SAMHSA has just released the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health results, accompanied by a newly offered companion infographic.
The 2022 sample size was 71,369 and used multi-mode collection methods in gathering the self-reported data from respondents. Some findings include the following results:
- Among the 137.4 million (or 48.7%) current alcohol users aged 12 or older in 2022, a little less than half (or 44%) were past month binge drinkers. About a quarter of people aged 12 or older (or 26%) who were binge drinkers in the past month were heavy alcohol users in 2022.
- Among the 5.8 million (or 15.1%) of underage people aged 12 to 20 who were past month alcohol users in 2022, over a half were past month binge drinkers (or 54%), and around 20% of underage people who were binge drinkers in the past month were heavy alcohol users.
- In 2022, 70.3 million people aged 12 or older (or 24.9%) used illicit drugs in the past year. Marijuana was the most used illicit drug, with 22.0% of people aged 12 or older (or 61.9 million people) using it in the past year.
- In 2022, almost 1 in 4 adults aged 18 or older had any mental illness (AMI) in the past year (59.3 million or 23.1%).
- Among adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2022, 19.5% (or 4.8 million people) had a past year major depressive episode (MDE).
About the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Conducted by the federal government since 1971, the NSDUH is a primary source of statistical information on self-reported substance use and mental health of the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population 12 or older. The NSDUH measures include:
- Use of illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco,
- Substance use disorder and substance use treatment,
- Major depressive episodes, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and other symptoms of mental illness, mental health care, and
- Recovery from substance misuse and mental health issues.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. To learn how to get support for mental health, drug or alcohol issues, visit FindSupport.gov. If you are ready to locate a treatment facility or provider, you can go directly to FindTreatment.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357).