For more information, see our report on alcohol abuse and alcohol-related deaths. Many behavioral therapies and medications have been successful in treating substance use disorders in older adults. For many people with this disorder, the chronic, long-term effects of heavy alcohol use can cause significant impairment and disability. That said, if someone has developed a qualifying disability due to AUD, such as liver disease, heart disease, or cancer, they may qualify for disability benefits for that condition.

Drug and alcohol abuse is a major concern in teenagers and young adults, largely due to the implications this can have for teenagers later in life. Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that is illegal to buy, possess, and sell in the United States. In recent years, the rate of deaths involving cocaine has sharply increased. Prescription substance abuse in older adults drugs, like illicit drugs, can be misused for their effects. In 2019, about 20 million people in the United States had a substance use disorder in the past year, according to the most recent data report. Discover how many people with alcohol use disorder in the United States receive treatment across age groups and demographics.

Alcohol Facts and Statistics

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information. We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Estimates from the 2021 NSDUH should not be compared with estimates from previous years because the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated methodological changes to the data collection process. However, a person with AUD must meet specific criteria before being approved for Social Security benefits. Ahead, we discuss when AUD is a disability, including when you might qualify for assistance for AUD and how to apply.

• New Hampshire has the nation’s lowest rate of under-21 alcohol-related deaths.
• For many people with this disorder, the chronic, long-term effects of heavy alcohol use can cause significant impairment and disability.
• This category includes dozens of hormones, synthetic hormones, and hormone derivatives.
• Also known as opioids, narcotics include opium, opium derivatives, and synthetic versions.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized expansion of Medicare coverage to include opioid treatment programs delivering MAT (medication-assisted-treatment) effective Jan. 1, 2020. In addition, people who have certain chronic conditions from AUD may also qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. To find a treatment program, browse the top-rated addiction treatment facilities in each state by visiting our homepage, or https://ecosoberhouse.com/ by viewing the SAMHSA Treatment Services Locator. According to some estimates, only 1 in 10 people who have a substance use disorder receives treatment. Although national data isn’t yet available on substance use, addiction, and overdose for 2020, early estimates predict alarming trends—in part influenced by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Youth who drink alcohol have a higher risk of school problems, social problems, suicide, and misuse of other substances.

Alcohol Use Disorder

In the tables, indicators are broken out by a variety of demographic, geographic, and economic variables. There has been little research on the effects of vaping nicotine (e-cigarettes) among older adults; however, certain risks exist in all age groups. Some research suggests that e-cigarettes might be less harmful than cigarettes when people who regularly smoke switch to vaping as a complete replacement. However, research on this is mixed, and the FDA has not approved e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid. There is also evidence that many people continue to use both delivery systems to inhale nicotine, which is a highly addictive drug.

• Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that is illegal to buy, possess, and sell in the United States.
• Alcohol Use Disorder and alcoholism have damaged some groups or demographics more than others.
• This allows any bodily fluids to drain out of the mouth and nose, reducing the risk of aspiration and asphyxiation.
• According to some estimates, only 1 in 10 people who have a substance use disorder receives treatment.
• Alcohol-related deaths in Tennessee are much more likely to involve acute causes.