If you or a loved one is facing addiction and considering recovery, know that you are not alone. Addiction is a serious problem that plagues millions of people worldwide. By looking at the current statistics of addiction in the United States, you can understand the prevalence of this problem and find help.
Most Common Addiction Statistics in the US
- It is estimated that as many as 37 million adults within the United States struggle with problematic drug use at one point in their life.
- Of the individuals who suffer from drug disorders, 25% of them suffer from an opioid disorder specifically.
- 59 million of people aged 12 and older have either misused prescription drugs or used illegal drugs within the last year.
- 138 million Americans over the age of 12 drink alcohol.
- Based on the number above, 10% of all US adults suffer from drug use disorder, and only 25% of these individuals received treatment.
- White and Native American men are most diagnosed with drug abuse disorder.
- One out of eight individuals who suffer from substance abuse disorder experience co-occurring disorders.
- Individuals who use drugs frequently are 1.8 times more likely to have borderline personality disorder, 1.6 times more likely to have post traumatic stress disorder, and 1.3 times more likely to have clinical depression.
Demographics
- 22% of US males used illegal drugs or misused prescribed drugs within the last year. In comparison, 17% of females reported the same.
- Drug use is highest among individuals aged 18 to 25. 39% of individuals within this age group report drug use, whereas only 34% of individuals aged 26 to 29 report the same.
- About 47% of minors use one type of legal drug before they graduate high school.
- 20.2% of people in large metropolitan counties use illegal drugs. In comparison, 5% of individuals from rural counties use illegal drugs.
- 6.3 million individuals that belong to the LGBT+ community suffer from substance abuse disorder, mental abuse disorder, or both. This means that individuals within this community are at higher risk of addiction.
Causes for Abuse
- Scientists estimate that anywhere from 40% to 60% of a person’s likelihood to develop an addiction comes from genetics. The remaining percent comes from a person’s environment, such as stress and peers.
- Individuals who suffer from mental health disorders are most at risk of drug use and addiction. This is especially true for teenagers.
Addiction and Mental Health
- 3.8% of adults, or 9.5 million adults, have a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness.
- About 358,000 adolescents in the United States suffered from a substance abuse disorder and a major depressive episode within the last year.
- About 8.5% of adolescents who suffer from a major depressive episode are more likely to binge drink than those without.
- 32.7% of adolescents who suffer from a major depressive episode are more likely to use an illegal drug than those without.
Addiction Statistics in the US: Recovery
- There are about 70,000 drug overdose deaths in the US every year. However, there is hope, thanks to treatment options.
- There has been a decrease in addiction, especially opioid addiction over the last decade. For example, Kentucky alone saw an 85% decrease in opioid prescription per individual between 2010 and 2015. Many other areas have seen the same decrease.
- The commonality of Americans receiving MAT or medication assisted treatment is increasing by 13% annually.
- The United States has seen a 16% decline every year related to opioid prescription.
Contact Ava Recovery to Start Your Journey Today
If you or someone you love is suffering from an addiction, get the help you need today. Contact Ava Recovery to learn more about our recovery options.
All Stats Cited in this Article Are Recovered from the Following Sources:
