This factsheet highlights key findings from the National Drug Perception Survey 2025, commissioned by the National Council Against Drug Abuse and conducted by Media Research Consultants. The findings show that support for a drug-free Singapore remains strong across both youths and adults, while also pointing to opportunities to strengthen advocacy and public confidence.
Key Findings at a Glance
- Support for a drug-free Singapore remains strong, with 92.7% of youths and 96.4% of adults saying they want to live in a drug-free society.
- Youth views on drugs have become more conservative since 2023, with the share of youths expressing anti-drug attitudes rising from 83.2% to 87.7%.
- Willingness to help remains high, with 90.9% of youths and 89.2% of adults saying they are willing to support someone at risk of drug abuse, but only 50.2% of youths and 55.2% of adults say they know how to do so.
Strong Support for a Drug-free Singapore
The survey found continued broad support for Singapore’s anti-drug stance, with strong agreement across both youths and adults on the importance of maintaining a drug-free society.
What the Findings Show
- 92.7% of youths agreed that they wish to live in a drug-free society, showing that support for a drug-free environment remains deeply held among younger Singaporeans.
- 96.4% of adults agreed likewise, indicating that this view is just as strong among older respondents.
- 92.7% of youths agreed that Singapore should continue to maintain tough laws to keep drugs out, reflecting strong youth support for firm anti-drug policies.
- 96.3% of adults agreed likewise, reinforcing that support for Singapore’s drug laws remains consistently high across age groups.
Participants exchanging ideas during a breakout discussion at the NCADA Forum 2026_ Resilient Youth and Families
More Conservative Attitudes Among Youths
The findings suggest that youths are taking a more conservative view of drugs than in the previous survey wave, especially in relation to cannabis. Adults remain slightly more conservative overall, but the gap between the two groups has narrowed.
What the Findings Show
- Youth Attitude Index rose to 87.7% in 2025 from 83.2% in 2023, suggesting that anti drug attitudes among youths have strengthened over time.
- 86.2% of youths agreed that consuming cannabis will harm one’s health, up from 79.5%, pointing to stronger recognition of cannabis-related harm.
- 63.7% of youths agreed that cannabis is more harmful than tobacco, up from 55.1%, indicating a notable shift in perceptions of cannabis risk.
High Willingness to Help, but Gaps in Know-how Remain
The survey shows that willingness to help remains high, and support for preventive drug education is still strong. However, many respondents do not yet feel equipped with the knowledge to support someone who may be at risk.
What the Findings Show
- 90.9% of youths said they are willing to help family members or friends who may be at risk of abusing drugs, showing that young people are open to playing a supportive role.
- 89.2% of adults said likewise, indicating similarly strong willingness among adult respondents.
- Only 50.2% of youths said they know how to help, pointing to a substantial capability gap despite good intentions.
- Only 55.2% of adults said they know how to help, suggesting that this gap is not limited to younger respondents.
Strengthening Parents as Key Advocates in Preventive Drug Efforts
The findings point to parents as an important group that could play a stronger advocacy role if they are better equipped with the right tools and guidance.
What the Findings Show
- 62.8% of youths said their parents or guardians had spoken to them about the harms of drugs, which means such conversations are happening, but not yet universally.
- Among those who had such conversations, 94.2% said it deterred them from drug abuse, suggesting that parental engagement can be a highly effective preventive tool.
Key Takeaways
- Support for a drug-free Singapore remains strong across both youths and adults.
- Youth attitudes have become more conservative, particularly in relation to cannabis.
- Willingness to help remains high, but many respondents still do not feel equipped with the know-how to support someone at risk of drug abuse effectively.
- These findings suggest that youths and parents remain important groups to further equip in preventive drug efforts.
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