Substance Use Disorder Statistics: Gender Differences

Did you know that 4.2 million individuals receive treatment for substance use disorder?

While it is higher in males, females are still receiving treatment for substance use disorder. Are you concerned about your friend or family member and their use of substances?

Check out these substance use disorder statistics to learn more.

What Is Substance Use Disorder?

Substance use disorder or SUD is a complex disorder that can involve both physical and psychological dependence on a substance. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance use disorder is a “chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.”

Statistics show that men are more likely to develop an addiction than women. This is why men’s addiction treatment center is popular to cater to the needs of men.

Illicit Drugs

11% percent of Americans ages 12 and older report current illicit drug use. Prior to age 18, rates are 3.4% percent by age 13-14 years old and 16.4% percent by age 17-18 yrs old.

Even more alarming, SUD rates continue to increase with each passing year.

Prescription Drugs

This is one of the most common substance addictions. Prescription drug abuse is when someone takes a medication that is not prescribed for them or takes more of a medication than prescribed. This can lead to serious health problems, and in some cases, death.

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, about 6% of American age 12 who misuse prescription drugs will develop an addiction. Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem, and it is important to get help if you or someone you know is misusing prescription drugs.

Alcohol Use Disorder

National Survey on Drug Use and Health said that there are an estimated 14.5 million people ages 12 and above in the United States have an alcohol use disorder. 9.0 million men and 5.5 million women are included in this figure. This means that addiction in men is nearly twice as likely as addiction in women to have an alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol use disorders often go hand-in-hand with other substance use disorders. In fact, about half of all people who have an alcohol use disorder also suffer from a drug use disorder.

Tobacco Use Disorders

World Health Organization statistics show that tobacco use disorders are one of the most common forms of substance use disorder. In fact, tobacco use disorders are more common than any other form of substance use disorder.

There are 36.7 percent of males, 22.3 percent of women, and 7.8 percent of all people worldwide who used tobacco.

Use These Substance Use Disorder Statistics

It is evident that substance use disorders are a serious problem in the United States. The substance use disorder statistics show that this is a problem that is influencing people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Illicit drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are just some of the known substance use disorders.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, please seek help. There are many resources available to help people overcome these disorders.

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