Indiana Student Substance Use Reached Decade Low
A survey of 55,000 students reveals significant declines in alcohol and vaping rates across Indiana schools.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Substance use among students in Indiana has dropped to a decade low, according to a recent survey of 55,000 students across 180 schools. Data indicates that both alcohol and vaping consumption among middle and high schoolers have significantly decreased since 2016.
Why it matters
These findings provide a clear picture of youth behavior shifts, though the long-term sustainability of these trends remains subject to future policy and funding adjustments. Continued public health efforts are weighed against ongoing legislative decisions regarding prevention budgets.
A survey conducted by the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington measured alcohol use in 6th graders at 2.8%, down from 3.6% in 2016. Current vaping rates among 7-12 grade students stand at 5.3%, marking a decrease from 13.3% in 2016.
The players
IU School of Public Health-Bloomington
This institution is a research-focused academic division of Indiana University that regularly evaluates public health outcomes.
Indiana General Assembly
This is the state legislative body responsible for passing laws and determining the annual budget for state agencies and public health initiatives.
The details
Researchers at the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington gathered self-reported usage patterns from students in grades 6 through 12. While rates have plummeted, advocates are currently pushing to double state funding for tobacco prevention programs from the existing $7.5 million to $15 million.
Timeline
2016 served as the baseline year for tracking alcohol and vaping rates.
2018 marked the peak of vaping among Indiana youth.
Last year the Indiana General Assembly implemented a reduction in Health First Indiana funding.
2026 recorded the lowest rates of substance use in the last decade.
Health Landscape
This decline in youth substance use follows the legislative framework established by Health First Indiana. The shift reflects a changing public health landscape as local authorities navigate funding adjustments relative to the program requirements set forth by that law.
Parents and local community members may see changes to the reach and frequency of school-based tobacco prevention and cessation initiatives. These shifts in funding and program availability directly influence the resources accessible to students for maintaining healthier lifestyles.
The takeaway
The sharp decline in youth substance use highlights the success of recent health initiatives across the state. Families can utilize these findings to initiate productive conversations with students about the long-term benefits of avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
Further reading
For additional context on statewide trends, visit our Substance Abuse section.
More information
Access a variety of tobacco cessation tools and resources to support healthy habits.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NewsChannel 15 WANE-TV Fort Wayne.
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