​Prevalence

How common is substance abuse?

• In 2012, the overall rate of current illicit drug use as defined by use in the past 30 days was 9.2% for people over 12 years old¹
• In 2012, the rate of current illicit drug use was higher for males (11.6%) than females (6.9%)1
  The rates are similar among males and females aged 12-17 years¹
  Females aged 12-17 years were more likely to use prescription drugs non-medically than males of the same age¹
• Among women of reproductive age (15-44 years), the rate of current illicit drug use was 10.7% compared to 5.9% for pregnant women of the same age¹
  The rate of illicit drug use was inversely related to age; it was 18.3% for ages 15-17, 9% for ages 18-25, and 3.4% for ages 26-44¹

Prevalence in Pregnancy

• Among women of reproductive age (15-44 years), the rate of current illicit drug use was 10.7% compared to 5.9% for pregnant women of the same age¹

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Results from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings, NSDUH Series H-46, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 13-4795. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2013.