Addiction Statistics: Facts On Drug And Alcohol Use

Published On

August 11, 2023

Dove Recovery's Team

Addiction Statistics: Facts On Drug And Alcohol Use

Here are some addiction statistics you should know about.

Addiction is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Substance abuse and addiction can cause severe physical and psychological harm to the affected individual and those around them. Unfortunately, addiction is on the rise, and the statistics are staggering. In this article, we will discuss adult addiction statistics, their implications, and possible solutions.

Top 10 Key Addiction Statistics

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 20 million adults in the United States had a substance use disorder in 2019.
In the same year, an estimated 14.5 million adults had an alcohol use disorder.
The opioid epidemic has caused a significant increase in overdose deaths. In 2019, there were over 70,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States.
Addiction can have severe financial consequences. Substance abuse and addiction cost the U.S. economy over $740 billion annually.
Addiction is not just limited to illegal drugs. Prescription drug abuse is also a growing problem, with over 18 million people misusing prescription medications in 2017 alone.
The effects of addiction are not limited to the individual struggling with it. It can also have devastating effects on their family and loved ones.
Despite its prevalence, only about 10% of people with a substance use disorder receive treatment for their addiction.
Addiction is often linked to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. It's essential to address both issues simultaneously for successful recovery.
Early intervention is crucial when it comes to addiction treatment. The longer someone waits to seek help, the harder it becomes to overcome their addiction.
There are various evidence-based treatments available for addiction, including behavioral therapies and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Statistics on Addiction in America

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) has reported that substance abuse is a significant problem in the United States, with approximately 19.7 million American adults aged 18 or older experiencing a substance use disorder in 2017. This represents around 8% of the adult population or 1 in 12 adults. Additionally, the NSDUH found that:

Alcohol abuse was the most common form of substance abuse among adults, with 74% of those with substance use disorders reporting issues with alcohol.
The second most commonly abused substance was marijuana, with 4 million adults experiencing a marijuana use disorder.
Prescription pain relievers were also a significant issue, with 1.7 million adults experiencing an opioid use disorder.

These statistics highlight the scope and severity of substance abuse in the United States and underscore the need for effective prevention and treatment programs.

Statistics On Alcohol Addiction And Abuse

Alcohol addiction and abuse are major public health concerns in the United States, with significant impacts on individuals and society as a whole. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), in 2019:

Approximately 14.5 million adults aged 18 or older had alcohol use disorder (AUD), representing around 5.8% of the adult population or 1 in 17 adults.
Among young adults aged 18 to 25, the prevalence of AUD was even higher, at 14.5%.
Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to a range of negative outcomes, including liver disease, cancer, mental health issues, social problems such as violence and accidents, and economic costs related to healthcare and lost productivity. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive drinking cost the US economy $249 billion in 2010 alone.

The prevalence of alcohol addiction among certain groups is particularly alarming. For example:

Among adults aged 26 or older who reported binge drinking in the past month (defined as consuming four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men on one occasion), nearly one in ten had AUD.
College students are at high risk of developing AUD due to their binge-drinking culture; over one-third of college students reported binge drinking in the past month.

These statistics highlight the need for effective prevention strategies that target high-risk populations such as college students and individuals who engage in binge drinking.

Furthermore, it underscores the need for increased access to evidence-based treatment programs that can help those struggling with alcohol addiction achieve long-term recovery.

Statistics On Opioid Addiction And Abuse

The opioid epidemic continues to be a major public health concern in the United States, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths reached an all-time high in 2019, with more than 69,000 people dying from overdoses. Of those deaths:

Opioids (including prescription opioids, synthetic opioids, and heroin) were involved in 49,860 deaths, representing over two-thirds of all drug overdose deaths.
Prescription opioids were responsible for 14,975 deaths, while synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) caused 36,509 deaths.
The CDC also reported a 37.4% increase in synthetic opioid-involved overdose deaths from 2018 to 2019.

These statistics paint a grim picture of the impact of the opioid epidemic on American society. While efforts are being made to address this crisis through increased access to treatment and prevention programs, much remains to be done to curb the rising tide of overdose deaths.

Statistics On Heroin Addiction And Abuse

Heroin addiction and abuse continue to be a significant problem in the United States, with devastating consequences for individuals and communities. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), heroin use has been increasing since 2007, particularly among young adults aged 18-25. In 2019:

An estimated 745,000 people reported using heroin in the past year.
Approximately 10% of people who use heroin will develop an addiction to it.
Heroin use is often linked to other forms of substance abuse, including prescription opioid abuse.

Heroin abuse can have severe physical and psychological effects on individuals, including increased risk of overdose, infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, heroin addiction can lead to financial instability, legal problems, and strained relationships with loved ones.

Statistics On Marijuana Addiction And Abuse

Marijuana addiction and abuse are significant public health concerns that require attention. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2018:

Over 43 million people in the United States reported past-year marijuana use, making it the most commonly used illicit drug in the country.
While marijuana is often considered a relatively harmless drug, it can lead to addiction, particularly among young adults.

