New Survey Shows Adults Are Re-Thinking Their Vices in 2026

Instead of setting all-or-nothing resolutions that end up being abandoned or making sweeping statements like “new year, new me,” without actionable goals to get there, our survey respondents seem to have a more realistic approach to what they want to change this year. For many, this involves re-evaluating their relationship to certain vices like alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis. 

This shift isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s thoughtful, practical, and rooted in daily routines that add up to healthier long-term habits.

Adults aren’t viewing their vices in isolation anymore. Increasingly, they’re taking a step back to get the full picture of how alcohol, tobacco, and/or cannabis may be impacting other areas of their life. 

Our survey shows that among respondents planning to reduce their tobacco use: 

• 53% want room for a more active day-to-day; 
• 51% are hoping to ease stress where they can; 
• 49% are thinking about stretching their budget. 

Younger adults are also sparking change on another front. Among people aged 21–24, 30% say they’re excited to start a new hobby in 2026—the highest of any age group. 

Looking at these trends together, it paints a clear picture:

From filling their days with more meaningful activities, to re-thinking how they spend their hard-earned cash, adults are checking in with their choices and using the start of the year as a symbolic reset to shape new habits that feel more aligned with the life they want.

When asked which routines survey respondents are planning to reduce in 2026, we can identify 3 key areas: 

• Tobacco use (12%) 
• Alcohol use (10%) 
• Cannabis use (8%) 

It’s perhaps unsurprising to see these 3 categories appearing, year after year, as vices people want to cut back on or quit entirely. They represent a recreational expense that can have a negative impact on your wellbeing if consumed in excess.  

Pausing to reflect on these sorts of habits is important, especially as we age and deal with different health- and finance-based priorities. 

While men and women share many of the same goals in terms of controlling their vices, one number is notably different: 

• 15% of men plan to reduce their alcohol consumption compared to only 8% of women. 

Outside this split, responses across both genders are more aligned than expected—reinforcing the fact that adjusting vice-related habits is something that spans demographics and is not just a passing trend.

Our survey also highlights a harsh truth: most adults don’t get these lifestyle changes right the first time around. Progress isn’t always linear, and there will be some bumps along the road to the "new you." 

Among respondents who have attempted to adjust a vice habit: 

• 14% had tried reducing tobacco use before; 
• 10% had previously reduced their alcohol intake; 
• 7% had already explored cutting back on cannabis. 

Many are returning to those goals this year—not out of guilt, but after recognizing this is something they really want to do. 

The key is to treat checking in on your habits as an ongoing process, not one-and-done. Acknowledge that there may be “relapses” where a stressful day at work or a late-night might mean you slip back into old habits, but don't allow yourself to view these instances as a complete failure that undoes all your progress.  

The good news is you don’t have to wait for January 1 to kickstart your goals—every day is a new opportunity. Persistence is better than perfection. 

As part of these lifestyle changes, some existing nicotine and tobacco users are exploring what smoke- and tobacco leaf-free alternatives are out there that might suit them, since products like traditional cigarettes are simply not suitable in all situations.

One of the most popular smokeless categories here, of course, is nicotine pouches.

Northerner supports that exploration with:

• Plain-language guidance; 
• Clear product info;
• Respect for individual choice.

What stands out most from our survey across all ages and lifestyles is a mindset shift. Adults are becoming more intentional about how they live and they’re including their vices in that conversation. 

While alcohol and cannabis are not our areas of expertise, we do specialize in nicotine pouches and can certainly help if you're looking to cut traditional tobacco out of your life in 2026.

When you are ready to compare products at your own pace, Northerner is here with clear information, guidance, and a community that supports your decisions.