Statistics & Facts About Drug Abuse

Top 10 Key Statistics about Drug Abuse Statistics & Facts

• Accidental drug overdose is a leading cause of death among individuals under 45, with approximately 32,537 deaths involving psychostimulants in 2021.
• The economic cost of drug abuse in the US was nearly $272 billion in 2017, encompassing crime, healthcare needs, lost work productivity, and societal impacts.
• Law enforcement agencies in the western and midwestern US view methamphetamine and fentanyl as the greatest threats, with a budget request of $34.6 billion in 2020.
• In 2014, approximately 20.2 million adults had a past-year substance use disorder (SUD), with 16.3 million having an alcohol use disorder and 6.2 million having an illicit drug use disorder.
• Only 2.5 million adults received treatment for alcohol or illicit drug use at a specialty facility in 2014, representing 1.0% of the total adult population.
• Marijuana, cocaine, opioids, and alcohol are among the most commonly abused substances, each posing severe health risks and contributing significantly to drug abuse statistics.
• White young adults aged 18-25 had the highest rates of addiction in 2020, with white men experiencing the highest rates of opioid misuse and deaths from opioid overdose.
• Among Black Americans, 94.8% of those diagnosed with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) did not seek or receive addiction treatment in 2020, alongside an increase in marijuana use.
• Hispanics and Latinos reported higher rates of substance abuse when co-occurring with a mental health disorder in 2020, leading to increased suicidal thoughts and attempts.
• Native Americans and Alaskan Natives witnessed significant increases in methamphetamine use among adults aged 26 and up, with a focus on traditional healing methods due to cultural differences.

Understanding Drug Abuse Statistics

In the realm of drug abuse, it's imperative to look at the numbers, as they provide a clear picture of the extent of the issue. By breaking down the statistics about drug abuse & facts, we can better understand the groups most affected and develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Gender Disparities in Drug Use

Gender plays a significant role in drug use and abuse patterns. According to a study published on NCBI, male students are generally more likely to report drug use and abuse than female students. This gender disparity in drug use underscores the need for gender-specific prevention and treatment strategies.

Ethnicity and Drug Abuse Trends

Ethnicity is an important factor to consider when examining drug abuse statistics. The same NCBI study revealed that Hispanic and White students were more likely to report drug use and abuse than Asian and African American students prior to coming to college and during college.

Further data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported by Sunrise House provides insights on distinct trends among other ethnic groups:

• White young adults aged 18-25 showed the highest rates of addiction, particularly to opioids, with an estimated 47,304 deaths from opioid overdose in 2020.
• Among Black Americans, 94.8% of those diagnosed with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) did not seek out or receive addiction treatment in 2020. There was also a noticeable increase in marijuana use among this demographic.
• Hispanics and Latino Americans reported higher rates of substance abuse when they also had a co-occurring mental health disorder, irrespective of age.
• Native Americans and Alaskan Natives have seen significant increases in methamphetamine use among adults aged 26 and up.

These ethnicity-specific trends highlight the need for culturally relevant and accessible treatment services.

National Surveys on Drug Use

National surveys provide crucial data on drug use across different demographics. The Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey, conducted since 1975, measures drug and alcohol use and related attitudes among adolescent students nationwide.

In 2022, the MTF reported that the use of any illicit drug within the past year remained at or significantly below pre-pandemic levels for all grades. The survey found that adolescents most commonly reported use of alcohol, nicotine vaping, and cannabis in the past year. Additionally, when students were asked about the perceived harmfulness of occasionally taking specific prescription medications, the percentage who reported perceiving a “great risk” ranged from 22.9% among eighth graders to 52.9% among 12th graders.

Unpacking these national surveys helps us understand the scope of drug use among different age groups and informs strategies to address these issues effectively.

Impact of Drug Abuse

Understanding the severity and depth of drug abuse's impact is crucial to tackling the issue effectively. This section delves into the overdose statistics, economic costs, and law enforcement perspectives on drug abuse.

Overdose Statistics

Accidental drug overdose has become a leading cause of death among individuals under the age of 45, underscoring the deadly consequences of drug misuse. The year 2021 saw approximately 32,537 deaths from overdoses involving psychostimulants other than cocaine, primarily methamphetamine [4].

Economic Costs of Drug Abuse

The economic burden of drug abuse is immense. In 2017, the cost of drug abuse in the US was nearly $272 billion, taking into account crime, healthcare needs, lost work productivity, and other societal impacts [3].

These costs manifest in various ways, including medical care for drug-related illnesses and injuries, lost productivity due to illness or premature death, and social welfare programs.

