2022 National Survey on Drug Use & Health Offers Snapshot of America’s SUD and Mental Health Needs

The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have released the results of the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The report provides population-level intelligence about the behavioral health needs providers and policymakers must address.

The new survey data set shows that illicit substance use among adults in the U.S. is on the rise. However, this has not yet translated into increased rates of what researchers could classify as substance use disorder (SUD), which remained stable in 2022. Some key statistics identified in the report include:

  • Illicit substance use for those aged 18+ jumped up to 26% in 2022, compared to only 22.9% in 2021. The rate was similar between males and females.
  • Marijuana was found to be the largest driver of illicit drug use increase, with about 59 million people reported using it. The most common form of consumption of cannabis was smoking, with 78% reporting smoking cannabis, while 47% reported eating it.
  • The 2nd highest misused substance was prescription psychotherapeutics (13.6 million users).
  • The rate of self-reported SUD among adults was 18% in 2022, up a half a percentage point from 2021. This translates to ~ 46.5 million adults who self-identify as living with an SUD.
  • The rate of any mental illness remained stable in 2022, at 23.1%.
  • Women reported higher rates of mental illness: 26.4% compared to 19.7% among men.
  • Rates of Serious Mental Illness nearly doubled in rural counties, increasing from 4.6% in 2021 to 9% in 2022.
  • Non-Hispanic multiracial individuals had the highest rates of mental illness among adults at 35.2%.
  • 56.9% of female respondents who reported experiencing mental illness received mental health treatment, compared to only 41.6% of male respondents who reported mental illness.

The NSDUH surveys people aged 12 and older. Researchers completed 71,369 interviews for a nationally representative data set in 2022. The data examines increases or decreases in self-reported use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substance use; substance use disorders; mental health conditions; suicidal thoughts and behaviors; and substance use and mental health treatment.