A massive new survey data set from the federal government reveals a concerning shift in illicit substance use trends among adults in the United States. The findings, released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), indicate that illicit substance use is on the rise. Yet, despite this increase, the rates of substance use disorder (SUD) have remained relatively stable in 2022. This paradox highlights the complexity of substance use behaviors and the ongoing need for targeted support and treatment programs.
The Data: A Clear Picture of Illicit Substance Use Trends
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for 2022 surveyed over 71,000 individuals, offering a comprehensive view of behavioral health across the nation. One of the most striking findings in the survey is the jump in illicit substance use trends among adults aged 18 and older. In 2022, 26% of adults reported using illicit substances in the previous year, up from 22.9% in 2021. This marked increase is primarily driven by the growing use of marijuana, with about 59 million adults admitting to its use in the past year. While marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit substance, other drugs, including misused prescription drugs, have remained relatively stable in usage rates.
Interestingly, this surge in illicit substance use trends has not translated into a proportional increase in substance use disorder (SUD) diagnoses. In fact, the overall rate of SUD in the U.S. remained stable in 2022, with approximately 18% of adults reporting some form of substance use disorder, equating to roughly 46.5 million individuals. This statistic suggests that while illicit substance use has risen, the number of people developing full-blown substance use disorders may not be increasing at the same rate.
A Closer Look at Marijuana’s Influence on Illicit Substance Use Trends
Marijuana is undeniably a key factor driving the current illicit substance use trends. The continued legalization of recreational marijuana in several states has contributed to its widespread availability and normalization. Currently, 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana use, and voters in Ohio recently made it the latest state to do so. Despite its growing legal status at the state level, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act, a factor that complicates national discussions around drug policy and substance use trends.
While marijuana use is now more prevalent than ever, it’s essential to note that the rise in marijuana consumption is not mirrored by an increase in substance use disorders associated with the drug. The NSDUH data points to a consistent level of SUD in marijuana users, with fewer individuals reporting symptoms of addiction compared to other illicit substances. This disparity could indicate that, for some, marijuana use does not carry the same risk of dependency as other illicit drugs. However, this does not mean that marijuana is without risk, particularly as more potent forms of cannabis become widely available.
Stability in Substance Use Disorder Rates Amid Rising Illicit Substance Use Trends
While illicit substance use trends have climbed, the rate of self-reported substance use disorders (SUD) has remained surprisingly steady. The 2022 data shows only a slight increase in the number of adults reporting SUD, from 17.5% in 2021 to 18.1% in 2022. This indicates that while more people are experimenting with illicit substances, the number of those experiencing problematic substance use behaviors and developing full-blown SUDs is not growing significantly.
This phenomenon might suggest that while many individuals experiment with illicit substances, only a smaller percentage progress to the point where substance use begins to negatively impact their daily lives. However, the persistence of substance use trends over time, particularly with substances like marijuana, highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention. Preventing the escalation of substance use into addiction is crucial, and this data should serve as a call to action for both policymakers and behavioral health professionals.
Mental Health and Substance Use Trends: A Complicated Relationship
The data from the 2022 NSDUH also shows a continued overlap between mental health issues and substance use disorders. Rates of mental illness remained relatively stable in 2022, with approximately 23.1% of adults reporting any mental illness (AMI) during the past year. Interestingly, the data revealed that women continue to report higher rates of mental illness than men, with 26.4% of females compared to 19.7% of males.
Additionally, serious mental illness (SMI) rates have remained steady, though rural areas saw a significant rise in SMI diagnoses, with rates jumping from 4.6% in 2021 to 9% in 2022. This could indicate a need for increased mental health resources in rural communities, where access to care is often limited. The relationship between mental health and illicit substance use trends is complex, as individuals struggling with mental health conditions are often at a higher risk of turning to substances as a form of self-medication.
Treatment Gaps: Addressing the Disconnect Between Need and Access
The NSDUH also highlighted the significant gap between individuals who need substance use disorder treatment and those who receive it. Across all age groups, there is a notable discrepancy between the number of people who would benefit from treatment and the number who actually receive it. For example, only 4.6% of the 19.4% of individuals aged 12 or older who were classified as needing substance use disorder treatment received it. The treatment gap is especially wide among young adults aged 18 to 25, where only 16.4% received the necessary care.
This treatment gap presents a critical challenge in addressing the rising illicit substance use trends in the U.S. There is a clear need for increased access to effective treatment programs for substance use disorders, especially in underserved populations. Policymakers and healthcare providers must work together to ensure that individuals who need help are able to access the care they require to overcome addiction.
Conclusion: A Call for Action in Response to Rising Illicit Substance Use Trends
The rising illicit substance use trends in the U.S. are a stark reminder of the ongoing behavioral health crisis facing the nation. While the increase in illicit substance use is concerning, it has not yet led to a substantial rise in substance use disorders. However, this should not be cause for complacency. The data underscores the importance of addressing the growing rates of substance use, especially among vulnerable populations, through improved prevention, treatment, and policy measures.
As the data shows, illicit substance use trends are not confined to any one group or region. They affect millions of Americans across the country, regardless of political affiliation, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. The need for comprehensive solutions to the substance use crisis is clear, and it is imperative that lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and communities work together to ensure that all Americans have access to the care and resources they need to recover.
