2025 U.S. drug and alcohol use trends revealed by University of Michigan study
The 2025 Monitoring the Future study highlights significant increases in cannabis use and nicotine vaping across all age groups, with notable rises among young adults and middle-aged adults, alongside declines in cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption.
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor has released the results of its most recent Monitoring the Future (MTF) Longitudinal Panel Study. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) shared key findings in a press release.
Adults in the U.S. aged 19-65 self-reported their drug and alcohol use in the survey. The 2025 findings show:
Historically high or near historically high cannabis use and nicotine vaping among all age groups
Just over 2% more adults aged 35-50 were using cannabis every day compared to 2024
3X more young adults vaped nicotine in the 30 days before they took the survey compared to 2024
In the last eight years, past 12-month nicotine vaping has nearly doubled among young adults
More adults used nicotine pouches
Fewer adults smoked cigarettes
Fewer young adults are drinking
Heroin use rose in young adults, almost reaching its record high from 2013
Young adult nonmedical sleeping medication use rose by 1%
Psychedelic use among young adults continues to decline
