How significant is the substance abuse problem? What are the most commonly abused substances?
In 2005, 22.2 million individuals—9.1 percent of the U.S. population age 12 or older—met the criteria for substance abuse and dependence, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The percentage of Americans with substance abuse disorders has decreased consistently since 1997, when 11.4 percent of Americans were reported to have such problems. Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance. Approximately 15.4 million individuals are dependent on alcohol alone, while an additional 3.3 million are dependent on, or abuse, alcohol and illicit drugs. Another 3.6 million people abuse, or are dependent on, one or more illicit drugs. Of those who have problems with illicit drugs, the most common drug of abuse is marijuana, followed by prescription drugs and cocaine (See figures 1, 2 and 3).
