Last updated : July 14, 2025
As USA Mobile Drug Testing closely monitors statistics regarding drug use in America, it is alarming that the most recent national survey shows a rise in illicit drug use from 2008 to 2010. The latest report was issued in September from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows that 22.6 million Americans 12 or older (8.9 % of the population) were current illicit drug users. The rate of use in 2010 was similar to the rate in 2009 (8.7 %), but remained above the 2008 rate (8 %).
An increased rate in the current use of marijuana seems to be one of the prime factors in the overall rise in illicit drug use. The most disturbing trend in the survey is the continuing rise in the rate of current illicit drug use among young adults aged 18 to 25:
- 19.6 % in 2008
- 21.2 % in 2009
- 21.5% in 2010
Despite the obvious troubling trends, the 2010 survey show lower use levels for certain substances. The number of current methamphetamine users and cocaine use declined. In addition, among 12 – 17 year olds there were decreases between 2009 and 2010 in current drinking rates and current tobacco use rates.
NSDUH is a scientifically conducted annual survey of approximately 67,500 people throughout the country, aged 12 and older. Because of its statistical power, it is the nation’s premier source of statistical information on the scope and nature of many substance abuse behavioral health issues affecting the nation. The complete survey findings are available on the SAMHSA Web site. SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
It is interesting to note that these are self admitting drug users there may be many more that have not self admitted. Employers are encouraged to contact USA Mobile Drug Testing for assistance with drug testing programs. As drug use in society increases, the potential for having drug users in your workplace increases thus greatly increasing the employers’ exposure to liability.
