Articles

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results of the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSUDH). According to the data, over 49 million Americans 12 years and older have a substance use disorder (SUD). For adults 18 and older, the numbers have risen in the past year. Indeed, they rose from 22.9% in 2021 to 26% in 2022. Given such results, SUD treatment services are in greater demand.

Every year, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health provides a snapshot of the country from a behavioral health perspective. Hence, the NSDUH provides both substance use disorder and mental health data. As described by Xavier Beccera, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the Biden Administration, “The National Survey on Drug Use and Health provides an annual snapshot of behavioral health nationwide. This data informs knowledge, policy and action, and drives our shared commitment across government, healthcare, industry and community to offer resources and services to those in need.”

Such data is critical in understanding the current climate in the country. From the perspective of the recovery industry, it reveals that most likely will be in demand moving forward. Indeed, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) views the NSDUH as a strong indicator of the current state of behavioral health nationwide.

Marijuana Use Fuels National Survey on Drug Use Data

Although TTC provides both SUD and mental health treatment, this article focuses on the data about substance use disorders in the NSDUH. Thus, when we refer to the National Survey on Drug Use, we refer to the NSDUH data as a whole. In the latest NSDUH data, a rise in marijuana use among adults and adolescents is fueling the increase in SUD rates. Thus, over 59 million report using marijuana in 2022. Moreover, this number far exceeds the No. 2 substance, misused prescription psychotherapeutics (13.6 million users).

Although the wave of legalization of recreational marijuana use is sweeping the country, the drug is still an issue when it comes to substance use disorders. Hence, in November, voters in Ohio legalized the recreational use of marijuana, making it the 24th state to do so. Still, despite legalization, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance.

Moreover, the argument remains that marijuana is a gateway drug that leads to further abuse. Hence, cannabis use disorder is a real SUD problem that needs to be front and center. With the threat of fentanyl contamination and the rise in opioid overdoses, all drug use is now a threat and a danger.

The Federal Government Warns of Fentanyl Abuse

According to the National Survey on Drug Use, the danger of fentanyl abuse is a focus. In 2022, 991,000 people aged 12 or older misused prescription fentanyl or used illegally made fentanyl (IMF). As expressed in a news release by White House Drug Policy Director Dr. Rahul Gupta, “This is not a red state or a blue state issue: as the data shows, there are tens of millions of Americans in every state across the country affected by this public health crisis. And the President is fighting for more funding to expand access to treatment and keep deadly drugs like fentanyl out of our communities. We know Congress can and must come together on this issue — the American people deserve no less.”

Indeed, given the rise in accidental overdose rates, the data in the National Survey on Drug Abuse needs to be a high priority. Other top concerns include access issues in regard to SUD treatment. Too many Americans do not know where to get treatment. Additionally, they also worry about the cost of treatment. As a provider of affordable SUD treatment services, TTC understands these challenges. If you or a family member needs help, please contact us today.