More Common Than You Think: Substance Use Disorder by the Numbers

Do you know someone living with Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

Statistically, the answer is likely yes. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics estimates that over 46 million adults aged 18 and older in the United States struggle with substance use annually. That’s 17% of the adult population, or 1 in every 6 adults. Those odds might sound unbelievable, but because substance use comes in many shapes and forms, you might never know exactly who is struggling with this condition. Below, we’ll unpack some key statistics and facts to help us better understand the scope of SUD in the United States, and explore resources and tools to help you navigate regardless of what your relationship to SUD may be.

That’s 17% of the adult population, or 1 in every 6 adults

What is Substance Use Disorder?

It is important to know that SUD is a medical condition – not a moral failing. It is defined by the uncontrolled use of substances like alcohol, prescription medication, or drugs like marijuana, ketamine and heroin. Someone living with SUD might display some or all of the following symptoms:

• Low or no self-control when it comes to avoiding substances or using in moderation.
• Often needs to increase the volume/frequency of substance use as tolerance increases.
• Experiences physical and/or psychological withdrawal when not using the substance.
• Continues to use the substance even when it interferes with their health, work, relationships, family and/or other responsibilities.

Cases can range from mild to severe. Some might be curious about recovery, while others might deny the issue entirely. Some people’s substance use may manifest in obvious ways that impact their physical appearance or behavior. And sometimes, in high functioning cases, you might not know that someone is struggling with substance use at all. The bottom line? SUD looks different for everyone.

A Closer Look at SUD Statistics

We know that approximately 17% of adults nationwide are living with SUD, but that’s just the big picture. To illustrate just how diverse and pervasive substance use is nationwide, we can zoom in on demographics courtesy of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health:

• Young adults (ages 18–25) experience the highest rates of SUD, with about 25% reporting substance misuse in the past year.
• Men are more likely than women to have SUD, but the gender gap is narrowing, particularly when it comes to alcohol and prescription drug misuse.
• Demographically, white and Native American adults show the highest prevalence, but Black and Hispanic communities often face greater barriers to treatment and support.
• Employed individuals account for over 60% of SUD cases. This means that the majority of people living with addiction have jobs, are holding those jobs down, and are actively supporting themselves and/or their families – all while battling addiction privately.

It’s also important to note that not every case of SUD entails both drugs and alcohol. In fact, in most cases, people report struggling with either one or the other. Only about 7.5 million, or 16%, of the more than 46 million Americans living with SUD annually, say they struggle with both substance categories. Either way, it is clear that SUD doesn’t discriminate.

Looking Ahead: SUD Recovery and Treatment

Recovery from Substance Use Disorder can be complicated, nonlinear and deeply personal – but never hopeless. Whether it’s inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient care or just connecting someone with the right resources, thousands of people seek recovery from SUD each year. In fact, about 1.46 million adults in the U.S. enter treatment programs and over 91,000 individuals are admitted to residential rehabilitation centers annually. And according to the National Library of Medicine, in the long run, 29% of those who resolve to abstain from substance use have maintained their sobriety for 15 years or longer. So even though so many Americans are dealing with this obstacle, there’s always a path forward.

Conclusion

If you or someone close to you is navigating Substance Use Disorder, you’re not alone. If you’re ready to take the first step towards sobriety, or if you’re interested in supporting someone living with SUD, AtlantiCare offers a spectrum of rehabilitation services tailored to your needs. Whether through inpatient residential care or outpatient counseling and support, we provide personalized treatment plans that address both substance use and any co-occurring mental health concerns so that you can get your life back on your own terms. For more information, please visit Addicition Services.