Most young adult nicotine users want to quit in 2026

About two-thirds (67%) of young adult nicotine users ages 18–24 plan to quit for the new year, according to new Truth Initiative survey data. Most reported that their top reason for quitting was to improve their mental and physical health. 

These results show a strong desire to quit nicotine among young adults, who have the highest prevalence of vaping nicotine compared to any other age group. This year’s data demonstrate an increased determination to quit compared to last year, when 48% of young adults who vape resolved to quit.

This intention to quit among young adults comes at a time when nicotine products, especially disposable e-cigarettes, have grown bigger, stronger, and cheaper, exposing users to more nicotine than ever before at price points accessible to young people. As these products — most of which do not have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization — continue to evolve, proven resources and reliable support systems are needed to help those who want to quit succeed. 

EX Program, a free digital quitting program developed by Truth Initiative with Mayo Clinic, can help young people follow through on their quitting goals, with tools that can increase the odds of quitting by up to 40%. EX Program provides personalized quitting plans, interactive text message support, advice and tips from Mayo Clinic, and the most established online community of current and former tobacco and nicotine users, to help people of all ages turn a desire to quit into reality.

Anyone ready to start their quitting journey can take the first step today by visiting exprogram.com or texting EXPROGRAM to 88709 for free, proven quit support.

Among youth and young adults, signs of nicotine addiction persist

Despite a decline in youth e-cigarette use in the past decade, signs of nicotine addiction persist among those who vape, and many are struggling to quit. A Truth Initiative study of teens who vape indicated that 76% vaped within 30 minutes of waking up, indicating a concerning level of nicotine dependence. New research also shows that the share of middle and high school daily e-cigarette users who attempted to quit but were unable to do so rose from 28.2% to 53% between 2020 and 2024.

There has also been a significant increase in dual and polyuse of tobacco and nicotine products among young people aged 15–24 years, potentially exposing youth and young adults to higher amounts of nicotine and increased negative health effects.

Quitting nicotine can help young people improve their mental and physical health

According to the Truth Initiative survey, 62% of 18–24-year-olds who use nicotine reported that they want to quit within the next year to improve their physical or mental health. Quitting nicotine is an important step in taking control of health and wellness, especially for young people. Nicotine use can harm developing brains, and nicotine addiction can amplify feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress — a particular concern for young people already struggling with mental health. According to previous Truth Initiative survey data, 90% of young people who quit vaping said they felt less stressed, anxious, or depressed. 

In a world where young people are dealing with financial stress, anxiety related to social media, and concern about an uncertain future — living nicotine-free can help them take back control while gaining hope, confidence, and peace of mind.