Pre-Conditions for the Growth of Addiction
The United States faces a severe drug addiction crisis involving opioids, marijuana, and other substances. As of 2023, approximately 47.7 million Americans aged 12 and older reported using illegal drugs in the past 30 days, with marijuana use being the most prevalent. Opioid use disorder affects over 21% of those with drug disorders, highlighting opioids’ serious role in the epidemic. The problem extends across urban and rural areas, with increasing yearly usage rates.