Behavioral Health Trends 

in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National 

Survey on Drug Use and Health
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | ii

Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

This report was prepared for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) by 

RTI International under Contract No. HHSS283201300001C with SAMHSA, U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services (HHS). 

Public Domain Notice 

All material appearing in this report is in the public 

domain and may be reproduced or copied without 

permission from SAMHSA. Citation of the source 

is appreciated. However, this publication may not

be reproduced or distributed for a fee without 

the specific, written authorization of the Office of 

Communications, SAMHSA, HHS. 

Electronic Access and Printed Copies 

This publication may be downloaded or ordered at 

http://store.samhsa.gov. Or call SAMHSA at 1–877–

SAMHSA–7 (1–877–726–4727) (English and 

Español). 

Recommended Citation 

Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. 

(2015). Behavioral health trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and 

Health (HHS Publication No. SMA 15-4927, NSDUH 

Series H-50). Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/

data/

Originating Office 

Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 

Administration, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 

20857.

September 2015

SAMHSA Authors

Sarra L. Hedden

Joel Kennet

Rachel Lipari

Grace Medley

Peter Tice

RTI Authors

Elizabeth A. P. Copello

Larry A. Kroutil

SAMHSA Project Officer

Peter Tice

RTI Project Director

David Hunter

For questions about this report, 

please e-mail Peter.Tice@samhsa.hhs.gov.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | iii

Table of Contents

Foreword �������������������������������������������������������������������������������iv

Summary ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1

Introduction ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3

Survey Background ��������������������������������������������������������������� 3

Data Presentation and Interpretation������������������������������������� 3

Illicit Drug Use ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 4

Any Illicit Drug Use��������������������������������������������������������������� 5

Marijuana Use ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 5

Nonmedical Use of Psychotherapeutic Drugs������������������������� 6

Pain Relievers���������������������������������������������������������������������� 7

Tranquilizers������������������������������������������������������������������������ 8

Stimulants and Methamphetamine���������������������������������������� 8

Sedatives�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10

Cocaine Use ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 10

Heroin Use ������������������������������������������������������������������������ 11

Hallucinogen Use ��������������������������������������������������������������� 12

Use of Specific Hallucinogens: LSD and Ecstasy������������������� 13

Inhalant Use ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 14

Tobacco Use������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14

Any Tobacco Use and Cigarette Use ������������������������������������ 15

Daily Cigarette Use������������������������������������������������������������� 16

Cigar, Pipe Tobacco, and Smokeless Tobacco Use ���������������� 17

Alcohol Use�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19

Current Alcohol Use ����������������������������������������������������������� 19

Binge Alcohol Use �������������������������������������������������������������� 20

Heavy Alcohol Use�������������������������������������������������������������� 20

Underage Alcohol Use �������������������������������������������������������� 21

Substance Use Disorders����������������������������������������������������� 22

Alcohol Use Disorder���������������������������������������������������������� 24

Illicit Drug Use Disorder������������������������������������������������������ 24

Marijuana Use Disorder������������������������������������������������������ 25

Pain Reliever Use Disorder�������������������������������������������������� 26

Cocaine Use Disorder��������������������������������������������������������� 26

Heroin Use Disorder����������������������������������������������������������� 27

Mental Health Issues among Adults and Adolescents���������� 28

Past Year Any Mental Illness (AMI), Serious Mental 

Illness (SMI), and AMI without SMI among Adults 

Aged 18 or Older����������������������������������������������������������� 28

Past Year Major Depressive Episode (MDE) and 

MDE with Severe Impairment among Adults Aged 

18 or Older ������������������������������������������������������������������� 29

Past Year Major Depressive Episode (MDE) and MDE 

with Severe Impairment among Adolescents 

Aged 12 to 17��������������������������������������������������������������� 31

Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues and Substance 

Use Disorders among Adults������������������������������������������������ 32

Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders among 

Adults with a Disorder���������������������������������������������������� 32

Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use 

Disorders among Adults in the General Population ����������� 33

Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use 

Issues among Adolescents �������������������������������������������������� 34

Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders 

among Adolescents with Major Depressive Episode ��������� 34

Major Depressive Episode among Adolescents with 

a Substance Use Disorder ���������������������������������������������� 34

Co-Occurring Major Depressive Episode and 

Substance Use Disorder among Adolescents in 

the General Population��������������������������������������������������� 35

Endnotes������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 36

Appendix A: Supplemental Tables of Estimates for 

Behavioral Health Trends in the United States��������������������A-1

Appendix B: List of Contributors �����������������������������������������B-1
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | iv

Foreword

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an operating division within 

the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is charged with reducing the impact of substance abuse 

and mental illness on America’s communities. SAMHSA is pursuing this mission at a time of significant 

change. Health reform has been enacted, bringing sweeping changes to how the United States delivers, pays 

for, and monitors health care. Examining trends in behavioral health data is critical to providing the most 

appropriate and highest quality behavioral health care. 

