Drug Addiction Demographics: Understanding the Numbers

In 2023, 46.3 million individuals aged 12 or older (16.5% of the U.S. population) were diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD). This includes both alcohol use disorders (AUD) and illicit drug use disorders.

Age Breakdown

• Adolescents (12-17 years): 6.1% had an SUD, highlighting the vulnerability of this age group.
• Young Adults (18-25 years): This group’s prevalence peaked at 25.8%, making them the most at-risk demographic.
• Adults (26 years and older): 15.3% were affected, showcasing the broader impact across life stages.

Gender Differences

• Men: 20.9% experienced an SUD, significantly higher than the 12.2% reported among women.
• Women: Despite a lower overall prevalence, women face unique challenges, particularly with prescription drug misuse.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol remains the most commonly abused substance:

• 29.5 million people aged 12 or older (10.5%) had an alcohol use disorder.
• Binge Drinking: Nearly 61.4 million Americans engaged in binge drinking at least once in the past month, with young adults (18-25 years) leading at 28.7%.

Illicit Drug Use Disorders

Illicit drug use disorders affected 24 million individuals aged 12 or older (8.6%). Key substances include:

• Marijuana: The most used illicit drug, with 15.4% of individuals (43.6 million people) reporting use in the past month.
• Opioids: Including prescription pain relievers and heroin, opioid misuse continues to contribute significantly to drug addiction statistics.
• Methamphetamine and Cocaine: Both remain prevalent, particularly among young adults and individuals in urban areas.

Race and Ethnicity Disparities

Substance use patterns vary significantly by race and ethnicity:

• Non-Hispanic Whites: 17.1% reported an SUD, the highest among all groups.
• Non-Hispanic Blacks: 16.4% were affected, underscoring ongoing disparities in access to care.
• Hispanics: 15.1% reported substance use issues.
• Asian Americans: Reported the lowest prevalence at 10.3%, but unique challenges in cultural stigma persist.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Approximately 9.2 million adults had both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition. Co-occurring disorders are more prevalent among:

• Young Adults: Due to high-stress levels and transitions in life stages.
• Women: Often linked to anxiety and depression.

Treatment and Access

Despite the high prevalence of addiction, access to treatment remains limited:

• Only 4.1 million individuals received any substance use treatment in 2023.
• Barriers to Treatment: Cost, stigma, and lack of availability were the most cited reasons for not seeking help.