Substance abuse has a major impact on individuals, their families, and their communities. The effects of substance abuse are cumulative, contributing to costly social, physical, mental, and public health problems. These problems include teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), domestic violence, child abuse, motor vehicle crashes, physical fights, crime, homicide, and suicide. Advances in preventing substance abuse and the provision of treatment to substance users have contributed to improved lives for many Americans. Although disparities in access to substance abuse treatment remain, some progress in reducing them has been accomplished. With regard to disparities in attitudes toward drug and alcohol use, data demonstrate that the highest rates of disapproval exist among youth in select racial and ethnic populations.

An estimated 23 million Americans struggle with a drug or alcohol problem.¹ Eighty-five percent of persons with substance use problems did not feel that they needed treatment.² An estimated 1.2 million persons felt they needed treatment but did not get it; 441,000 persons reported that they made an effort but were unable to get treatment; and 792,000 persons reported making no effort to get treatment.² These estimates underscore the importance of increasing prevention efforts and improving access to treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.