Each year, SAMHSA publishes the most recent annual results from the National Survey on Drug Use and 

Health (NSDUH). This survey is the primary source of statistical information on the use of illegal drugs, 

alcohol, and tobacco by the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States aged 12 years old or 

older. The survey also covers mental health issues, allowing for a comprehensive look at the behavioral health 

of the United States. 

This national report, Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: Results from the 2014 National 

Survey on Drug Use and Health, presents a set of substance use and mental health indicators. For most of 

the indicators, the results represent the nation as a whole (i.e., people aged 12 or older). Where applicable, 

however, results are also presented for selected age groups: adolescents aged 12 to 17, young adults aged 18 

to 25, and adults aged 26 or older. Mental health indicators for adults also are presented for young adults 

aged 18 to 25, adults aged 26 to 49, and those aged 50 or older. NSDUH provides a unique overview of the 

nation’s behavioral health at a single point in time (e.g., 2014) and a mechanism for tracking changes and 

trends over time. 

This national report covers key indicators of behavioral health. Other topics included in the 2014 NSDUH 

are being published separately as data reviews. These data reviews cover national trends in suicidal thoughts 

and behavior among adults, substance use treatment, mental health service use, initiation of substance use, and 

substance use risk and protective factors. As part of SAMHSA’s larger behavioral health quality improvement 

approach, SAMHSA is also publishing detailed tables and mental health detailed tables that provide estimates 

of substance use and mental health by key demographic categories. NSDUH is a critical element in supporting 

SAMHSA’s larger behavioral health quality improvement approach, and this report provides a first look at the 

latest trends in the behavioral health of the United States. 

Peter J. Delany, Ph.D., LCSW-C 

RADM, U.S. Public Health Service

Director, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 1

Summary

This national report summarizes findings from the 2014 

National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) on 

trends in the behavioral health of people aged 12 years old 

or older in the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of 

the United States. Results are provided by age subgroups. 

Substance use trends are presented for 2002 to 2014, while 

trends for most mental health issues are reported for 2008 

to 2014. 

Illicit Drug Use

In 2014, 27.0 million people aged 12 or older used an illicit 

drug in the past 30 days, which corresponds to about 1 in 

10 Americans (10.2 percent).1 This percentage in 2014 

was higher than those in every year from 2002 through 

2013. The illicit drug use estimate for 2014 continues to 

be driven primarily by marijuana use and the nonmedical 

use of prescription pain relievers, with 22.2 million current 

marijuana users aged 12 or older (i.e., users in the past 

30 days) and 4.3 million people aged 12 or older who 

reported current nonmedical use of prescription pain 

relievers. 

The higher percentage of people who were current illicit drug 

users in 2014 than in prior years appears to reflect trends in 

marijuana use. The percentage of people aged 12 or older in 

2014 who were current marijuana users (8.4 percent) also was 

greater than the percentages in 2002 to 2013. In addition, the 

estimate of current marijuana use was greater in 2014 than 

the estimates in 2002 to 2009 for young adults aged 18 to 25 

and in 2002 to 2013 for adults aged 26 or older. 

Although nonmedical pain reliever use continued to be the 

second most common type of illicit drug use in 2014, the 

percentage of people aged 12 or older in 2014 who were 

current nonmedical users of pain relievers (1.6 percent) was 

lower than the percentages in most years from 2002 to 2012, 

but it was similar to the percentage in 2013. Percentages for 

current nonmedical use of pain relievers also were lower in 

2014 than in 2002 to 2011 for adolescents aged 12 to 17 

and in 2002 to 2012 for young adults aged 18 to 25. 

1. NSDUH obtains information on the following nine categories of 

drugs: marijuana (including hashish), cocaine (including crack), heroin, 

hallucinogens, and inhalants, as well as the nonmedical use of prescriptiontype pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives. Nonmedical use 

refers to use of prescription drugs without a prescription of the individual’s 

own or simply for the experience or feeling the drugs caused. Estimates of 

“illicit drug use” reported from NSDUH reflect the use of these nine drug 

categories.

