Drug addiction has a larger impact on our lives than we tend to think. Read on to discover the most shocking drug addiction statistics here.
The health risks associated with drug addiction and substance abuse are widely documented, but it can sometimes be difficult to imagine just how many people are affected. However, drug addiction affects millions in the US each year alone.
We’ve got some of the most shocking drug addiction statistics here, so you can see just what a major impact drug use can have on you, the people around you, and Americans as a whole. Keep reading to find out more.
- Over 19 million Americans Addicted
In 2017, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 19.7 million Americans aged 12 and over had a disorder related to drug use. The drugs in question ranged from heroin to cocaine to marijuana and prescription drugs including painkillers and sedatives.
- Alcohol and Other Drug Use Interlinked
This is one of the drug abuse and addiction statistics that you may not have expected. Out of all adults suffering from substance use disorders in 2017, just under 74 percent of them also suffered from a disorder related to alcohol abuse, with one out of every eight adults living with both simultaneously.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues
In the same year, around 8.5 million adults in the US suffered from both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder — the data does not show whether one directly influences the other, however, the links between drug use and mental health issues are well documented.
- Addiction and Abuse Costs Over $700 Billion Annually
Each year, there is a cost of over $740 billion to Americans thanks to drug addiction and substance abuse. This is down to issues with crime, reduced productivity in the workplace, and excess healthcare expenses — how much is your state losing out due to drug abuse?
- Over 700,000 Overdose Deaths in 20 Years
Deaths resulting from overdoses have more than tripled since 1990 — one of the most shocking drug addiction death statistics. From 1999 to 2017, over 700,000 Americans have died from drug overdoses — the figure is approaching a million deaths in around 20 years.
- 9 Out of 10 Users Started as a Minor
It sounds shocking, but it’s true. Out of everyone suffering from substance use disorders and drug addiction, more than 90 percent started to use drugs or alcohol before turning 18 years old. Meanwhile, young adults aged 18 to 25 make up the age group most likely to use addictive drugs.
- Third of Teenagers Have Used Illicit Drugs
Students in the eighth, tenth, and twelfth grades have been surveyed with regards to their drug use each year since 1991, and in 2019 34.8 percent of students disclosed previous use of illicit drugs. This is an overall increase since records began when 30.4 percent was the recorded figure.
What Drug Addiction Statistics Can Tell Us
As you can see from these drug addiction statistics, addiction and abuse are real problems affecting millions and millions of people everywhere in the US. Although it is, of course, best not to use drugs in the first place, there’s no time like to present to get yourself some help!
If you’re looking for more advice on looking after yourself and your body, check out some of our other posts — you never know how we can help you out.
Great article! Thank you!