The United States is currently facing a widespread epidemic of drug and alcohol addiction, with a new survey revealing the personal impact it has had on most Americans. According to the KFF Health Tracking Poll, two-thirds of adults reported that either they or a family member suffer from addiction to illicit or pharmaceutical drugs or alcohol. Additionally, nearly 10 percent of individuals over the age of 18 stated that they had lost a relative or friend due to an overdose.
Of those surveyed, 54 percent revealed that someone in their family was addicted to alcohol, while 27 percent had a family member struggling with illegal drug addiction, such as heroin, and others were dependent on prescription medication. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that in the previous year, nearly 110,000 people died from drug overdoses in the US, showcasing a continued rise in drug-related deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, 2022 marked the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a calendar year, with 109,179 deaths reported in 2021.
Significantly, a recent study found that two-thirds of Americans have been affected by addiction to drugs or alcohol, experiencing issues such as homelessness, hospitalization due to overdoses, or personal addiction. Substance use disorder and addiction problems escalated during the pandemic, as confirmed by a separate KFF study, which revealed a 50 percent increase in the drug overdose death rate in 2021 compared to 2019.
The KFF Health Tracking Poll also disclosed that 13 percent of respondents admitted to feeling that they may be an alcoholic, while five percent confessed to feeling addicted to prescription painkillers. Beyond the direct impact of addiction, individuals also expressed fear of the disease. Approximately half of adults expressed concern that someone in their family might struggle with substance abuse, and one-third worried about a family member overdosing on opioids. Additionally, around 75 percent of respondents with personal or familial addiction histories revealed that their experiences had negatively impacted their relationships with family members. Seventy percent stated that addiction had affected their mental health, while 57 percent claimed that it had damaged their financial situation.
Despite the severity of the addiction epidemic, less than half of those affected by addiction reported receiving treatment for their disease. The willingness to seek help varied depending on the type of addiction; 29 percent sought treatment for illegal drug addiction, while 58 percent were treated for opioid addiction. Furthermore, the number of individuals suffering from addiction and receiving assistance differed based on factors such as income, race, and location.
Twenty-seven percent of respondents reported having a family member struggling with illegal drug addiction, particularly heroin. Among the surveyed individuals, 29 percent stated they or someone in their family were addicted to opioids, with this percentage rising to 42 percent among those living in rural areas. Opioid addiction was found to be higher among white people, at 33 percent, compared to 23 percent and 28 percent for Black and Hispanic individuals, respectively. White individuals with addiction histories were also more likely to seek treatment, with 52 percent receiving assistance, compared to approximately one-third of Black and Hispanic individuals.
Income levels also influenced the impact of addiction, as 20 percent of adults reported personal addiction to drugs or alcohol. This share increased to 25 percent among individuals with annual incomes below $40,000 and decreased as income level increased. Sixteen percent of those with household incomes over $90,000 reported being addicts.
As the addiction and overdose crisis continues to escalate, various suggestions have been put forth to address and treat those affected by addiction. One proposed strategy is the establishment of treatment centers in local neighborhoods, a concept supported by 90 percent of the respondents. Furthermore, 82 percent expressed support for the widespread availability of Narcan, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, in bars, health clinics, and fire stations. However, fewer people, amounting to 45 percent of those surveyed, endorsed the idea of safe consumption sites, which are facilities where individuals can use illegal drugs under trained supervision in case of emergencies.
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