Drug addiction continues to be one of the most persistent and damaging public health issues in the United States. With millions of Americans affected by substance use disorders (SUDs), the ripple effects of addiction stretch across families, communities, and the healthcare system. Recent national data helps to explain the scale of this crisis and highlights where treatment and prevention efforts are most needed.

The Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders in the U.S.

Substance use disorders remain alarmingly common. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 48.7 million Americans aged 12 or older—about 17.3% of that population—were estimated to have a substance use disorder in the past year.

That total includes:

  • 28.3 million individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD)
  • 27.2 million with a drug use disorder (DUD)

Many people experience both simultaneously. These disorders impact every segment of society, though access to treatment remains deeply unequal. For those struggling with alcohol use, alcohol addiction treatment centers can offer comprehensive, evidence-based support.

U.S. Drug Death Statistics and Overdose Trends

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nearly 108,000 people in the U.S. died from drug-involved overdoses in 2022. Synthetic opioids—especially fentanyl—were involved in a large majority of these deaths.

The impact of fentanyl is particularly devastating because it is often mixed into other drugs without users’ knowledge. Even a tiny amount can be fatal. This is one of the reasons opioid-related treatment remains so urgent. Opioid addiction treatment facilities provide targeted care for individuals impacted by this class of drugs.

Among the sobering statistics:

  • Fentanyl was involved in over two-thirds of opioid-related deaths
  • The rate of overdose deaths from methamphetamine and cocaine also rose significantly
  • Overdose deaths now outnumber fatalities from motor vehicle accidents and homicides combined

These drug deaths in the U.S. are preventable—but only if individuals have access to safe, stigma-free treatment options.

Who Is Most Affected?

Drug addiction doesn’t discriminate—but data shows certain groups are disproportionately affected. According to recent data compiled by the Trust for America’s Health in its 2024 “Pain in the Nation” report, disparities by race, geography, and age are widening:

  • American Indian/Alaska Native individuals experienced the highest overdose death rate—65.2 per 100,000
  • Black individuals saw the fastest rise in drug-related fatalities, with a 4,000% increase in synthetic opioid deaths since 2013
  • People aged 35–54 had the highest overall overdose death rate (59.4 per 100,000)

These numbers reveal the deep, intersectional challenges in addressing addiction, especially in communities that already experience health and economic inequities.

Percentage of Addictive Disorders and Co-Occurring Conditions

AltThe relationship between addiction and mental health is well-established. Many people with substance use disorders also experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychiatric conditions.

According to the 2023 NSDUH, about 9.2 million U.S. adults experienced both a mental illness and a substance use disorder in the past year. That’s nearly one in five people with an SUD.

This overlap means treatment should be holistic. Ashley Addiction Treatment emphasizes integrated care—addressing both mental health and addiction concurrently to improve long-term recovery outcomes.

Most Used Drugs in America

Substance use trends shift from year to year, but some patterns remain stable. The Recovery Team’s 2024 Addiction Statistics summary breaks down the most commonly used substances in the U.S. as follows:

  • Alcohol remains the most widely used addictive substance, contributing to more than 140,000 deaths annually
  • Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug, especially among young adults
  • Cocaine and methamphetamine use continues to rise, particularly in rural and western states
  • Prescription drug misuse, including opioids like oxycodone and benzodiazepines, remains high

For individuals struggling with misuse of prescription pain relievers, Ashley’s Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Program offers focused clinical care.

Addiction Trends Among Adolescents

Encouragingly, adolescent drug use remains relatively low, thanks in part to public awareness campaigns and early prevention programs. The NIH-funded Monitoring the Future 2024 survey found that rates of substance use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders remained largely unchanged from pandemic-era lows.

Noteworthy data includes:

  • 12th grade past-year marijuana use: 30.7%
  • Alcohol use (past 12 months): 46.1% among 12th graders
  • Nicotine vaping: 20.5% among 12th graders

These stable levels suggest that early intervention and education continue to make an impact, but the accessibility of high-potency THC products and synthetic alternatives remains a concern.

Barriers to Care and the Treatment Gap

One of the most alarming figures is the gap between those who need help and those who actually receive it. Of the estimated 48.7 million people with a substance use disorder, only about 6 million received any form of treatment in the past year.

Why does this gap exist?

  • Stigma around addiction
  • Cost and insurance barriers
    Lack of nearby services
  • Fear of legal consequences

Bridging this gap requires increased funding, policy support, and ongoing education around the science of addiction. Ashley Addiction Treatment offers both inpatient and outpatient care options designed to meet patients where they are—whether they need medically supervised detox or flexible, community-based support.

Looking Forward: Addressing Drug Addiction Through Treatment and Support

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to substance use disorders. But data makes it clear that treatment works—when it is accessible, compassionate, and tailored to the individual. Whether a person is struggling with alcohol, opioids, stimulants, or a combination, professional care makes a real difference in their chances of sustained recovery.

Ashley Addiction Treatment serves individuals across Maryland and the surrounding region with proven programs that combine clinical excellence, family support, and spiritual healing. If you or a loved one may be facing addiction, reach out to our admissions team to explore care options and take that first step toward recovery.