What SAMHSA’s Latest Data Reveals About Substance Use Disorder
The latest data from the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that fewer than 1 in 5 people (16.0%) who needed substance use treatment received treatment. While this treatment gap remains a serious challenge, the data also brings encouraging news about recovery—a message that offers hope to individuals and families navigating substance use disorder.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducts annual surveys that track mental health and substance use trends across the United States. Here’s what the most recent findings tell us about where we stand.
The Good News: Recovery Is Real and Common
In 2025, among adults 18 or older, 22.3 million considered themselves to be in recovery or to have recovered from their drug or alcohol use problem. That’s a powerful statistic that deserves attention:
- Among the 31.7 million adults who perceived they had a drug or alcohol problem in 2024, 74.3% (23.5 million) considered themselves to be in recovery or to have recovered
- Recovery numbers continue to climb, showing that the decline represents 2.2 million fewer people with a substance use disorder in 2025 compared to 2021
- Young adults show promise too—among those who perceived a drug or alcohol problem, about two-thirds of young adults (67.5%) considered themselves in recovery or recovered
Current Substance Use Patterns in America
Understanding what substances people are using helps guide prevention and treatment efforts. Here’s what 2024 data shows:
- Among people 12 or older, 16.8% (or 48.4 million people) had a past-year substance use disorder
- Past-year cannabis use rose from 19% in 2021 to 22.3% in 2024
- Past-year cocaine use dropped from 1.7% to 1.5%, while past-year prescription opioid misuse fell from 3% to 2.6%
- Marijuana use disorder was the most common drug use disorder (20.6 million), followed by opioid use disorder (4.8 million)
The Treatment Gap: Why More People Need Help
80% of people who needed treatment for a substance use disorder in 2024 did not get treatment. This gap highlights a critical need to expand access and reduce barriers.
Among the 7.6 million Americans who received substance use treatment in the past year, most received outpatient treatment (4.4 million), followed by telehealth treatment (3.6 million), and inpatient treatment (2.2 million). Telehealth options are making treatment more accessible to people who might otherwise struggle to reach a clinic.
Mental Health and Substance Use Often Occur Together
Among adults aged 18 or older, 33.0% (or 86.6 million people) had either any mental illness or a substance use disorder in the past year. This overlap means that comprehensive care addressing both conditions is essential for recovery.
The good news here too: The percentage of youth ages 12 to 17 who had a major depressive episode in the past year declined from 20.8% in 2021 to 15.4% in 2024.
Minnesota Resources for Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Support
If you or someone you love needs help, Minnesota offers multiple pathways to treatment and recovery. These Substance Use resources can get you started:
24/7 Helplines
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Free, confidential support by call, text or chat, 24/7, including for alcohol or drug use concerns
Finding Treatment Providers
- FastTracker is a database of all Minnesota Department of Human Services-licensed programs where you can select the appropriate substance use disorder license type to find providers
- The SAMHSA treatment locator includes tribally licensed programs, DHS licensed programs, and substance use disorder professionals in private practice
- You can search the MHCP Provider Directory for those who accept Minnesota Health Care Programs including Medical Assistance, Minnesota Family Planning Program and other programs
Financial Assistance for Treatment
- If you are determined to be eligible for the Behavioral Health Fund program, you will be granted 60 consecutive calendar days of eligibility to seek substance use disorder treatment paid for by the Behavioral Health Fund
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and SAMHSA National Helpline both offer free, confidential support 24/7
Naloxone (Narcan) Access
- KnowtheDangers.com provides resources and awareness regarding the opioid crisis in Minnesota and offers a Naloxone Finder where you can enter an address or zip code to find lifesaving naloxone near you
Other Minnesota Support
- MinnesotaHelp.info is a statewide online resource for drug abuse information that provides education and resources for providers, families and individuals
- United Way 211 offers free, confidential, 24-7 information and referral to community resources statewide, including substance use and mental health services at 800-543-7709; Harm Reduction Sisters provide syringe services, naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, HIV testing, case management, and peer advocacy across northern Minnesota
Types of Treatment Available in Minnesota
Substance use disorder services include comprehensive assessments, nonresidential (outpatient) individual and group treatment services, residential treatment services, hospital-based inpatient treatment, and residential withdrawal management. Your needs will determine which option works best for you.
Many people benefit from working with a professional to understand which treatment path makes sense. Getting a comprehensive assessment—an evaluation performed by an alcohol and drug counselor that determines the kind of treatment needed—is an important first step.
Hope and Healing Are Possible
SAMHSA’s latest data confirms what recovery advocates have long known: millions of people successfully recover from substance use disorders every year. The statistics on mental health recovery are equally encouraging. While the treatment gap remains a challenge we must address, the numbers show that recovery works when people get the right support at the right time.
If you’re struggling with substance use or supporting someone who is, reach out today. Supportive Services, counseling, peer support, and evidence-based treatment are available. Your recovery journey begins with one conversation—and the resources you need are closer than you might think.
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