10 Facts and Statistics of Substance Abuse- Get Help Today




Substance abuse is a widespread problem that affects millions of people around the world. It refers to the harmful use of drugs or alcohol, which can lead to addiction, physical and mental health problems, and even death. Substance abuse can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and it has a significant impact on society as a whole.

Statistics on Substance Abuse


The following are 10 statistics related to substance abuse:

1. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 19.4 million adults in the United States had a substance use disorder in 2018.

2. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that 8.1 million adults in the United States had both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in 2018.

3. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths in the United States have increased by 29% since 2015.

4. In 2019, 70,630 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States, with opioids being involved in 49,860 of those deaths, according to the CDC.

5. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that globally, an estimated 275 million people use drugs at least once a year, and 36.3 million people have drug use disorders.

6. According to the WHO, alcohol consumption causes an estimated 3 million deaths worldwide each year.

7. In the United States, drug overdose deaths increased by 30% in 2020 compared to the previous year, reaching a record high of over 93,000 deaths. (CDC).

8. Alcohol is responsible for approximately 3.3 million deaths worldwide each year, making it the third-leading risk factor for premature death and disability. (WHO).

9. In 2019, an estimated 14.5 million adults (5.8% of the population) had a substance use disorder in the United States. (SAMHSA).

10. The opioid epidemic in the United States resulted in more than 500,000 deaths between 1999 and 2019. (CDC).

The Impact of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can have significant negative effects on an individual's physical, mental, and social well-being. Here are some of the ways substance abuse can impact people:

Health Problems: Substance abuse can lead to a range of health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, lung disease, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Addiction: Substance abuse can lead to addiction, which is a chronic and relapsing brain disease that affects an individual's ability to control their drug or alcohol use.

Social Problems: Substance abuse can lead to social problems such as job loss, financial difficulties, legal problems, and relationship problems.

Overdose: Substance abuse can lead to overdose, which can be fatal. Overdose occurs when an individual takes too much of a drug or a combination of drugs that leads to respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and other serious health problems.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing substance abuse is crucial to reducing its impact on individuals and society as a whole. Prevention efforts include educating people about the risks associated with substance abuse, promoting healthy behaviors, and addressing risk factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.

Treatment for substance abuse typically involves a combination of medical, behavioral, and social interventions. The goal of treatment is to help individuals overcome their addiction, manage their health problems, and rebuild their lives. Treatment options include medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Substance abuse is a complex problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It has significant negative effects on individuals and society as a whole, including health problems, addiction, social problems, and overdose. Preventing substance abuse and providing effective treatment are crucial to reducing its impact. By working together, we can help individuals overcome addiction and build healthier, happier lives.

Via: WHO; CDC


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