The latest federal survey on drug use and mental health reveals some interesting trends in substance use among Americans. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), there has been a decrease in binge drinking and tobacco smoking, but a significant increase in marijuana consumption.
Overall, around 48.4 million Americans, or 16.8% of the population, met the criteria for a substance use disorder in the past year. The most common substance use disorders were related to alcohol, followed by marijuana and opioids.
The NSDUH report is an annual assessment of the population’s mental health and substance use habits. This year’s report is especially significant as it is the first one released after a significant reduction in staff at the Department of Health and Human Services, including the NSDUH team.
Notably, the report acknowledges the contributions of former staff at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration who lost their jobs, along with thousands of other HHS employees who were laid off or accepted buyouts.
While rates of alcohol use disorder have decreased, rates of opioid and stimulant use disorders have remained relatively stable at 1.7% and 3.1% of the population, respectively.
One striking finding from the report is the increasing prevalence of marijuana use disorder. Approximately 21 million Americans over the age of 12, or 7.1% of the population, meet the criteria for marijuana use disorder, up from 6% in the previous year.
Despite these concerning trends, the report also highlights some positive developments, including a decrease in drug-related mortality. The CDC estimates that around 78,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in the most recent 12-month period, down from a peak of over 110,000 in late 2023.
Treatment for opioid use disorder has seen a slight decline, with only 17% of individuals receiving medication-assisted treatment using methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, compared to 18% in the previous year. These medications have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of overdose and death among individuals with opioid use disorder.
On the mental health front, there have been no significant changes in rates of major depressive episodes or suicide attempts among young people aged 12-17, while rates of depressive episodes and serious mental illness in adults have remained stable.
Overall, the NSDUH report provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of substance use and mental health in the United States. It underscores the need for continued monitoring and intervention to address the challenges posed by substance use disorders and mental health issues in the population.
