General Information
Addiction & Substance Use in the USA
Addiction is a complex disease that impacts both the brain and behavior, leading to patterns of compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences.
Addiction & Substance Abuse Numbers
In the United States alone, over 40 million Americans ages 12 and older struggle with substance use disorders—more than those affected by heart conditions, diabetes, or cancer.
Risky Behaviors & Habits
An additional 80 million people engage in risky substance use that poses significant risks to public health and safety, even if it doesn’t meet the clinical definition of addiction.
Youth & Young People Have a Greater Risk
Research shows that the earlier substance use begins, the higher the likelihood of developing addiction later in life. Recognizing the signs and addressing substance use early can make all the difference in preventing long-term harm.
Teen Addiction
Statistics
Teenage Substance Use Statistics
High Schoolers Who Have Tried Substances
75% of all high school students have used addictive substances, including cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana or cocaine; 1 in 5 has a substance problem.
High Schoolers Using Substances
Almost half (46%) of all high school students currently use addictive substances.
High Schoolers with Substance Problems
12% of all high school students and 1 in 3 current substance users have a substance problem.
Addiction Risks for Young People
Addiction is a developmental disease: more than 90% of people with a substance problem began smoking, drinking or using other drugs before age 18; more n 96% began using these substances before the age of 21
Substance Use Before vs. After the Age of 21
1 in 4 Americans who began using any addictive substance before age 18 has a substance problem, compared to 1 in 25 Americans who started using at age 21 or older
Child & Teen Exposure to Substances
46% of children under age 18 live in a household where someone age 18 or older is smoking, drinking excessively, misusing prescription drugs or using illegal drugs
Cost of Addiction
& Substance Use
The financial and social
impact of addiction
The most costly health issues
Addiction, substance use and abuse are the largest preventable and most costly health problems facing the U.S. today, responsible for more than 20% of deaths in the U.S.
Contributes to 70+ other conditions
Addiction, substance use and abuse cause or contribute to more than 70 other conditions requiring medical care, including cancer, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, pregnancy complications, cirrhosis, ulcers and trauma, and account for one-third of all hospital in-patient costs
Social Consequences
Addiction, substance use and abuse cause or contribute to a wide range of costly social consequences, including crime, accidents, suicide, child neglect and abuse, family dysfunction, unintended pregnancies and lost work productivity
Government Costs
Total costs to federal, state and local governments of addiction, substance use and abuse are at least $468 billion per year – almost $1,500 for every person in America
Prevention & Treatment vs. Consequences
Of every dollar state and federal governments spend on substance problems only 2 cents goes to prevention and treatment while 96 cents pays for the consequences of our failure to prevent and treat this problem
Addiction vs. other health care costs
In 2010, only $28 billion (1%) of total health care costs was is less than the amount spent on treating diabetes ($44 billion), cancer ($87 billion) or heart conditions ($107 billion), each of which affects far fewer people in the U.S.
Underage & Teen costs
Immediate costs per year of teen substance use include an estimated $68 billion associated with underage drinking and $14 billion in substance-related juvenile justice costs
Amount of alcohol consumed
Underage drinkers and adult drinkers, who have an alcohol problem, consume between 37.5% and 48.8% of the value of all alcohol sold in the U.S.
Screening, Intervention
& Treatment
Treatment Standards and Guidelines
Treatable
Addiction can be prevented and treated using a wide range of evidence-based screening, intervention and treatment tools and practices.
Level of Intervention
Screening and brief interventions are appropriate for all substance users whereas medications and therapies are usually necessary for those with addiction and substance abuse.
Lack of Evidence-Based Care
7 in 10 people with the chronic diseases of high blood pressure, major depression and diabetes receive treatment, but only about 1 in 10 people who need treatment for substance problems receive any form of care. Of those who do receive treatment, most do not receive anything that approximates evidence-based care.
Lack of National Standards for Care
There are no clearly delineated, consistent and regulated national standards that stipulate who may provide addiction treatment in the U.S.; standards vary by state and by payer.
Lack of Training
Most medical professionals who should be providing treatment are not sufficiently trained to diagnose or treat addiction, and most of those providing addiction treatment are not equipped with the knowledge, skills or credentials necessary to provide the full range of evidence-based services.
Lack of Health Care Referrals
44% of all referrals to publicly funded addiction treatment come from the justice system while less than 6% come from health care providers.
Ready to Take the First Step?
The facts are clear—addiction impacts lives, families, and communities. But there is hope, and recovery is possible. At Hope in the Valley, we’re here to help you or your loved one overcome addiction and start building a healthier future.
Don’t wait. Reach out today.
Call us at (719) 206-HOPE or contact us online to learn more about our programs and take the first step toward lasting recovery. Together, we can rewrite the story.
