Statistics About Drug Abuse in America

Drug abuse in America has largely been increasing, especially in the categories of illicit drugs and marijuana. Just over nine percent of Americans over the age of 12 had used illicit drugs in 2013. That number rose from eight percent in 2002. A graph of past-month drug use in 2013 showed nearly 25 million Americans used illicit drugs, while just under 20 percent had used marijuana.

Status of Drug Abuse in America

The trend of drug abuse in America has seen skyrocketing numbers of marijuana use since 2007. Other drug use has stabilized or gone down in many cases, but marijuana use continues to go up. NIDA has found lower instances of cocaine use, but higher rates of meth use. Many people begin using drugs for the first time while in their teenage years. Over half of the new users per day in 2013 were younger than 18.

Marijuana has largely been a gateway drug for eventual illicit drug users. Over half of new illicit drug users started their drug path using marijuana. The second most common gateway drug is prescription painkillers. In other words, over 70 percent of new illicit drug users tried marijuana first and 12.5 percent started with prescription pain killers. Another six percent tried inhalants and five percent used tranquilizers first.

Different Types of Drug Abuse in America

Drug use reports are highest among adults in their late teens and early twenties. Over 22 percent of adults between 18 and 20 reported using an illicit drug in the last month. Drug use has also gone up for the age group between 50 and 70. This is likely due to baby boomers getting older and having had higher rates of illicit drug use in the past compared to other generations.

Overall, underage drinking has declined, but 30 percent of men over the age of 12 have reported binge drinking the past month. Alcohol still has the highest rate of clinical abuse and dependence, but marijuana is second, doubling the rate of abuse of prescription painkillers.

Treatment for Drug Abuse in America

Addiction has far-reaching consequences for both the addicted person and his or her family and friends. Only professional treatment can adequately address both the physical dependence and the underlying mental issues that typically contribute to addiction. Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida provides quality treatment for all stages of addiction. The following are some of our treatment programs:

• Cocaine addiction rehab
• Opiate addiction rehab
• Alcohol addiction rehab
• Heroin addiction rehab
• Meth addiction rehab

If you’re concerned about a loved one, Beaches Recovery can help you understand many facets of addiction, from the definition of the condition to heroin overdose symptoms.
End the control of addiction over your life by seeking treatment at a quality drug rehab. Call Beaches Recovery today at 866.605.0532 to get started on reclaiming your life from addiction.