Law Enforcement Perspectives

Law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in combating drug abuse. Approximately 70% of these agencies in the western and midwestern regions of the United States view methamphetamine and fentanyl as the greatest threats to their populations [3].

In 2020, the National Drug Control Budget requested $34.6 billion across five areas of drug control functions: operations, prevention, treatment, interdiction, and law enforcement [3].

These statistics about drug abuse and facts highlight the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies. Understanding the scope of the problem can help in the development of targeted approaches to reduce drug abuse and its devastating consequences.

Substance Use Disorders

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are a significant public health problem, as reflected in the statistics about drug abuse & facts. Understanding the prevalence of these disorders and the extent to which they are being treated is key to addressing this issue effectively.

Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders

In 2014, there were approximately 20.2 million adults aged 18 or older who had a past-year substance use disorder (SUD). Of these, 16.3 million had an alcohol use disorder and 6.2 million had an illicit drug use disorder SAMHSA.

This means that out of the adults with a past-year SUD, 4 out of 5 had an alcohol use disorder, nearly 3 out of 10 had an illicit drug use disorder, and 1 out of 9 had both an alcohol use disorder and an illicit drug use disorder. The percentage of adults with a past-year SUD in 2014 was similar to the percentages in 2010 to 2013 but was lower than the percentages in 2002 to 2009.

Additionally, approximately 3.5 million adults had a past-year substance use disorder related to marijuana use, and 1.8 million adults had a disorder related to nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers.

Treatment Statistics

While the number of adults with SUDs is quite high, unfortunately, not all receive the necessary treatment. In 2014, only 2.5 million adults received treatment for alcohol or illicit drug use at a specialty facility in the past year. This represents only 1.0 percent of the total adult population, indicating a gap in the treatment of SUDs SAMHSA.

These numbers underscore the need for increased efforts to identify and treat individuals with SUDs. Equally important is the need for preventive measures and public education about the risks associated with substance misuse to reduce the incidence of SUDs.

Commonly Abused Drugs

In the context of drug abuse, there are a few substances that are commonly misused. The misuse of these drugs can have serious health implications and contribute significantly to the current drug abuse statistics. The most commonly abused drugs include marijuana, cocaine, opioids, and alcohol.

Marijuana

Marijuana, made from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa, is one of the most widely abused drugs. The main psychoactive chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Chronic marijuana use can have lasting consequences on an individual's physical and mental health, and it may lead to a rare condition known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

Cocaine

Cocaine, a powerfully addictive stimulant drug, is made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. Long-term use of cocaine can have severe effects on a person's physical and mental health, including serious psychotic consequences such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions that can last for months or years after cocaine use stops [6].

Opioids

Opioids, including both illegal and prescribed variations, have caused a surge of deaths in the US over the past two decades. One such opioid is heroin, made from morphine, a natural substance extracted from the seed pod of various opium poppy plants [5]. Heroin, especially heroin mixed with fentanyl, has been a major contributor to the opioid epidemic in the United States [4]. Chronic opioid misuse is associated with several adverse effects on the organs and systems within the body.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the US, yet alcoholism is often left untreated. Long-term alcohol abuse can have severe physical and mental health consequences, including liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders.

Unveiling drug abuse statistics and facts about these commonly abused substances underscores the need for increased awareness and effective intervention strategies to address drug abuse and addiction.

Demographic Trends in Addiction

The prevalence of drug abuse and addiction varies among different demographic groups. This section will focus on the trends in addiction among young adults, Black Americans, Hispanics and Latinos, the LGBTQ+ community, and Native Americans and Alaskan Natives.

Young Adults

The 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that among White Americans, young adults aged 18-25 had the highest rates of addiction. Notably, white men experienced the highest rates of opioid misuse and deaths from opioid overdose, with an estimated 47,304 white Americans dying from an opioid overdose in 2020.

Black Americans

In 2020, among Black Americans, 94.8% of those diagnosed with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) did not seek out or receive addiction treatment. Additionally, there has been a noticeable increase in marijuana use among Black Americans aged 26 and older. This rise is accompanied by an increase in mental health disorders, depressive episodes, suicidal thoughts, and co-occurring disorders [7].

Hispanics and Latinos

Hispanics and Latino Americans were reported to have higher rates of substance abuse in 2020 when they also had a co-occurring mental health disorder, irrespective of age. Individuals from this population group who abuse one substance may also abuse multiple substances and have a mental health disorder. This is associated with increased suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts.

LGBTQ+ Community

The LGBTQ+ community, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB), commonly experiences polysubstance use, particularly involving opioids. This significantly increases the risk of fatal overdose compared to those who only use one substance [7].

