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Substance Use Disorder in America

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Substance Use

Substance Use Disorder is a disease that impacts millions and involves the misuse of or addiction to alcohol, marijuana or street or prescription drugs. 

Key Findings

  • 51.2% of people age 12 or older have used illicit drugs at least once. 
  • There have been 1.15M drug overdoses in the U.S. since 1999 
  • The federal budget for drug control in 2024 was $44.5B (Link) 

What is Substance Use Disorder? 

Substance Use Disorder is a chronic disease where people compulsively seek and use drugs despite harmful consequences. 

Why Do Some People Become Addicted While Others Don’t? 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), addiction risk varies based on three key factors: 

  • Biology: Genetics serve as the main predisposition to a person suffering from a substance use disorder. Factors such as gender, ethnicity and mental health are also involved. 
  • Environment: The environment in which a person is exposed to can play a role in developing a substance use disorder. In addition, family, friends, living conditions and life experiences can alter the risk of addiction. 
  • Development: The time and point in life in which drug or substance use occurs can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Teen brains are still developing in areas that control decision-making and self-control, making them more likely to engage in risky behaviors like drug use. 

Substance Use Statistics

  • Among Americans aged 12 years and older, 47.7 million were current illegal drug users (used within the last 30 days) as of 2023. 
  • 16.8% of Americans 12 and over used drugs in the last month 
  • 70.5 million or 24.9% of people 12 and over have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last year. 
  • 145.1 million people aged 12 and over have illicitly used drugs in their lifetime. 
  • 134.7 million Americans 12 and older have consumed alcohol in the past month. 
  • 28.9 million or 21.5% of Americans who have consumed alcohol in the past month have an alcohol use disorder. 
  • 64.4 million people have used tobacco or nicotine vaping products within the past month. 
  • 38.6% of illegal drug users have a drug disorder. 
  • 21.6% of those with drug disorders have an opioid disorder; this includes prescription pain relievers or “painkillers” and heroin). (Link) 
Man surrounded by empty beer bottles

North Carolina Substance Use Statistics 

  • Across 2022 and 2023, 1,325,000 North Carolinians ages 18 or older suffered from a substance use disorder. 
  •  326,000 people suffering from a substance use disorder received substance use treatment in 2023. 
  • 1.16M North Carolinians ages 18 or older were not receiving substance use treatment, but were classified as ‘Needing Substance Use Treatment’. 

Provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 

Substance Use Awareness 

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Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorders 

According to the Mayo Clinic, these are some of the most common symptoms of a substance use disorder: 

  • Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day. 
  • Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts. 
  • Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect. 
  • Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended. 
  • Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug. 
  • Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it. 
  • Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use. 

Signs a Friend or Family Member is Struggling from a Substance Use Disorder

  • Issues at school or work  
  • Physical health problems— lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, or red eyes 
  • Neglected appearance — lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks 
  • Behavioral Changes  
  • Money Problems 

Substance Use Disorder Treatment 

At Monarch, we help individuals find purpose, healing and long-term stability in their journey to recovery from substance use disorders. It is not just about abstaining from substances such as drugs or alcohol, but finding ways to navigate the world of addiction through purposeful and targeted treatment. 

How We Can Help

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How to Find Mental Health Help   

If you feel overwhelmed, professional help is available. Monarch offers a range of services to address substance use disorders. Contact Monarch at (866) 272-7826 to connect with a therapist who can help.