Current News
Is phone addiction an official diagnosis listed in the DSM-5-TR?
No, phone addiction is not listed in the DSM-5-TR, though it is recognized and studied as a behavioral addiction with similarities in symptomatology to DSM-5-TR disorders.
(Psychiatry Advisor, 2024; MentalHealth.com, 2025)
How many drug users have a drug disorder?
38.6% (CDC, 2022)
As the body becomes more efficient in processing and eliminating a mood-altering substance, the result is known as tolerance
Which drug is more misused by veterans, heroin or prescription pain relievers?
Prescription pain relievers (CDC, 2022)
What drug is a major concern despite lower deaths in the United States?
Fentanyl, despite the U.S. hitting its lowest number of deaths (referred to as levels) since 2020, it remains a major problem. (NPR, 2025)
What group of people are at most risk for overdose?
Persons previously abusing drugs and recently released from prison are at the highest risk for overdose as their tolerance to the drug has dropped while being incarcerated. (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2025)
What does the term 'withdrawal' refer to?
When someone chronically uses psychoactive substances, the body adjusts. The brain releases fewer euphoria-inducing chemicals (e.g. dopamine) and increases the production of inhibitory chemicals (e.g. the neurotransmitter GABA, the stress hormone cortisol)
What drug is the most misused prescription opioid?
Hydrocodone, with 3.6 million misusers. (CDC, 2022)
A data report from 2023 has shown that how many Americans battled with substance use disorder? (#)
(Extra points for guessing what percentage received adequate treatment)
48.5 million Americans.
(23%)
(American Addiction Centers, 2025)
What percentage of people have used illicit* drugs at least once?
(*any illicit drug use includes any use of marijuana or hashish, cocaine, crack, heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, or methamphetamine, as well as misuse of prescription psychotherapeutic drugs (CDC, 2022))
51.2% (CDC, 2022)
What does the term 'detox' mean?
Detox, which helps a person safely withdraw from substances and become medically stable. (Mosel, 2025)
What number (or percentage) of Americans aged 12 and older misuse opioids at least once over a year?
8.9 million or 3.4% (CDC, 2022)
What percentage have overdose deaths dropped by in 2024?
27% decrease! (JAMA Network, 2025)
How many grams of alcohol does the Dietary Guidelines for Americans define as a standard drink?
All of these drinks contain 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. (Administration (US) & General (US), 2016)
What does the term 'Intervention' mean?
A professionally delivered program, service, or policy designed to prevent substance misuse (prevention intervention) or treat a substance use disorder (treatment intervention). (Administration (US) & General (US), 2016)
On average, what percentage of males and females misused prescription drugs or illegal drugs over the last month?
Males: 19.1%
Females: 14.6%
(CDC, 2022)
On what date did the CDC begin the national campaign targeting youth (ages 12-17) to raise awareness about drug risks, addiction, and the link between mental health and substance use?
August 5, 2025. (American Hospital Association, 2025)
How many people in the U.S. alone were killed by drug overdose since 1999?
1.15M (CDC, 2022)
What does the term 'Inpatient Treatment' refer to?
Inpatient treatment, which means living onsite for the duration of treatment. (Mosel, 2025)
How many people (number or percentage) 12 and over have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last year?
70.5 million or 24.9% (CDC, 2022)