A small proportion of people with substance use disorders believe they need treatment, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
The survey, conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association, was published in July. The annual survey included responses from 67,679 people aged 12 and older.
Here are 10 key numbers on substance use in 2023 to note:
- In 2023, 48.5 million people had a substance use disorder, accounting for 17.1% of the population, down slightly from 17.3% in 2022.
- Most people surveyed had an alcohol use disorder or a drug use disorder only. In 2023, 28.9 million individuals had an alcohol use disorder, and 21.5 million people had drug use disorder. Around 1 in 6 respondents with a substance use disorder misused alcohol and drugs.
- Substance use disorders were most common among adults aged 18 to 25. In 2023, 27.1% of young adults had an alcohol or drug use disorder.
- Marijuana use disorder was the most common type of drug use disorder. In 2023, 6.8% of people aged 12 and older met the criteria for marijuana use disorder, 1.9% had prescription pain reliever use disorder and 0.6% had methamphetamine use disorder.
- Over half of people with a substance use disorder were classified as having a mild disorder. Another 22.7% of individuals had moderate substance use disorder, and 21.5% had a severe disorder.
- Around 1 in 5 people aged 12 and older were classified as being in need of substance use disorder treatment in 2023, according to SAMHSA. Results from 2023 are not comparable to previous years due to question revisions, according to the agency.
- Of those in need of treatment, around 23% received any form of substance use disorder treatment in the past year.
- Outpatient treatment was the most common form of substance use disorder treatment, followed by telehealth treatment.
- In 2023, 2.3 million people received medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, and 1.1 million people received medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder.
- Of the 39.6 million adults with a substance use disorder, 94.7% did not report needing treatment. Just 0.5% of these adults sought treatment in 2023, and 4.8% reported thinking they needed treatment but did not seek it.
Read the full report here.