Teens Are Ditching Drinking, Smoking, and Marijuana at Record Levels

In a surprising and promising trend, more American teens are saying “no” to drugs, alcohol, and nicotine than ever before, according to the latest Monitoring the Future survey. Instead of the expected post-pandemic rebound in substance use, rates have continued to drop even further, marking a historic low in 2024.

“This wasn’t what we anticipated,” said Richard Miech, lead researcher for the study conducted by the University of Michigan. “Many experts assumed teen drug use would bounce back once pandemic restrictions were lifted. Instead, we’re seeing declines across the board, which is great news.”

The annual survey, which monitors eighth, 10th, and 12th graders nationwide, shows record abstinence levels:

• 67% of 12th graders reported no use of alcohol, marijuana, or nicotine in the past month (up from 53% in 2017).
• 80% of 10th graders abstained (up from 69%).
• 90% of eighth graders stayed substance-free (up from 87%).

Breaking It Down:

• Alcohol: Teen drinking has plummeted since the late 1990s. Today, only 42% of 12th graders reported drinking in the past year—down from 75% in 1997. Among 10th graders, it dropped to 26% (from 65%), and eighth graders saw a similar decline to 13%.
• Marijuana: Once steady for decades, marijuana use saw sharp drops starting in 2021. This year, only 26% of 12th graders reported past-year use, the lowest in 30 years. Tenth graders came in at 16%, while eighth graders held steady at 7%.
• Nicotine Vaping: After skyrocketing in 2019, teen vaping has reversed course, with rates now approaching 2017 levels. In 12th grade, 21% reported vaping in the past year—down significantly from 35% in 2020.

Researchers believe delaying drug use during adolescence could have long-term benefits, preventing addiction and reducing exposure to peer pressure that encourages continued use.

While the reasons for this sustained decline are still being explored, one thing is clear: today’s teens are rewriting the narrative. They’re making healthier choices, defying expectations, and proving that trends can shift for the better.

The Monitoring the Future study is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan.