Addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people in the United States. By developing an awareness of alcohol and drug abuse statistics, it is possible to better understand how specific substances can impact your life. Most importantly, addiction statistics show that, if you are struggling with addiction or you know someone who is, you are certainly not alone. Read on and browse a variety of U.S. addiction statistics, including:
- Drug abuse statistics.
- Alcohol abuse statistics.
- Alcohol abuse facts.
- Drug usage statistics.
- Statistics for drug addiction treatment.
Drug Abuse Statistics
Each year, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) publishes drug and alcohol abuse statistics in NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health). Here are some striking 2021 drug use statistics:
- Heroin: Out of the 1.1 million U.S. adults who used heroin in 2021, over 1 million (91% of past-year users) developed a diagnosable heroin addiction.
- Prescription painkillers: Among the 8.7 million U.S. adults who used prescription painkillers in 2021, 6.8 million (78% of past-year users) developed a diagnosable prescription painkiller addiction.
- Methamphetamine (meth): Out of the 2.5 million U.S. adults who used meth in 2021, 1.6 million (64% of past-year users) developed a diagnosable meth addiction.
- Opioids: Among the 9.2 million U.S. adults who used opioids in 2021, 5.3 million (58% of past-year users) developed a diagnosable opioid addiction.
- Benzodiazepines: Out of the 3.9 million U.S. adults who used benzodiazepines in 2021, 2 million (51% of past-year users) developed a diagnosable benzodiazepine addiction.
- Prescription stimulants: Among the 3.7 million U.S. adults who used prescription stimulants in 2021, 1.2 million (32% of past-year users) developed a diagnosable prescription stimulant addiction.
- Cocaine: Out of the 4.8 million U.S. adults who used cocaine in 2021, 1.4 million (29% of past-year users) developed a diagnosable cocaine addiction.
- Marijuana: Among the 52.4 million U.S. adults who used marijuana in 2021, 15 million (29% of past-year users) developed a diagnosable marijuana addiction.
- Alcohol: How many people abuse alcohol and how many alcoholics in the U.S.? Among the 213 million U.S. adults who used alcohol in 2021, 29.5 million (14% of past-year users) developed a diagnosable alcohol addiction.
- Inhalants: Out of the 2.2 million U.S. adults who used inhalants in 2021, 251,000 (11% of past-year users) developed a diagnosable inhalants addiction.
- Hallucinogens: Among the 7.4 million U.S. adults who used hallucinogens like PCP, Ecstasy, and LSD in 2021, 445,000 (6% of past-year users) developed a diagnosable hallucinogen addiction.
These facts about alcohol abuse and drug abuse underscore the significant challenges posed by substance addiction in the United States. Comprehensive efforts are necessary to address and mitigate the impact of addiction on individuals and society as a whole.
More Addiction Statistics
- Addiction is a complex disease that affects behavior and has behavioral characteristics.
- Over 46 million U.S. over-12s reported substance use disorders in 2021, with addiction and substance abuse affecting more people than heart conditions, diabetes, or cancer.
- Roughly 80 million U.S. adults engage in the risky use of addictive substances but do not satisfy clinical criteria for addiction.
- The risk of addiction increases the earlier substance use starts – more than 90% of people with a substance problem began using before age 18.
- Fewer than 10% of those addicted to alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs in the United States receive any kind of treatment.
- Drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1990, with opioids playing a telling role in the increase.
- Alcohol and drug addiction cost the US economy over $600 billion every year, impacting various sectors.
- More than 90% of people who have an addiction started to drink alcohol or use drugs before they were 18 years old.
These facts are sourced from Partnership to End Addiction.

Alcohol Addiction Statistics
Data from NSDUH 2021 show that a total of 213.2 million adults aged 18 and above (84.0% within this age bracket) reported consuming alcohol at least once during their lifetime. This encompassed:
- 106.5 million men aged 18 and above (86.2% within this age group).
- 106.7 million women aged 18 and above (81.9% within this age group).