The use of many types of other illicit drugs has not increased 

in recent years. However, the percentage of people aged 12 

or older in 2014 who were current heroin users was higher 

than the percentages in most years from 2002 to 2013. 

Tobacco Use

In 2014, an estimated 66.9 million people aged 12 or 

older were current users of a tobacco product, including 

55.2 million cigarette smokers. Across all age groups, tobacco 

use and cigarette use were lower in 2014 than in most years 

from 2002 to 2013. For example, about 1 in 8 adolescents 

aged 12 to 17 (13.0 percent) were current cigarette smokers 

in 2002. By 2014, about 1 in 20 adolescents (4.9 percent) 

were current smokers. 

Alcohol Use

There were 139.7 million past month alcohol drinkers 

aged 12 or older in 2014, including 60.9 million who 

were binge alcohol users and 16.3 million who were heavy 

alcohol users.2 In 2014, the percentage of people aged 12 

or older who were past month alcohol users (52.7 percent) 

was similar to the percentages in 2009 through 2013. The 

percentage of people aged 12 or older in 2014 who were past 

month heavy alcohol users (6.2 percent) also was similar to 

the percentages in 2011 through 2013. However, estimates 

of binge drinking among people aged 12 or older did not 

change over the period from 2002 to 2014 (23.0 percent in 

2014). 

Underage alcohol use (i.e., among people aged 12 to 20) 

and binge and heavy use among young adults aged 18 to 

25 have declined over time but remain a concern. In 2014, 

22.8 percent of underage people were current alcohol users, 

13.8 percent were binge alcohol users, and 3.4 percent were 

heavy alcohol users. These percentages were lower than the 

percentages in 2002 to 2012, but they were similar to the 

percentages in 2013. Among young adults aged 18 to 25, the 

percentages who were binge or heavy alcohol users in 2014 

were lower than those in 2002 to 2012. Nevertheless, more 

than one third of young adults in 2014 were binge alcohol 

users (37.7 percent), and about 1 in 10 were heavy alcohol 

users (10.8 percent). 

2. Binge alcohol use is defined as drinking five or more drinks on the same 

occasion on at least 1 day in the past 30 days, and heavy alcohol use is 

defined as having this number of drinks on the same occasion on 5 or more 

days in the past 30 days.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 2

Substance Use Disorders

Approximately 21.5 million people aged 12 or older in 

2014 had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year,3

including 17.0 million people with an alcohol use disorder, 

7.1 million with an illicit drug use disorder, and 2.6 million 

who had both an alcohol use and an illicit drug use disorder. 

The percentage of people aged 12 or older in 2014 who had 

an SUD (8.1 percent) was similar to the percentages in 2011 

to 2013, but it was lower than those in 2002 through 2010. 

Percentages of adolescents aged 12 to 17 and young adults 

aged 18 to 25 who had an alcohol use disorder, marijuana 

use disorder, or pain reliever use disorder in 2014 were lower 

than the percentages in several or all years from 2002 to 

2012. 

Mental Health Issues

In 2014, about 1 in 5 adults aged 18 or older (18.1 percent, 

or 43.6 million adults) had any mental illness (AMI) in the 

past year, and 4.1 percent (9.8 million adults) had serious 

mental illness (SMI).4 The percentage of adults with AMI 

remained stable from 2008 to 2014, and the percentage of 

adults with SMI in 2014 was similar to the percentages in 

2010 to 2013. 

In 2014, 11.4 percent of youths aged 12 to 17 (2.8 million 

adolescents) had a major depressive episode (MDE) in 

the past year.5 The 2014 percentage was higher than the 

percentages in 2004 to 2012, but it was similar to the 

percentage in 2013. Youths aged 12 to 17 in 2014 who had 

a past year MDE were more likely than those without a past 

year MDE to have used any illicit drugs in the past year 

(33.0 vs. 15.2 percent).

3. People who met the criteria for dependence or abuse for alcohol or illicit 

drugs in the past 12 months based on criteria specified in the Diagnostic 

and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) 

were defined as having an SUD. See the following reference: American 

Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental 

disorders (DSM-IV) (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

4. Adults with AMI were defined as having any mental, behavioral, or 

emotional disorder in the past year that met DSM-IV criteria (excluding 

developmental disorders and SUDs). Adults with AMI were defined as 

having SMI if they had any mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that 

substantially interfered with or limited one or more major life activities. 