In 2019, approximately 4 million American adults experienced a marijuana use disorder. This represents around 1.6% of the adult population or 1 in 64 adults. The prevalence of marijuana addiction is even higher among young adults aged 18-25; around 6% of this age group experienced a marijuana use disorder in 2019.

Furthermore, evidence-based treatment programs must be made more available to those struggling with marijuana addiction so they can achieve successful long-term recovery. This is particularly important given that:

Only about 1 in 10 people with a marijuana use disorder receive any form of treatment.
Among those who do receive treatment for marijuana addiction, the majority do so in outpatient settings rather than residential or inpatient programs.
The most effective treatments for marijuana addiction tend to be behavioral therapies that focus on modifying thoughts and behaviors related to drug use.

Drug Use Statistics for Specific Population Demographics

Drug addiction and substance abuse are not limited to any one group of individuals or demographic. In fact, various population groups may have unique risk factors that make them more susceptible to drug use and addiction. Here are some drug use statistics specific to certain population demographics:

Youth

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2020, around 9.4% of youths aged 12-17 reported using illicit drugs in the past month. Additionally, approximately 1 in 5 high school seniors reported using marijuana in the past month.

LGBTQ+ Community

Research has shown that members of the LGBTQ+ community have higher rates of substance abuse and addiction than the general population. For example, according to a study by SAMHSA, adults who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual were more likely than heterosexual adults to have used illicit drugs in the past year.

Veterans

Veterans are at a higher risk for substance abuse and addiction due to their exposure to trauma during active duty. According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), veterans are twice as likely as civilians to die from accidental overdoses involving prescription opioids.

Pregnant Women

Substance abuse among pregnant women can have severe consequences for both the mother and infant. According to NIDA, approximately 5% of pregnant women reported using illicit drugs in the past month. Prenatal exposure to drugs can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, developmental delays, and other health problems.

Homeless Population

Homelessness is often associated with substance abuse and addiction due to factors such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare services, and mental health issues. According to a report by SAMHSA, over one-third of homeless individuals had a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

These statistics highlight the importance of tailoring prevention and treatment programs to specific population groups to address their unique needs and risk factors. By doing so, we can work towards reducing the overall impact of drug addiction and substance abuse on individuals and society as a whole.

Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders

Substance use disorders and mental health disorders often co-occur, creating complex and challenging issues for individuals and the healthcare system. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2018:

8.2 million adults in the United States had both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. This is equivalent to 3.4% of adults in the country.
Co-occurring disorders were more common among certain groups, such as individuals aged 26-49, those with lower incomes or education levels, and those who were unemployed or unable to work.
The most common co-occurring disorders were depression and alcohol abuse, followed by anxiety disorders and opioid use disorder.

Co-occurring disorders can have serious negative impacts on an individual's physical and mental health, social functioning, and overall quality of life. Effective treatment for co-occurring disorders must address both the substance use disorder and the mental health disorder simultaneously through integrated care approaches.

However, despite the high prevalence of co-occurring disorders, many individuals do not receive appropriate treatment. For example:

Only about 1 in 10 people with co-occurring disorders receive treatment for both conditions.
Among those who do receive treatment for co-occurring disorders, many only receive treatment for one of the conditions rather than both.
The lack of access to integrated care for co-occurring disorders is due in part to a fragmented healthcare system that separates treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.

Statistics on Addiction Treatment

Addiction treatment is a critical component in addressing substance abuse and helping individuals achieve long-term recovery. However, access to effective treatment programs can be limited, and many individuals who need help do not receive it. Here are some statistics on addiction treatment in the United States:

According to the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS), there were 14,144 specialized drug treatment facilities in the United States as of 2020.
The majority of these facilities (67%) offered outpatient services only, while 17% provided residential services and 15% provided both.
Despite the high number of addiction treatment facilities, many individuals who need help do not receive it. In fact, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2019:

Only about 1 in 10 people with a substance use disorder received any form of treatment.
Among those who did receive treatment, many did not receive evidence-based care or an adequate duration of care.

The cost of addiction treatment can also be a barrier for many individuals. According to a survey by Recovery Brands, nearly one-third of respondents said they didn't seek addiction treatment because they couldn't afford it.
Insurance coverage for addiction treatment varies widely depending on the individual's plan and provider. While the Affordable Care Act requires insurance providers to cover substance abuse treatment as an essential health benefit, there are still gaps in coverage that can leave individuals struggling to pay for care.

These statistics highlight the need for increased access to evidence-based addiction treatment programs that are affordable and tailored to meet each individual's unique needs. By doing so, we can help more people overcome substance abuse and achieve successful long-term recovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drug addiction and substance abuse continue to be significant public health concerns that require attention and action. The statistics presented in this article demonstrate the extent of the problem and highlight the need for effective prevention strategies, increased access to evidence-based treatment programs, and tailored care approaches for specific population groups.

Furthermore, addressing co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders must be a priority in achieving successful long-term recovery for individuals struggling with addiction. While progress has been made in addressing these issues, much remains to be done to reduce the overall impact of drug addiction on individuals and society as a whole.

By working together to address this complex issue, we can make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by drug addiction and substance abuse.