Indiana Teen Vaping and Drinking Rates Declined
New survey data shows significant drops in substance use among students across the state.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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The 2026 Indiana Youth Survey, which collected responses from 53,879 students across 183 schools, revealed continued declines in vaping and alcohol use among teenagers. These findings offer the latest snapshot of student behavior for parents, educators, and public health officials monitoring youth wellness in Indiana.
Why it matters
Tracking these trends helps communities evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs and identify ongoing risks for adolescent health. Understanding where substance use stands today is essential for supporting healthy development and informed decision-making in schools.
The 2026 Indiana Youth Survey captured reports from 53,879 students in grades six through 12. Results showed that 12th-grade vaping fell to 8.2% compared to nearly 29% in 2018, while current smoking among students in grades seven through 12 reached 1.1%.
The players
Indiana University
A public research university that conducts comprehensive statewide youth health surveys through its school of public health.
Prevention Insights
A unit within the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington focused on behavioral health research and substance use prevention.
The details
The survey was administered by Prevention Insights at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington. Researchers utilize these findings to measure behavioral health outcomes and perceptions, such as the gap between actual smoking rates and the 22.5% of peers students estimated to be smokers.
Timeline
2015: The survey adopted its 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 the survey findings.
Health Landscape
The Indiana Youth Survey provides longitudinal data that helps health officials distinguish long-term behavioral shifts from temporary fluctuations. This report updates the data set established in 2015 to track the trajectory of youth substance use across the state.
These findings are a valuable resource for parents and school officials to initiate conversations about substance use risks with teenagers. If you have concerns about a student's behavioral health, discussing these trends with a primary care provider or school counselor is a recommended first step.
The takeaway
While self-reported vaping and alcohol use have continued to drop among Indiana students, a notable gap remains between student perceptions of peer smoking and actual usage rates. Parents should consider using this data to open a dialogue with their teens about common misperceptions regarding substance use.
Further reading
For broader context on adolescent behavioral health, see Substance Abuse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bloomingtonian - Jeremy Hogan.
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