See footnote 3 for the reference for the DSM-IV criteria.

5. Based on DSM-IV criteria, adolescents were defined as having an MDE 

if they had a period of 2 weeks or longer in the past 12 months when 

they experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in 

daily activities, and they had at least some additional symptoms, such as 

problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, and self-worth. See 

footnote 3 for the reference for the DSM-IV criteria.

Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use 

Disorders

About 3.3 percent of all adults in 2014 had both AMI and 

an SUD in the past year, and 1.0 percent had both SMI and 

an SUD. An estimated 340,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 

2014 (1.4 percent of adolescents) had an SUD and an MDE 

in the past year. The estimate in 2014 for the co-occurrence 

of an MDE and an SUD in the past year among adolescents 

was similar to those in most years between 2006 and 2013. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 3

Introduction

Behavioral health disorders, which include substance use 

and mental health disorders, affect millions of adolescents 

and adults in the United States and contribute heavily 

to the burden of disease.1,2,3 The Substance Abuse and 

Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) seeks 

to improve behavioral health in the United States through 

implementation of evidence-based approaches to prevent 

behavioral health problems and by promoting recovery 

support services for those with behavioral health conditions.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) is 

the primary source for statistical information on illicit drug 

use, alcohol use, substance use disorders (SUDs), mental 

health issues, and co-occurring SUDs and mental health 

issues for the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of 

the United States. NSDUH data play an important role 

in SAMHSA’s mission to reduce the impact of substance 

use and mental health issues on America’s communities. 

Information from NSDUH on behavioral health trends 

allows policymakers to gauge progress toward improving the 

behavioral health of the nation.

This report contains the first release of 2014 NSDUH 

estimates on trends in substance use and mental health issues 

in the United States. Comprehensive 2014 NSDUH detailed 

tables that show additional substance use and mental healthrelated outcomes, including data for various subpopulations 

covered in NSDUH, are available separately at http://www.

samhsa.gov/data/.

4

Survey Background

NSDUH is an annual survey of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States aged 12 years old or 

older.5 The survey is sponsored by SAMHSA within the 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

The survey covers residents of households and individuals 

in noninstitutional group quarters (e.g., shelters, boarding 

houses, college dormitories, migratory workers’ camps, 

halfway houses). The survey excludes people with no fixed 

address (e.g., homeless people not in shelters), military 

personnel on active duty, and residents of institutional group 

quarters, such as jails, nursing homes, mental institutions, 

and long-term hospitals.

NSDUH employs a stratified multistage area probability 

sample that is designed to be representative of both the 

nation as a whole and for each of the 50 states and the 

District of Columbia. The 2014 NSDUH target sample 

size of 67,500 interviews was distributed across three age 

groups, with 25 percent allocated to adolescents aged 12 

to 17, 25 percent allocated to young adults aged 18 to 25, 

and 50 percent allocated to adults aged 26 or older. In 2002 

through 2013, the NSDUH sample was allocated equally 

across these three age groups and had the same total target 

sample size per year as in 2014.6

NSDUH is a face-to-face household interview survey that 

is conducted in two phases: the screening phase and the 

interview phase. The interviewer conducts a screening of the 

eligible household with an adult resident (aged 18 or older) 

in order to determine whether zero, one, or two residents 

aged 12 or older should be selected for the interview.7

NSDUH collects data using audio computer-assisted selfinterviewing (ACASI), in which respondents read or listen 

to the questions on headphones and then enter their answers 

directly on the NSDUH laptop computer. ACASI is designed 

to encourage accurate reporting of information by providing 

respondents with a highly private and confidential mode for 

responding to questions about illicit drug use, mental health, 

and other sensitive behaviors. NSDUH also uses computerassisted personal interviewing (CAPI), in which interviewers 

read less sensitive questions to respondents and enter the 

respondents’ answers on the laptop.

In 2014, screening was completed at 127,605 addresses, 

and 67,901 completed interviews were obtained, including 

17,046 interviews from adolescents aged 12 to 17 and 

50,855 interviews from adults aged 18 or older. Weighted 

response rates for household screening and for interviewing 

were 81.9 and 71.2 percent, respectively, for an overall 

response rate of 58.3 percent for people aged 12 or older. 

