Substance Abuse Statistics, Trends, and Treatment Options

From alcohol use disorder to the ongoing opioid crisis, substance use affects people across every age group and community. For anyone seeking answers for themselves or a loved one, understanding key numbers, risks, and available addiction treatment options can inform next steps with confidence.

This guide reviews some current drug abuse statistics and alcohol trends, looks behind the numbers, outlines strategies for recovery, and summarizes treatment settings and behavioral therapies. You will also find links to substance abuse treatment programs and resources that can help you enter treatment safely.

What the latest behavioral health statistics show

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), regularly track substance use and other mental health trends in the general U.S. population.

These broad substance abuse statistics highlight the urgent need for effective solutions that support prevention, treatment, and recovery:

• Alcohol harms: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2024 that excessive alcohol use contributes to about 178,000 deaths each year in the United States, making this the leading preventable cause of death in the country.
• Opioids and overdoses: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 80,000 opioid-involved overdose deaths occurred in 2022.
• Past-year substance use: SAMHSA’s 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that in 2022 tens of millions of people reported past-year substance use, of which 48.5 million had a substance use disorder.

These data points are not just numbers. They reflect real people, families, and communities, and remind us that drug addiction and alcohol addiction are medical conditions, similar to other chronic diseases.

Drug abuse statistics and trends across substances

Drug use is widespread across the general population, and research shows that young adults report higher rates of past-year substance use than older adults.

Prescription pain relievers and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl drive many drug overdoses. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration survey referenced above, 3.1 % of people aged 12 or older (almost 9 million) in 2023 had misused opioids in the past year.

Illicit drugs, including prescription stimulants, opioids, and benzodiazepines used outside medical guidance, can all contribute to drug dependence and disease. The same SAMHSA survey found that over 16% of people 12 and older reported using an illicit drug in the past month.

These patterns vary by age group and region. However, more than half of people reporting a substance use disorder in the past year did not receive treatment, often due to stigma, access barriers, or cost.

Teen and young adult substance use

Adolescents and young adults face unique risks because the brain is still developing. Early drug use increases a person’s risk of later substance use disorders and other mental health conditions. Prevention, supportive parenting, and early screening in schools and clinics can reduce harm for this age group. If you are looking for age-appropriate care, explore young adult rehab options.

Alcohol use disorder

The NIAAA describes alcohol use disorder as a medical diagnosis marked by impaired control, social impairment, and risky use. Alcohol abuse can lead to high blood pressure, liver disease, heart problems, and injuries. Alcohol’s easy availability means alcohol use is common in the general population, and alcohol addiction is often overlooked because the drug is legal and socially acceptable.

Opioid use disorder and the overdose crisis

Opioid use disorder involves problematic use of opioids that leads to distress or impairment. It includes misuse of prescription pain relievers and use of heroin or illicit fentanyl. Opioid use disorder is a serious medical condition that benefits from evidence-based care. Medication-assisted treatment can reduce the risk of overdose and improve retention in care when combined with behavioral therapies.

Prevention strategies that reduce harm

Prevention is effective when it combines education, screening, and community support.

Education and early intervention

School and community programs that discuss drug use, alcohol use, and coping skills prevent and reduce substance use in teens. Screening in primary care settings can identify early signs of substance use disorder and other mental health conditions so people receive treatment sooner.

Reducing stigma and building community support

Using people-first language, for example “a person with a substance use disorder,” rather than “addict,” reduces stigma. Community support, peer support, and family education help people receive treatment and stay engaged in continuous recovery.

Addressing mental health in drug addiction treatment

Substance abuse and mental health conditions commonly overlap. Co-occurring disorders can include mood disorders, anxiety, or serious mental illness alongside alcohol use disorder or drug addiction. Coordinated care that includes mental health services and addiction treatment can improve quality of life.

Types of professional treatment that can help

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Effective treatment depends on clinical needs, safety, and life responsibilities. Formal treatment can occur across several treatment settings.

Medical detox

Detoxification, often called detox, is the short-term process of clearing substances from the body under medical supervision. Supervised detox manages withdrawal symptoms and prepares people to enter treatment that addresses the root causes of substance use.

Residential treatment

Residential treatment for drug addiction provides 24/7 structure and safety. This setting can be especially helpful for people with severe substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, or unstable environments that make early recovery difficult.

