Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics #

Quick Facts on Substance Use Disorders #

According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH):

• 48.7 million (17.3%) Americans aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder in the past year.
• 29.5 million (10.5%) Americans aged 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder in the past year.
• 27.2 million (9.7%) Americans aged 12 and older reported having a drug use disorder in the past year.
• 8 million (2.9%) Americans aged 12 and older struggled with both alcohol and drug use disorders simultaneously.

Causes of Addiction #

• Genetics account for about 40% to 60% of a person’s risk of addiction.
• Environmental factors that may increase addiction risk include a chaotic home environment, parent’s drug use, peer influences, community attitudes, and poor academic achievement.
• Teenagers and people with mental health disorders are at higher risk for drug use and addiction.

Drug Use Statistics for Specific Population Demographics #

Adolescents (aged 12-17) #

According to the 2022 NSDUH:

• 2.2 million adolescents (8.7%) suffered from a substance use disorder in the past year.

Young Adults (aged 18-25) #

According to the 2022 NSDUH:

• 9.7 million young adults (27.8%) battled a substance use disorder in the past year.

Adults 26 or Older #

Based on data from the 2022 NSDUH:

• 36.8 million adults 26 or older (16.6%) struggled with a substance use disorder in the past year.

Elderly Individuals (65 or older) #

• 3.9 million elderly adults (7%) struggled with a past-year substance use disorder in 2022.

Men vs. Women #

• In 2022, about 15 million males (10.9%) and 12.1 million females (8.4%) aged 12 and older had a past-year substance use disorder.

Race/Ethnicity #

In 2022, past-year substance use disorder affected:

• 24% of American Indians and Alaska Natives aged 12 and older.
• 17.6% of White Americans.
• 18.4% of African Americans.
• 17.4% of Hispanics or Latinos.
• 9% of Asian Americans.

Statistics on Addiction to Specific Substances #

Alcohol #

• In 2022, an estimated 29.5 million Americans aged 12 and older (10.5%) battled an alcohol use disorder.
• An estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually.

Cocaine #

• About 1.4 million Americans 12 years old or older (0.5%) struggled with a cocaine use disorder in the past year.

Heroin #

• About 900,000 people age 12 and older (0.3%) had a past-year heroin use disorder in 2022.

Prescription Drugs #

• Around 5.6 million people age 12 and older (2%) had a past-year substance use disorder involving pain relievers.

Marijuana #

• Almost 19 million Americans aged 12 or older (6.7%) battled a marijuana use disorder in the past year.

Statistics on Addiction Treatment #

• In 2022, an estimated 54.6 million people aged 12 and older needed treatment for a substance use disorder in the past year. Only 26% of those received any help.
• The relapse rate for substance use disorders is estimated to be between 40% and 60%, comparable to rates of relapse for other chronic diseases such as hypertension or asthma.

Drug Overdose Deaths #

Provisional data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics indicate:

• There were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2023—a decrease of 3% from the 111,029 deaths estimated in 2022.
• Overdose deaths involving opioids decreased from an estimated 84,181 in 2022 to 81,083 in 2023.
• While overdose deaths from synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) decreased in 2023 compared to 2022, cocaine and psychostimulants (like methamphetamine) increased.

This comprehensive overview provides key statistics on substance use disorders in the United States, highlighting the prevalence, demographics, and treatment needs associated with alcohol and drug abuse. The data underscores the significant public health challenge posed by substance use disorders and the importance of continued efforts in prevention, treatment, and recovery support.

Works Cited:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Alcohol Facts and Statistics.” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics.

Accessed 18 Jul. 2024.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 13 Nov. 2023, www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20231113/hhs-samhsa-release-2022-nsduh-data.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “U.S. Overdose Deaths Decrease in 2023, First Time Since 2018.” National Center for Health Statistics, 15 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2024/20240515.htm.