improvements across several mental health and substance use indicators.
Anxiety Remains a Major Concern
Despite the encouraging trends, mental health challenges remain widespread.
Nearly 20% of adolescents surveyed reported experiencing moderate to severe anxiety symptoms within the previous two weeks. By comparison, only around 7% of adults over the age of 18 reported similar anxiety levels.
Experts say the findings show progress but also highlight the continued need for greater mental health support for young people.
Millions Still Struggle With Addiction
Across the wider population, the survey found that more than half of Americans aged 12 and older had used alcohol, tobacco, nicotine vaping products or illicit drugs during the previous month.
The report found:
- 44% consumed alcohol
- 16% used tobacco products
- 10% used nicotine vaping devices
- 16% used illicit drugs
According to addiction experts, more than 45 million Americans continue to live with substance use disorders.
Experts Call for Better Access to Treatment
Robyn Oster, Policy Director at the Partnership to End Addiction, welcomed the improvements but warned that access to treatment remains a serious issue.
She noted that although youth substance use is declining, more than 80% of people who needed treatment for addiction did not receive it during the past year.
Health professionals say expanding access to quality mental health care and addiction treatment will be essential to sustaining the positive trends identified in the latest federal survey.