Here are some more quick facts about alcohol addiction:
- Alcohol use disorder prevalence: Approximately 10% of U.S. over-12s have alcohol use disorder, a condition characterized by problematic patterns of alcohol consumption leading to distress or impairment.
- Excessive drinking deaths: Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with 95,000 deaths in the United States each year. These fatalities result from various alcohol-related health issues and accidents.
- Youth and alcohol abuse: Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 are most likely to engage in alcohol misuse and addiction. This age group has a higher susceptibility to risky drinking behaviors.
- Co-occurring disorders: In 2021, 9.2 million U.S. adults had co-occurring disorders, indicating a significant overlap between mental health issues and alcohol addiction.
- Treatment gap: Despite the prevalence of alcohol addiction, only about 10% of those with substance use disorders receive treatment. This treatment gap highlights the need for increased access to effective interventions and support.
FAQs
What percentage of accidents in the workplace are drug and alcohol-related?
2018 data shows that of the 5250 fatal injuries in U.S. workplaces, 305 involved accidental overdose (6%).
How common is alcohol abuse in the U.S.?
Over 138 million people in the U.S. admit to being current alcohol users, with 61.6 million admitting to being binge drinkers and 17.7 million reporting heavy drinking. Alcohol remains the most commonly abused addictive substance in the U.S.
What is the American drug and alcohol survey?
The American Drug and Alcohol Survey is the informal name for NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) published each year by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
How is Drug Addiction Treated?
The first step towards treating drug addiction is acknowledging the problem and seeking help. Substance use disorder is a chronic and relapsing condition that can cause physical and psychological damage, negatively impacting various aspects of personal and professional life, as well as affecting overall well-being.
Diagnosing drug addiction involves a thorough evaluation by mental health professionals, like psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed alcohol and drug counselors. While lab tests like blood or urine samples can assess drug use, they are not diagnostic tests for addiction. Diagnosis is usually based on criteria outlined in DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, revised fifth edition).
Treatment for drug addiction is not universal, but rather it is tailored to each individual’s needs. Factors such as the specific drug used and any co-occurring disorders play a vital role in determining the treatment plan. Long-term follow-up is essential to prevent relapse.
Various treatment modalities are available, depending on the severity of addiction. These may include:
- Detoxification: Detox is a medically managed process that aims to help individuals safely stop using the addicting substance. It focuses on relieving withdrawal symptoms and achieving stabilization, preparing individuals for ongoing treatment in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
- MAT (medication-assisted treatment): Medications can be used to mimic the effects of addictive drugs, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. MAT is a common part of addiction treatment and may be prescribed as part of inpatient or outpatient programs.
- Therapy: Individual, group, and family therapy sessions are often part of treatment programs. Therapy helps individuals understand addiction, become drug-free, and learn strategies to prevent relapse. Treatment can take place in an inpatient or outpatient backdrop.
Recovery from drug addiction is an ongoing process. Long-term support, therapy, and lifestyle changes play a significant role in preventing relapse and maintaining sobriety. Treatment not only focuses on overcoming physical dependency but also addresses the psychological and social aspects of addiction.

Get Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Abuse at Ohio Recovery Centers
At Ohio Recovery Centers, we specialize in offering personalized addiction treatment programs catering to individuals struggling with alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit drug dependencies.
Research indicates that both mild and moderate addictions often respond equally well to intensive outpatient treatment as they do to residential rehabilitation. Not only is outpatient treatment more flexible and cost-effective, but it also maintains a high standard of care. We present a range of programs at our Cincinnati rehab center:
At Ohio Recovery Centers, all our treatment programs incorporate a blend of pharmacological, behavioral, and holistic therapies, ensuring a scientifically grounded approach to recovery. Upon completion of the treatment program, you will leave our center equipped with strategies to prevent relapse, coping mechanisms, and access to ongoing therapy if necessary.
To take the next step towards recovery, get in touch with our admissions team by calling 877-679-2132 for immediate assistance.