Indiana Youth Reported Declines in Vaping and Alcohol

A new statewide survey shows record-low rates of substance use among teenagers across the state.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Indiana Youth Reported Declines in Vaping and Alcohol

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Is youth health and behavior in your community getting better?

Indiana University researchers found that adolescent substance use continues to drop across the state. The 2026 Indiana Youth Survey recorded significant declines in both vaping and alcohol consumption among high school seniors compared to previous years.

Why it matters

These findings track the changing habits of the state's teenage population and offer a clearer picture of public health outcomes. Understanding these trends helps educators and health officials tailor prevention programs to the specific needs of local students.

The 2026 Indiana Youth Survey compiled responses from 53,879 students across 183 schools. Current data shows a 4.4% binge drinking rate among 12th graders and a 1.1% smoking rate for students in grades seven through 12.

The players

Indiana University

This public research university, headquartered in Bloomington, conducted the statewide study.

Prevention Insights

This unit within the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington is responsible for managing the data collection and administration of the survey.

The details

Prevention Insights at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington administered the comprehensive survey. While actual smoking rates remain low at 1.1%, students surveyed significantly overestimated peer behavior, guessing that 22.5% of their classmates smoked cigarettes.

2015: Survey adopted current data collection methods.
2018: Vaping among 12th graders was nearly 29 percent.
2024: Vaping among 12th graders was 9.6 percent.
September 21, 2026: Indiana University released survey findings.

The Big Picture

This study updates the longitudinal trend lines established by the Indiana Youth Survey. By maintaining consistent methodology since 2015, the program provides a stable metric for gauging long-term changes in adolescent health behaviors across the state.

The study offers parents and health professionals concrete data to guide conversations about substance use with teenagers. These statistics can help families better understand actual peer behavior versus perceived norms when managing adolescent health.

The takeaway

Teenagers often significantly overestimate how many of their peers engage in risky behaviors like smoking. Parents can use this data to provide a more accurate and reassuring perspective on the prevalence of substance use in schools.