Outpatient treatment and intensive care

Outpatient treatment allows people to live at home while attending therapy during the week. Intensive outpatient programs increase the number of therapy hours, supporting people who need more structure but cannot pause work or caregiving. If you are exploring options in Texas, learn about our outpatient addiction treatment options.

Dual diagnosis and integrated care

Dual diagnosis care treats substance abuse and mental health at the same time. Coordinated care can reduce relapse rates and improve quality of life.

Evidence-based behavioral therapies

Behavioral therapies help people build skills, change habits, and plan for risky situations. Cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management are evidence-backed behavioral therapies commonly used in addiction treatment.

Family therapy can strengthen relationships and improve communication to support recovery at home. Group therapy and support groups such as AA or NA create another layer of accountability and ongoing support.

Medication-assisted treatment

For opioid use disorder, medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone can reduce cravings and protect against opioid overdose when taken as prescribed. For alcohol use disorder, medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram can support behavior change. These medications work best alongside counseling and recovery services. Talk with a licensed clinician to see if these options fit your goals.

What to expect in treatment

Effective addiction treatment begins with an assessment, then a personalized plan.

• Assessment: A clinician evaluates substance use history, mental health, physical health, and social needs.
• Personalized plan: Plans may include behavioral therapies, medications, family therapy, and structured relapse prevention.
• Aftercare: Recovery planning connects people with support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and other community resources to maintain continuous recovery.

If you are ready to enter treatment, our team can share options and help coordinate next steps. Visit our addiction treatment resources page for guidance.

Benefits of addiction treatment

Addiction is a medical condition, and treatment can help people feel better and rebuild their lives. While individual success rates vary, research shows that treatment improves health and functioning.

Improved physical and mental health

When alcohol or drug use stops, the body begins to heal. Blood pressure can improve, and risk for heart and liver complications decreases. Many people see improvements in sleep.

Treating substance use disorder alongside mental illness reduces symptoms of both and improves daily functioning. Psychological support in therapy can help address the trauma and stress that often fuel substance use.

A supportive network that sustains change

Regular group therapy sessions help people stay connected and accountable. Family therapy strengthens relationships and helps people practice new coping skills at home. Addiction treatment centers can also serve as connection points for accessing community recovery resources.

Restoring routines and quality of life

With sustained effort and support, many people return to work, school, or caregiving with improved quality of life and relationships.

Drug rehab statistics

What about recovery rates? There is no single number that captures recovery for everyone, because people enter treatment with different goals, substances, and health histories. Still, several evidence-based points can guide expectations.

What research shows about success rates

Recovery is possible with the right support and commitment. Approximately 75% of people who report having a substance use problem also report that they are in recovery. Evidence-based care (such as medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder or cognitive-behavioral therapy for alcohol and stimulant use) has been shown to reduce relapse and improve functioning across multiple studies. Consistent follow-up, family engagement, and participation in peer or alumni programs can further strengthen long-term success.

Substance use disorder relapse rates vs. other chronic diseases

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that relapse rates for substance use disorders range from 40% to 60%, similar to other chronic illnesses like type 1 diabetes (30–50%) or hypertension (50–70%). However, relapse is not permanent. It is also not unusual or a sign of failure—it’s an indication that treatment plans need adjustment.

People who stay connected to structured recovery programs, counseling, or medication management have significantly lower relapse rates than those who stop care altogether. Each return to treatment offers new insights and skills that can help sustain future recovery.

Like other long-term health conditions, substance use disorder responds best to continuing care. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s consistent progress. With the right combination of therapies, support systems, and medical oversight, many people experience marked improvements in health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Key risks, complications, and co-occurring conditions

Drug or alcohol addiction can worsen existing medical and mental health conditions.

• Alcohol use disorder raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and liver damage.
• Stimulants and some illicit drugs can cause heart rhythm problems and anxiety.
• Drug use may interact with prescription drugs, complicating care.
• Substance abuse and mental health conditions, such as mood disorders or serious mental illness, often occur together, which is why integrated care is important.

If you or a loved one is concerned about drug or alcohol problems, consider an assessment that reviews both medical and mental health needs.

Why choose The Right Step

Choosing care is a personal decision. The Right Step focuses on compassionate, evidence-informed care and multiple pathways to change. We welcome people with co-occurring disorders and collaborate to create tailored plans that match goals and safety. If you are seeking addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, our team can help you review options and enter treatment safely.