US Adult Smoking Hits Record Low as Heroin Use Rises
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) released data showing that cigarette smoking and alcohol use among American adults continued their long-term decline in 2025. However, the same federal study highlighted a troubling development: the first rise in adult heroin use detected in a decade.
The findings stem from the 2025 wave of the Monitoring the Future Longitudinal Panel Study. Conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, the study tracks substance use patterns among a representative sample of US high school graduates over a 50-year span, now covering adults aged 19 to 65.
Cigarettes and Alcohol Continue Downward Trend
Cigarette smoking has declined sharply among young adults. Only 8.3% of adults aged 19 to 30 reported smoking in the past 30 days. Across all measured age groups up to age 65, past-month smoking rates did not exceed 10.6%.
Alcohol remains the most widely used substance, but consumption metrics among young adults have reached low levels. Past-year, past-month, and high-intensity drinking rates all held steady rather than rising.
Nora Volkow, director of NIDA, noted the positive trends, stating, “It is reassuring to continue to see relatively low smoking rates” alongside the continuing decline in adult alcohol use.
Cannabis, Vaping, and Heroin Use Rise
While traditional smoking declined, alternative nicotine and cannabis products remained highly popular. Daily, past-month, and past-year cannabis use and vaping hovered near all-time highs. Daily cannabis use among adults aged 35 to 50 rose to 8.5% in 2025, up from 6.6% the previous year.
Nicotine vaping also remained near record levels. Among young adults, past-month nicotine vaping has tripled since 2017, and past-year nicotine pouch use has more than doubled since 2023.
The most notable shift occurred in heroin consumption. Past-year heroin use among adults aged 19 to 30 rose from 0.2% in 2024 to 0.6% in 2025. While this remains below the record high of 0.7% in 2013, it represents the first measurable increase in ten years.
| Substance & Age Group | 2024 Rate | 2025 Rate | Trend Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heroin Use (Ages 19–30) | 0.2% | 0.6% | Increase |
| Daily Cannabis Use (Ages 35–50) | 6.6% | 8.5% | Increase |
| Cigarette Smoking (Ages 19–30) | – | 8.3% | Historic Low |
| Sleeping Medication (Nonmedical) (Ages 19–30) | 2.0% | 3.0% | Increase |
Understanding the Limits of Self-Reported Data
Researchers urge caution when interpreting these figures. Because the study relies on self-reported surveys, highly stigmatized behaviors like heroin use are frequently underreported. Additionally, the panel only follows high school graduates, omitting populations that may face higher risks of substance abuse.
Over decades, longitudinal studies also face participant attrition. Individuals experiencing unstable life situations are more likely to drop out, which can skew later data to look healthier than the actual population.
Crucially, the survey measures drug use rather than the physical consequences of drug abuse. It does not track overdose deaths or emergency room visits. A decline in reported use does not automatically equate to a reduction in harm, particularly as the illicit drug supply grows more dangerous.
For individuals seeking support for substance use, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline offers free, confidential assistance at 1-800-662-HELP.
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