Rate changes for American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, and Hispanic people were not significant, and rates significantly increased for Black and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander people. The fastest-growing drug problem in the United States is the misuse of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful and dangerous drug often mixed with other substances, increasing its risk of drug overdose. Its availability and potency have contributed to a surge in opioid-related deaths. The age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths declined 4.0% between 2022 and 2023, which follows a nonsignificant increase between 2021 and 2022 (1). Previously, rates had generally increased across most years over the period 2003–2023.
- Multiracial individuals had the highest rate at 13.6 percent, compared to Black people at 9.6 percent, Hispanic people at 9.2 percent, and Asian people at 5.7 percent.
- At autopsy, the substances tested for and the circumstances under which the toxicology tests are performed vary by jurisdiction.
- Statistics indicate that Illinois may have a significant underage drinking problem though its under-21 death rate has declined in recent years.
- Only 13.01% of Californians reported having used tobacco in the last statistically available month.
- This figure includes 28.9 million individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs), 27.2 million with drug use disorders (DUDs), and 7.5 million with both types of disorders.
For more information about opioids and overdose deaths, see our reports on Fentanyl Abuse and Drug Overdose Death Rates. Early drug abuse corelates with substance abuse problems later in life, and the most significant increases in destructive behavior appear to take place among older teens and young adults. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) affects millions globally, disrupting individuals’ health, relationships, and economic security. Understanding current statistics can shed light on the scale and scope of this issue across different demographics, helping to shape better-informed policies and treatments.
Recovery Programs
Teenagers in Mississippi are 8.48% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Minnesota are equally as likely to have used drugs in the last month as the average American teen. Teenagers in Michigan are 5.27% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Massachusetts are 25.26% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.
In 2023, 20.4 million or 7.9% of all adults aged 18 and older in the US had both AMI and at least one SUD in the past year. Also known as opioids, narcotics include opium, opium derivatives, and synthetic versions. Alcohol is by far the most commonly abused substance among teens and young adults. If you would like to request additional information about substance use treatment statistics, contact the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services Office of Statistics and Evaluation at
Mississippi Alcohol Abuse Statistics
Youth drug abuse trends may provide clues about the future of public health heroin addiction as well as the efficacy of educational initiatives. This figure includes 28.9 million individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs), 27.2 million with drug use disorders (DUDs), and 7.5 million with both types of disorders. Drug use disorder refers to the problematic use of illegal drugs or prescription medications, leading to significant impairment.
Women & Drug Abuse
Looking for better health insurance that includes coverage for substance abuse disorders? Where states are ranked, states are categorized from highest rate to lowest rate. Trends in age-adjusted death rates were evaluated using the Joinpoint Regression Program (Version 5.0.2) (8). Joinpoint software fitted weighted least-squares what is the best treatment for substance abuse for older adults regression models to the rates on the log-transform scale.
National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS)
Oklahoma is the state with the highest rate of marijuana usage (16.61%) where recreational use is currently not legal. However, the most recent statistically significant data comes from 2021 to 2022. It’s important to note that since then, several additional states have legalized marijuana both medicinally and recreationally, which may lead to an increase in usage. The CDC WONDER Online Database is the source of the 2023 National Vital Statistics System death data featured in Stats of the States. Insurance coverage profoundly influences whether individuals can afford or even seek out treatment. Rural communities often have fewer treatment facilities; telehealth expansions offer a potential solution but require reliable internet and local infrastructure.
Drug Abuse Statistics
These drugs also have a high potential for abuse; this may or may not be due to addictive properties. Non-sanctioned, non-medical, or non-prescribed use of these controlled substances is considered drug abuse, often leading to Substance Use Disorder (SUD). These substances are likely to create physical or psychological dependence, contributing to concurrent mental health conditions such as Any Mental Illness (AMI) and Major Depressive Episode (MDE). Youth drug abuse is a high-profile public health concern, with nearly 1-in-7 teenagers abusing an illicit substance in the last month.
Overdoses involving synthetic opioids (fentanyl, for example) and stimulants (cocaine and methamphetamine, for example) have also risen in the past few years (1). Race and Hispanic origin were categorized based on the 1997 Office of Management and Budget standards for federal statistical and administrative reporting (5). All of the race categories are single race, meaning that only one race was reported on the death certificate. Death rates for Asian, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Hispanic people are affected by misclassification of race and Hispanic origin on death certificates (6). This misclassification results in underestimation of death rates for these groups by about 3% for Asian and Hispanic people and by about 34% for American Indian and Alaska Native people (7).
- Pennsylvania’s alcohol-related deaths are less likely to be due to chronic causes.
- The resources on this webpage cover a variety of drug-related issues, including information on drug use, emergency room data, prevention and treatment programs, and other research findings.
Statistics https://josecardenas.com/2022/05/how-alcohol-ages-your-skin/ indicate that Illinois may have a significant underage drinking problem though its under-21 death rate has declined in recent years. The death rate from excessive alcohol use in Hawaii is below average, but alcohol-related death is more prevalent among males than anywhere else in the United States (excluding territories). Death from excessive alcohol use is on the rise in Colorado, catching up to national averages, and the rate of binge drinkers is high.
Mortality rates
Arkansas has more alcohol-related deaths per capita than a majority of states and a higher rate of underage drinking. Georgia is the state with the lowest rate of self-reported substance abuse (11.31% of adults). This data includes drug-related deaths by suicide, homicide and undetermined intents.
The centers offer comprehensive care, including outpatient rehab, medication-assisted treatment, and innovations like GeneSight testing, Ketamine Therapy, and TMS. Specialized psychiatrists and therapists most commonly treat substance use disorders, depression, bipolar, anxiety, trauma, and co-occurring diagnoses. Prevention programs aim to educate people about the risks of addiction and teach healthy coping skills. Schools, community centers, and online resources offer various programs that address substance abuse and behavioral addictions.