Native Americans and Alaskan Natives

Native Americans and Alaskan Natives (AI/ANs) have seen significant increases in methamphetamine use among adults aged 26 and up, as well as increases in major depressive episodes among 18- to 25-year-olds, specifically among women. This group is less likely to enter treatment programs and may focus on traditional healing methods due to a general mistrust of outside healthcare providers and cultural differences.

In summary, understanding demographic trends in addiction is crucial in addressing the issue of drug abuse. Tailoring interventions to the unique needs of each group may assist in reducing the prevalence and impact of substance abuse.

Adolescent Substance Use Trends

Analyzing adolescent substance use trends is crucial in understanding the broader context of drug abuse across the United States. Given the profound impact of substance use on adolescent health and well-being, it is important to examine recent surveys, popular substances among adolescents, and perceptions of prescription medication risk.

Recent Surveys on Adolescent Drug Use

According to the 2022 Monitoring the Future survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the reported use of any illicit drug within the past year remained at or significantly below pre-pandemic levels for all grades.

Despite the overall decrease, the survey indicated a dramatic rise in overdose deaths among young people ages 14-18, largely attributed to illicit fentanyl contaminating the drug supply.

Popular Substances Among Adolescents

The survey also indicated that the substances most commonly used by adolescents in the past year were alcohol, nicotine vaping, and cannabis. In most cases, the levels of reported past-year use in 2022 remained steady compared to the figures reported in 2021.

For substances where reported past-year use did increase between 2021 and 2022, the vast majority remained at or below the pre-pandemic levels observed in 2020.

Perceptions of Prescription Medication Risk

When analyzing the perceptions of prescription medication risk among adolescents, the survey found varying perceptions based on grade levels. The percentage of students who reported perceiving a “great risk” associated with occasionally taking specific prescription medications ranged from 22.9% among eighth graders to 52.9% among 12th graders.

This data suggests the need for more education and awareness about the risks associated with prescription medication misuse among adolescents.

The adolescent substance use trends provide valuable insights into the current state of drug abuse among young people in the United States. These statistics about drug abuse & facts can inform prevention strategies and interventions to address substance use and misuse among this vulnerable population.

Rising Concerns in Youth Drug Use

As we delve further into the reality of drug misuse, it becomes increasingly alarming to witness the impact on younger demographics. This section aims to shed light on the growing concerns around youth drug use, focusing on illicit drug trends, the influence of illicit fentanyl, and insights from the Monitoring the Future Survey.

Illicit Drug Trends Among Young People

Alarming trends have emerged in the context of young people and illicit drug use. While data from the past several years indicated stable or declining use of illicit drugs among young people, there has been a significant rise in overdose deaths among ages 14-18. This increase is largely attributed to the contamination of the drug supply by illicit fentanyl [2].

Impact of Illicit Fentanyl

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has seen an unparalleled rise in illicit distribution and use. It is frequently mixed with other drugs, often without the user's knowledge. The potency of fentanyl significantly heightens the risk of overdose, contributing to the escalation in youth overdose deaths. This underlines the urgent need for public health interventions and education aimed at young people to highlight the extreme risks associated with illicit drug use.

Monitoring the Future Survey Insights

The Monitoring the Future Survey provides valuable insight into the patterns of drug use among adolescents. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health:

• Among White Americans, young adults aged 18-25 had the highest rates of addiction, with white men experiencing the highest rates of opioid misuse and deaths from opioid overdose. An estimated 47,304 white Americans died from an opioid overdose in 2020.
• Among Black Americans, there's a noticeable increase in marijuana use among those aged 26 and older, along with a rise in mental health disorders, depressive episodes, suicidal thoughts, and co-occurring disorders.
• Hispanics and Latino Americans were reported to have higher rates of substance abuse when they also had a co-occurring mental health disorder, irrespective of age.
• The LGBTQ+ community, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB), have a common occurrence of polysubstance use, particularly involving opioids, which may significantly increase the risk of fatal overdose compared to those who only use one substance.

All figures courtesy Sunrise House

These statistics about drug abuse & facts underscore the urgency of addressing drug misuse among younger populations. As we continue to confront these numbers, it is vital to implement effective prevention strategies and provide access to comprehensive treatment services for those struggling with substance use disorders.

References

[1]: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics

‍[2]: https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2022/12/most-reported-substance-use-among-adolescents-held-steady-in-2022

‍[3]: https://drugabusestatistics.org/

‍[4]: https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/addiction-statistics/

‍[5]: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts

‍[6]: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/health-complications-addiction/permanent-effects

‍[7]: https://sunrisehouse.com/addiction-demographics/