Weighted interview response rates were 80.0 percent for 

adolescents and 70.3 percent for adults.8 Further details 

about the 2014 NSDUH design and methods can be found 

on the web at http://www.samhsa.gov/data/.

9

Data Presentation and Interpretation

This report focuses on substance use, SUDs, and mental 

disorders in the United States based on NSDUH data from 

2014 and earlier years.10 Estimates of substance use are 

presented for individuals aged 12 or older, adolescents, and 

adults.11 However, estimates of mental health issues are not 

presented jointly for individuals aged 12 or older. Rather, 

these estimates are presented separately for adolescents aged 

12 to 17 and adults aged 18 or older because adolescents and 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 4

adults completed different sets of questions regarding mental 

health and mental health service utilization.

All estimates (e.g., percentages and numbers) presented 

in the report are derived from NSDUH survey data that 

are subject to sampling errors. The estimates have met the 

criteria for statistical reliability. Estimates that do not meet 

these criteria for reliability have been suppressed and are not 

shown.12 Trend analyses in this report focus on percentages 

because the percentages take into account any changes in 

the size of the total population and facilitate the comparison 

of estimates across years.13 This report focuses on long-term 

trends by comparing percentages in 2014 with percentages 

in each of the years from 2002 to 2013. Statistical tests also 

have been conducted for comparisons that appear in the 

text of the report. Statistically significant differences are 

described using terms such as “higher,” “lower,” “increased,” 

or “decreased.” Statements use terms such as “similar,” 

“remained steady,” or “stable” when a difference is not 

statistically significant. Analyses of long-term trends in this 

report summarize whether the 2014 estimates are different 

from or similar to estimates in most or all previous years,14

while minimizing discussion of anomalous differences 

between any 2 years that can occur due to these estimates 

being based on samples.15 Graphics and tables contain 

estimates that support the statements in this report, and 

supplemental tables of estimates (including standard errors) 

are included in Appendix A.

Illicit Drug Use

Illicit drug use, including the misuse of prescription 

medications, affects the health and well-being of millions of 

Americans. Cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, infection 

with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis, 

and lung disease can all be affected by drug use. Some of 

these effects occur when drugs are used at high doses or after 

prolonged use. However, other adverse effects can occur after 

only one or a few occasions of use.16 Addressing the impact 

of substance use alone is estimated to cost Americans more 

than $600 billion each year.17

NSDUH obtains information on nine categories of illicit 

drugs: marijuana (including hashish), cocaine (including 

crack), heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants, as well as 

the nonmedical use of prescription-type pain relievers, 

tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives; see the section on 

nonmedical use of psychotherapeutic drugs for the definition 

of nonmedical use. Estimates of “illicit drug use” reported 

from NSDUH reflect the use of these nine drug categories.

In 2014, an estimated 27.0 million Americans aged 12 or 

older were current (past month) illicit drug users, meaning 

that they had used an illicit drug during the month prior 

to the survey interview (Figure 1). The most commonly 

used illicit drug in the past month was marijuana, which 

was used by 22.2 million people aged 12 or older. An 

estimated 6.5 million people reported nonmedical use 

Figure 1. Numbers of Past Month Illicit Drug Users among People Aged 12 or Older: 2014

No Past Month

Illicit Drug Use

238.1 Million People

(89.8%)

Past Month

Illicit Drug Use

27.0 Million People

(10.2%)

 0.3

 0.4

 0.5

 1.2

 1.5

 1.6

 1.9

 4.3

 22.2

Sedatives

Heroin

Inhalants

Hallucinogens

Cocaine

Stimulants

Tranquilizers

Pain Relievers

Marijuana and Hashish

0 5 10 15 20 25

Millions of People

Note: Estimated numbers of people refer to people aged 12 or older in the civilian, noninstitutionalized population in the United States. The numbers do not sum to the 

total population of the United States because the population for NSDUH does not include people aged 11 years old or younger, people with no fixed household address 

(e.g., homeless or transient people not in shelters), active-duty military personnel, and residents of institutional group quarters, such as correctional facilities, nursing 

homes, mental institutions, and long-term hospitals.

Note: The estimated numbers of current users of different illicit drugs are not mutually exclusive because people could have used more than one type of illicit drug in the 

past month.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 5

of psychotherapeutic drugs in the past month, including 

4.3 million nonmedical users of prescription pain relievers. 

Thus, the number of current nonmedical users of pain 

relievers was second to marijuana among specific illicit 

drugs. Smaller numbers of people in 2014 were current users 

of the other illicit drugs shown in Figure 1.

