The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) is a comprehensive annual survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that provides critical insights into the nation's substance abuse trends. By analyzing data from the NSDUH, researchers and policymakers can identify patterns and shifts in substance use, informing evidence-based strategies for prevention, treatment, and policy development. The 2020 NSDUH data reveals concerning trends in substance abuse statistics, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and targeted interventions.
Prevalence of Substance Use
The NSDUH data indicates that in 2020, approximately 40.3 million adults in the United States aged 18 or older suffered from a mental illness, and 8.6 million adults experienced both a mental illness and at least one substance use disorder (SUD). The survey also found that 21.6 million adults needed treatment for a SUD but did not receive it. These statistics highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing substance abuse and mental health issues in the United States.
Trends in Illicit Substance Use
The NSDUH data shows that in 2020, an estimated 28.5 million people aged 12 or older used an illicit drug in the past month. This represents a slight decrease from 2019, when 30.3 million people reported using an illicit drug. The most commonly used illicit substances were marijuana (18.9 million), cocaine (1.3 million), and heroin (745,000). The data also indicates that 6.7 million people misused prescription painkillers in the past year.
| Substance | Number of Users (in millions) |
|---|---|
| Marijuana | 18.9 |
| Cocaine | 1.3 |
| Heroin | 0.745 |
| Prescription Painkillers | 6.7 |
Key Points
- The NSDUH data shows that 40.3 million adults in the United States suffered from a mental illness in 2020.
- Approximately 8.6 million adults experienced both a mental illness and at least one substance use disorder (SUD).
- The survey found that 21.6 million adults needed treatment for a SUD but did not receive it.
- In 2020, an estimated 28.5 million people aged 12 or older used an illicit drug in the past month.
- The most commonly used illicit substances were marijuana (18.9 million), cocaine (1.3 million), and heroin (745,000).
Substance Use Disorder Treatment
The NSDUH data indicates that in 2020, only 4.2 million adults received treatment for a SUD at a specialty facility. This represents a small increase from 2019, when 4.1 million adults received treatment. The data also shows that adults with a SUD who received treatment were more likely to have a mental illness (45.1%) compared to those who did not receive treatment (24.1%).
Barriers to Treatment
The NSDUH data highlights several barriers to treatment, including lack of health coverage (44.1%), cost (31.4%), and lack of transportation (14.1%). These findings underscore the need for increased access to affordable treatment options and improved healthcare infrastructure.
Demographic Trends
The NSDUH data reveals demographic trends in substance use, with young adults (18-25 years old) reporting higher rates of illicit substance use compared to older adults. In 2020, an estimated 34.6% of young adults used an illicit substance in the past month, compared to 10.2% of adults aged 50-64.
Regional Trends
The NSDUH data also indicates regional trends in substance use, with the Northeast region reporting higher rates of illicit substance use compared to other regions. In 2020, an estimated 32.1% of adults in the Northeast used an illicit substance in the past month, compared to 23.4% in the South.
What is the NSDUH?
+The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) is an annual survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that provides data on substance use and mental health trends in the United States.
What are the most commonly used illicit substances?
+According to the 2020 NSDUH data, the most commonly used illicit substances are marijuana (18.9 million), cocaine (1.3 million), and heroin (745,000).
What are the barriers to substance use disorder treatment?
+The NSDUH data highlights several barriers to treatment, including lack of health coverage (44.1%), cost (31.4%), and lack of transportation (14.1%).
The NSDUH data provides critical insights into substance abuse trends in the United States, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and targeted interventions. By analyzing these trends and identifying barriers to treatment, policymakers and researchers can develop evidence-based strategies to address substance abuse and improve public health outcomes.
