Substance use disorder issues continue to be a nationwide crisis. SAMHSA released the survey results about substance use disorder rates in the United States. Annually, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides reliable information about substance use disorder and mental health challenges in the United States. According to the 2021 NSDUH, marijuana continues to be the most widely abused drug by youths and young people.

The NSDUH shows how people in the USA report their experience with mental health conditions, substance use, and the pursuit of treatment in 2021. Hence, the 2021 NSDUH national report breaks down race, ethnicity, and age group estimates. It is the most comprehensive report on substance use and mental health indicators available. In the first part of a two-article series, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) examines the substance use disorder findings.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on the NSDUH

According to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), the NSDUH is the essential study of its kind. As an umbrella agency for American healthcare, HHS oversees a wide range of agencies. These agencies include the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thus, when Secretary Xavier Becerra, previously California Attorney General, talks, people in the addiction and recovery industry listen.

According to HHS Secretary Becerra, the findings of the 2021 NSDUG need to be highlighted. Secretary Becerra explains, “Every year since 1971, this survey has given us a window into our nation’s mental health and substance use challenges, and 2021 was no different. As the findings make clear, millions of Americans, young and old, faced mental health and substance use challenges – sometimes both at once – during the second year of the pandemic. As we work to improve behavioral health across the nation, HHS is committed to ensuring that all people facing mental health or substance use challenges are connected to appropriate services and supports.”

Marijuana = Top Young Adult Substance Use Disorder

Overall, among people aged 12 or older in 2021, 21.9 percent of the population used illicit drugs. Incredibly, that percentage comes out to over about 61.2 million people. Without question, the 2021 NSDUH underlines a truth that cannot be ignored. Indeed, marijuana remains the number one youth substance use disorder.

With 52.5 million people lighting up or consuming edibles, the most common illicit drug was marijuana. Whether legal or illegal, the use of marijuana is a national issue. Although nearly 2 in 5 young adults (18 to 25) used illicit drugs, an astounding 1 in 3 young adults used marijuana in 2021. Thus, marijuana use is no longer the exception to the rule. Indeed, it is a commonality.

Across all age levels in the United States, marijuana use and abuse are rising. Moreover, the legality of the drug does not change the reality of the substance use disorder. Marijuana remains a gateway drug that leads to further abuse. As a provider of substance use disorder treatment services, TTC knows that marijuana often is the first step in a long procession toward harder drugs.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment and HHS Funding

Given the NSDUH findings, TTC believes that more public funding is needed for treatment and prevention efforts. On the front line of the SUD battle, the TTC treatment team sees a problem that continues to threaten communities. When it comes to substance use disorder, treatment beds and places are a nationwide need. Ultimately, once most people start using drugs, they need professional help to stop.