18

Any Illicit Drug Use

The estimated 27.0 million people aged 12 or older who 

were current illicit drug users in 2014 (Figure 1) represent 

10.2 percent of the population aged 12 or older (Figure 2). 

Stated another way, 1 in 10 individuals aged 12 or older in 

the United States used illicit drugs in the past month. The 

percentage of people aged 12 or older who were current 

illicit drug users in 2014 was higher than the percentages 

from 2002 to 2013. The rise in illicit drug use among those 

aged 12 or older since 2002 may reflect an increase in illicit 

drug use by adults aged 26 or older and, to a lesser extent, 

increases in illicit drug use among young adults aged 18 to 

25 relative to the years before 2009.

Figure 2. Past Month Illicit Drug Use among People Aged 12 or Older, 

by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0

5

10

15

20

25

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 2 Table. Past Month Illicit Drug Use among People Aged 12 or Older, 

by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 8.3+ 8.2+ 7.9+ 8.1+ 8.3+ 8.0+ 8.1+ 8.7+ 8.9+ 8.7+ 9.2+ 9.4+ 10.2  

12 to 17 11.6+ 11.2+ 10.6+ 9.9   9.8   9.6   9.3   10.1   10.1   10.1   9.5   8.8   9.4  

18 to 25 20.2+ 20.3+ 19.4+ 20.1+ 19.8+ 19.8+ 19.7+ 21.4   21.6   21.4   21.3   21.5   22.0  

26 or Older 5.8+ 5.6+ 5.5+ 5.8+ 6.1+ 5.8+ 5.9+ 6.3+ 6.6+ 6.3+ 7.0+ 7.3+ 8.3  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Aged 12 to 17

Slightly more than 2.3 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 

in 2014 were current users of illicit drugs, which represents 

9.4 percent of adolescents (Figure 2). The 2014 percentage 

was lower than the percentages from 2002 to 2004 and was 

similar to the percentages between 2005 and 2013. In 2002, 

for example, 11.6 percent of adolescents used an illicit drug 

in the past month.

Aged 18 to 25

More than 1 in 5 young adults aged 18 to 25 (22.0 percent) 

were current users of illicit drugs in 2014 (Figure 2). This 

percentage corresponds to about 7.7 million young adults in 

2014 who were current users of illicit drugs. The percentage 

of young adults who were current illicit drug users was stable 

between 2009 and 2014. However, the 2014 estimate was 

higher than the estimates from 2002 through 2008.

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, 8.3 percent of adults aged 26 or older were current 

users of illicit drugs (Figure 2), or about 17.0 million adults 

in this age group. The percentage of adults aged 26 or older 

who were current illicit drug users in 2014 was higher than 

the percentages from 2002 to 2013.

Marijuana Use

As noted in the illicit drug use section, an estimated 

22.2 million Americans aged 12 or older in 2014 were 

current users of marijuana (Figure 1). This number of past 

month marijuana users corresponds to 8.4 percent of the 

population aged 12 or older (Figure 3). The percentage of 

people aged 12 or older who were current marijuana users in 

2014 was higher than the percentages from 2002 to 2013. 

This rise in marijuana use among those aged 12 or older 

may reflect the increase in marijuana use by adults aged 

26 or older and, to a lesser extent, increases in marijuana 

use among young adults aged 18 to 25 compared with the 

percentages of young adults who reported marijuana use in 

2002 to 2009.

Aged 12 to 17

In 2014, 7.4 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 were 

current users of marijuana (Figure 3). This means that 

approximately 1.8 million adolescents used marijuana in the 

past month. The percentage of adolescents in 2014 who were 

current marijuana users was similar to the percentages in 

most years between 2003 and 2013.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 6

Aged 18 to 25

An estimated 6.8 million young adults aged 18 to 25 in 

2014 were current users of marijuana. This number 

corresponds to about 1 in 5 young adults (19.6 percent) who 

used marijuana in the past month (Figure 3). The percentage 

of young adults who were current marijuana users in 2014 

was stable compared with the percentages between 2010 and 

2013. However, the 2014 estimate was higher than the 

estimates from 2002 through 2009.

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, 6.6 percent of adults aged 26 or older were current 

users of marijuana (Figure 3), which represents about 

13.5 million adults in this age group. The percentage of 

adults aged 26 or older who were current marijuana users in 

2014 was higher than the percentages from 2002 to 2013.

