Teen substance use trends are always changing, and staying informed can help parents have better conversations with their kids. The good news? Teen substance use is at an all-time low! According to the Monitoring the Future survey, fewer teens are drinking, vaping, or using drugs compared to previous years.1 So, the next time your teen says, “Everyone is doing it,” you can ask how they’re seeing substance use in their world and what their peers are saying. The truth is, most teens are making healthy choices.
That said, it’s still important to keep an eye on emerging trends. New products, shifting laws, and the influence of social media continue to shape how young people perceive and access substances. What was true when we were growing up may no longer apply today. This article breaks down the key trends for 2025—no scare tactics, just real information to help you guide and support your teen. Let’s explore what’s on the horizon together.
Trend #1: VAPING EVOLUTION
Vaping is not new, but it’s evolving. Today’s e-cigarettes are more discreet than ever, often resembling USB drives, pens, or even watches.
The biggest concerns? Flavors that mask the harshness of nicotine make it easier for first-time users. And nicotine concentrations have skyrocketed, as one pod can contain as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes.
Signs of vape use can include increased thirst, sweet smells, unfamiliar tech devices, small cartridges or pods.
You can start a conversation with your child by asking, “Vaping devices keep changing. What are you seeing at school these days?”
Trend #2: NICOTINE POUCHES
Nicotine pouches are one of the fastest-growing nicotine products among young people. These small, tobacco-free pouches are placed between the lip and gum and contain nicotine powder delivered directly into the bloodstream.
Nicotine pouches come in small white pouches the size of Mentos or Chicklets gum. They are packaged in circular containers. In addition to seeing packaging, be aware of white stains on clothing and frequent spitting that are signs of use.
With flavors like mint and fruit, they’re designed to appeal to teens and young adults. In addition, because they’re tobacco-free, they face fewer regulations than traditional tobacco products.
If you see people using nicotine pouches or brands like Zyn on social media or TV shows, you could ask your child, “What have you heard about nicotine pouches?”
Trend #3: CANNABIS LANDSCAPE
With more states legalizing adult use of marijuana (cannabis), many people no longer see it as being risky. But today’s cannabis is not what it was decades ago.
Modern strains can have THC levels more than 3-4 times higher than in the 1990’s. And the ways to use it have expanded beyond smoking with options like edibles, vapes, drinks, salves and concentrates.
Marijuana use during adolescence has been linked to negative impacts on brain development and mental health problems like depression, anxiety, suicidal thinking and psychosis. And at the age when teens are becoming new drivers, remember that driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal, not to mention extremely dangerous. It can impact a person’s ability to make split-second decisions, even to stay in their lane without weaving.
You can talk about safety with your child by offering options should they be in a situation where the driver is impaired. For example, you can come up with an emoji symbol that they can text you to let you know they need to be picked up with no questions asked until the next day.
Trend #4: ALCOHOL AWARENESS
Even today, alcohol is still the most commonly used substance among teens. While overall use has declined in recent years, the way teens consume alcohol has changed dramatically.
Today’s alcohol landscape is dominated by sweet, flavored options that mask the taste of alcohol, like hard seltzers, alcopops and coolers, and spirit-based ready-to-drink cocktails. Many teens don’t even consider these to be “real alcohol.” And social media-driven drinking games and challenges have made dangerous drinking patterns like binge drinking more normalized.
You may be able to use yourself as a way to open a conversation. Think back to when you first tried alcohol or share a situation you experienced with alcohol. Ask about what types of alcohol kids your age are talking about.
Trend #5: PRESCRIPTION DRUG MISUSE
Prescription medications—particularly ADHD stimulants like Adderall—continue to be misused, often for studying or weight loss. School pressure can be intense, and some teens see these medications as performance enhancers rather than drugs of misuse.
Parents should secure medications, count pills regularly, and be aware of “study drug” culture. Teens often consider these medications “safe” because doctors prescribe them. But no one should take medication unless it is prescribed to them.
You may consider asking: “I’ve heard about students using medications to help with studying. What’s that like at your school?”
Trend #6: FENTANYL CRISIS
Fentanyl—a lab-made opioid 50 times stronger than heroin—is being found in counterfeit pills and mixed with other drugs like heroin and methamphetamine. These fake pills are flooding the U.S. and can look nearly identical to prescription medications like Xanax and Oxycontin. Even one counterfeit pill can be fatal.
One way to support your child is by practicing or role playing with them how to manage peer pressure and how to decline a potential offer of any pills.
Trend #7: SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE
Social media has transformed how substances are marketed and normalized. Content providers can push content making substance use look fun and cool, and teens are often exposed to misinformation.
What’s concerning? “Challenges” (like the Benadryl challenge) involving substances can go viral, and influencers may promote alcohol brands or cannabis products.
It’s helpful to stay familiar with your teen’s social platforms. Follow some of the same accounts they do. Create a family social media plan that includes critical thinking about sponsored content.
A conversation starter can be: “I noticed some of those social media videos show people partying with certain drinks or substances. Do you and your friends ever talk about whether that stuff is real or staged?”
Practical Tips
What can you actually do with this information?
- Build trust through ongoing conversations, by finding opportunities to talk about substance misuse and risk – not just one big “drug talk”
- Focus on health and safety, not just rules
- Always stay curious, not judgmental
- Educate yourself on warning signs of substance use and mental health symptoms
- Roleplay scenarios involving peer pressure, saying “no” and planning an exit plan
- Identify trusted adults that your child can go to if you’re not available
The reality is that young people are going to encounter substances. Your goal isn’t to create fear around substance use, but to build trust and communication. With honest dialogue and good information, you’re giving them the tools to make better decisions.