How many Americans have a substance use disorder?

According to SAMHSA's 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 48.5 million Americans aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder in the past year. This includes alcohol and drug use disorders. The survey is the most authoritative national source on substance use and is updated each year by the federal government.

How many people with addiction get treatment?

Most do not. National survey data consistently shows that only a minority of people who meet criteria for a substance use disorder receive specialty treatment in a given year. Common barriers include cost, stigma, and not knowing where to start. These barriers are solvable through insurance, Medicaid, sliding-scale programs, and confidential helplines.

How many overdose deaths occur each year?

Drug overdose has caused well over 100,000 deaths annually in recent years in the United States, driven largely by synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. The CDC tracks and regularly updates overdose mortality data. Because trends change, the CDC's data briefs are the best source for the most current figures.

Does addiction treatment work?

Yes. Decades of research from NIDA and others show that addiction is treatable and that treatment reduces substance use, improves health and functioning, and lowers crime and disease transmission. Outcomes improve the longer someone stays in care, which is why completing a full course of treatment and continuing aftercare matters so much.

Where can I find addiction statistics for Delaware?

National figures come from SAMHSA's annual survey and the CDC's overdose data, which provide the most reliable baseline. For state-specific data, SAMHSA and the CDC publish state-level reports, and Delaware's state health agencies share local statistics. These public, government sources are the most trustworthy place to find current numbers.

Addiction Statistics: What the Data Shows (2026)

Addiction is one of the most common and most treatable health conditions in the United States. In 2023, an estimated 48.5 million Americans aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder, yet only a fraction received treatment — a gap that affects Delaware as much as the nation.¹

Key takeaways

About 48.5 million Americans had a substance use disorder in 2023.
Only a minority of people who need treatment receive it.
Drug overdose remains a leading cause of preventable death.
Treatment works — and the same options are available in Delaware.

How common is addiction?

Substance use disorders are widespread and cut across every age group, income level, and community. The most recent national survey gives a clear snapshot:

Statistic (United States, 2023)	Figure
People aged 12+ with a substance use disorder	~48.5 million
People with an alcohol use disorder	Tens of millions
People who received any substance use treatment	A small share of those who needed it

These figures come from SAMHSA's annual national survey, the most authoritative source on U.S. substance use.¹

How many people get treatment?

One of the most striking findings year after year is the treatment gap: most people who meet criteria for a substance use disorder do not receive specialty treatment.¹ Common barriers include cost, stigma, and not knowing where to start — all of which are solvable.

What do overdose trends show?

Drug overdose has been one of the nation's most serious public-health emergencies, driven largely by synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The CDC tracks overdose mortality and publishes regularly updated data.² This is why access to treatment and overdose-prevention tools like naloxone matters so much.

Does treatment work?

Yes. Decades of research show that addiction is treatable and that treatment reduces substance use, crime, and the spread of disease while improving health and functioning.³ Outcomes improve the longer someone stays engaged in care.

What does this mean for Delaware?

Delaware experiences the same national trends — widespread substance use, a treatment gap, and the impact of opioids. The encouraging news is that effective, evidence-based care is available statewide. You can browse Delaware treatment centers offering everything from detox to outpatient care.

Getting help in Delaware

Statistics describe the problem; treatment is the solution. If cost is a concern, Delaware Medicaid and many programs offer affordable options.

For free, confidential help any time, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.⁴ If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988.

Find treatment in Delaware

Addiction Statistics: What the Data Shows