Substance abuse and addiction is a tragic experience that directly impacts millions of individuals every year. Substance use disorder impacts more than just the individual though. Addiction affects friends, family, and co-workers in equally important ways.
Those experiencing substance abuse, whether addicted themselves or via the consequences of someone close to them, need support. They need to be shown compassion, patience, and grace. The road to recovery from addiction can be tedious and long. It requires a lot of support from friends, family, and the community.
Substance abuse disorder, commonly referred to as addiction, compels a person to seek out and use alcohol, drugs, etc.… repeatedly despite consequences such as the deterioration of relationships, a decline in physical health, job loss, and threats to the general safety of the community.
Looking at substance use disorder statistics is insightful on a couple of fronts. First, it is difficult to tackle a problem as a society if we are not able to see how prevalent the issue is. Solutions begin with a clear picture of the problem. Second, statistics reveal that substance abuse is pervasive in our society. Millions upon millions of people suffer from it every day.
Knowing this lets those who are suffering know they are not alone on their journey to recovery, and helps case managers work toward the best solutions.
How is substance abuse impacting society and what types of programs are available to help others? Let’s take a look at some important statistics that will paint a picture of the current state of substance abuse in 2024.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a broad medical term that covers when someone is unable to function without the use of a substance. This can lead to severe issues and dangerous circumstances, such as drunk driving or being unable to work. SUD can include legal drugs, such as alcohol or marijuana, and illegal drugs, including heroin and cocaine.
The United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that:
Some other statistics reveal that:
Someone who abuses alcohol drinks alcohol too frequently, so much so that they cannot maintain a healthy daily life. To consider someone as a moderate drinker, women must have three drinks a day or less, and men must have four drinks a day or less.
Because alcohol is so prevalent in American culture, it can be difficult to ascertain if someone has a drinking problem or not. However, we must consider these important statistics to remind ourselves of the importance of intervening when we see a friend, family member, or co-worker with an alcohol addiction.
There is perhaps no more pressing issue related to substance abuse disorders over the past decade than the epidemic of opioid use. The epidemic started in the 1990s, when pharmaceutical companies pushed prescription opioid painkillers onto patients and doctors, downplaying the extreme risks. There have been three waves of the crisis: 1999 to 2010, 2010 to 2013 (where users commonly transitioned to heroin), and then from 2013 on, where synthetic opioids such as fentanyl have skyrocketed in use.
The number of lives that it has impacted in just a short time is nothing short of astronomical. While the US government has increased funding to fight the epidemic in recent years after the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (2016), there is still a long fight ahead against the prevalence of opioids.
While many people use prescription drugs to treat common illnesses, it can only take a matter of days or weeks to become addicted to certain medications. There are three main categories of prescription drugs that people tend to become addicted to: opioids/narcotics/pain relievers, depressants, and stimulants. Because these drugs are cheaper and easier to get a hold of, it increases the number of people addicted.
Some eye-opening statistics about prescription drug use in the United States include:
While it’s important to know the prevalence of drug use in the United States, it’s also helpful to know the population demographic groups that are most likely to experience substance abuse disorder.
Given the unfortunate magnitude of the substance use disorder problem in the United States, there are many non-profit and community-based organizations devoted to helping those most affected. Their noble work helps those who suffer from substance abuse recover and lead healthy, productive lives.
PlanStreet’s case management software is uniquely positioned to suit the needs of substance use agencies and addiction treatment services. Our flexible and customizable platform ensures that your organization will find the right fit of tools and reports that take your work to the next level.
If your organization is ready to take the next step to enhance staff performance, achieve lofty goals, and better serve your community, schedule a time to meet with us and learn how we can help. PlanStreet is ready to get you to the next level.