A slight but concerning uptick in heroin and cocaine use among teens signals a potential crisis despite overall low drug use levels. The 2025 Monitoring the Future survey reveals that while overall drug use among U.S. teens remains at historic lows, there is a worrying increase in the use of high-risk substances like heroin and cocaine. This shift, though small in numbers, necessitates continued vigilance and adaptive strategies in drug prevention efforts, especially given the high addiction and overdose potential of these drugs.
Story Overview
- Teen drug use remains low, but heroin and cocaine usage is on the rise.
- Monitoring the Future survey highlights these trends among U.S. high schoolers.
- COVID-19’s impact on social access continues to influence drug use patterns.
Teen Drug Use Trends in 2025
The 2025 Monitoring the Future survey, conducted by University of Michigan researchers and supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), reveals that overall drug use among U.S. teens remains at historic lows. However, there is a worrying increase in the use of heroin and cocaine. These findings are drawn from responses collected from 23,726 students in 270 schools nationwide, highlighting a need for cautious monitoring.
While 91% of eighth graders reported abstaining from marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine in the past 30 days, the survey notes a rise in heroin use among 12th graders from 0.2% in 2024 to 0.9% in 2025. Similarly, cocaine use in the same demographic increased from 0.9% to 1.4%. These increases, although small, are significant enough to raise concerns due to the high addiction and overdose potential of these substances.
"Teens are drinking and smoking less — but more are using these 2 highly dangerous drugs" – New York Post #SmartNews https://t.co/xqiRA7EmjR
— Joe Honest Truth (@JoeHonestTruth) December 21, 2025
Impact of COVID-19 on Teen Substance Use
The COVID-19 pandemic has played a critical role in the decline of overall drug usage by reducing social interactions that typically facilitate substance access. This disruption has contributed to sustained low levels of drug use over the past five years. However, the slight rise in heroin and cocaine use indicates that new factors may be influencing these trends, necessitating continued vigilance and adaptive strategies in drug prevention efforts.
Richard A. Miech, Ph.D., from the University of Michigan, emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring these trends. Although the increases are minor compared to historical data, they still warrant caution given the dangerous nature of these drugs.
Call for Action and Future Monitoring
Organizations like the Truth Initiative stress the need for ongoing efforts to combat teen substance use, even as many categories show promising declines. The recent data underscores the complexity of drug use dynamics, where victories in some areas are met with emerging challenges in others. Effective policy responses will require a nuanced understanding of these patterns and a commitment to addressing the risks posed by heroin and cocaine.
As the nation continues to grapple with the implications of these findings, stakeholders are urged to prioritize public health strategies that protect young individuals from the allure of dangerous substances. By maintaining focus on prevention and education, communities can work towards sustaining the progress made in reducing overall drug use while tackling new challenges head-on.
Teen drug use remains low, but survey finds small rise in heroin and cocaine use https://t.co/CaoU1HOdZb
— The Press-Enterprise (@pressenterprise) December 17, 2025
Sources:
Reported Use of Most Drugs Remains Low Among U.S. Teens
Federal Data Show Encouraging Youth Substance Use Trends
Reported Use of Most Drugs Remains Low Among U.S. Teens