Nonmedical Use of Psychotherapeutic Drugs

The four categories of prescription-type drugs (pain relievers, 

tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives) cover numerous 

medications that currently are or have been available by 

prescription. They also include drugs within these groupings 

that may be available as prescription medications but 

Figure 3. Past Month Marijuana Use among People Aged 12 or Older, 

by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0

5

10

15

20

25

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 3 Table. Past Month Marijuana Use among People Aged 12 or Older, 

by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 6.2+ 6.2+ 6.1+ 6.0+ 6.0+ 5.8+ 6.1+ 6.7+ 6.9+ 7.0+ 7.3+ 7.5+ 8.4  

12 to 17 8.2+ 7.9   7.6   6.8   6.7+ 6.7   6.7   7.4   7.4   7.9   7.2   7.1   7.4  

18 to 25 17.3+ 17.0+ 16.1+ 16.6+ 16.3+ 16.5+ 16.6+ 18.2+ 18.5   19.0   18.7   19.1   19.6  

26 or Older 4.0+ 4.0+ 4.1+ 4.1+ 4.2+ 3.9+ 4.2+ 4.6+ 4.8+ 4.8+ 5.3+ 5.6+ 6.6  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

currently are much more likely to be manufactured and 

distributed illegally; one such drug is methamphetamine, 

which is included under stimulants. NSDUH respondents 

are asked to report only nonmedical use of these drugs, 

defined as use without a prescription of the individual’s own 

or simply for the experience or feeling the drugs caused. Use 

of over-the-counter drugs and legitimate use of prescription 

drugs are not included. NSDUH reports combine the four 

prescription-type drug groups into a category referred to as 

“psychotherapeutics.”

In this section, a summary of any nonmedical use of 

prescription-type drugs is presented first, followed by 

sections on the nonmedical use of pain relievers, 

tranquilizers, stimulants and methamphetamine, and 

sedatives. In 2014, the estimate of 6.5 million Americans 

aged 12 or older who were current nonmedical users of 

psychotherapeutic drugs represents 2.5 percent of the 

population aged 12 or older (Figures 1 and 4). The 2014 

estimate for current nonmedical use of psychotherapeutic 

drugs among people aged 12 or older was slightly lower than 

the estimates in 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010 (ranging from 

2.7 to 2.9 percent), and it was similar to the estimates in the 

other years between 2002 and 2013.19

Figure 4. Past Month Nonmedical Use of Psychotherapeutic Drugs 

among People Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-

2014Percent Using in Past Month

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 4 Table. Past Month Nonmedical Use of Psychotherapeutic Drugs 

among People Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 2.7   2.7   2.5   2.7   2.9+ 2.8+ 2.5   2.8+ 2.7+ 2.4   2.6   2.5   2.5  

12 to 17 4.0+ 4.0+ 3.6+ 3.3+ 3.3+ 3.3+ 2.9   3.1+ 3.0   2.8   2.8   2.2+ 2.6  

18 to 25 5.5+ 6.1+ 6.1+ 6.3+ 6.5+ 5.9+ 5.9+ 6.4+ 5.9+ 5.0   5.3+ 4.8   4.4  

26 or Older 2.0   2.0   1.8+ 1.9   2.2   2.2   1.9   2.1   2.2   1.9   2.1   2.1   2.1  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 7

Aged 12 to 17

An estimated 655,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 were 

current nonmedical users of psychotherapeutic drugs in 

2014. This number corresponds to 2.6 percent of adolescents 

(Figure 4). The 2014 estimate for current nonmedical use of 

psychotherapeutic drugs among adolescents was lower than 

the estimates in most years from 2002 to 2009.

Aged 18 to 25

In 2014, an estimated 1.6 million young adults aged 18 

to 25 were current nonmedical users of psychotherapeutic 

drugs, which corresponds to 4.4 percent of young adults 

(Figure 4). The 2014 estimate for current nonmedical use of 

psychotherapeutic drugs among young adults was lower than 

the estimates from 2002 to 2010.

Aged 26 or Older

There were 4.3 million adults aged 26 or older in 2014 who 

were current nonmedical users of psychotherapeutic drugs. 

This number corresponds to 2.1 percent of adults aged 26 or 

older (Figure 4). The 2014 estimate for current nonmedical 

use of psychotherapeutic drugs among those aged 26 or 

older was similar to the estimates for most years between 

2002 and 2013.

Pain Relievers

Overall estimates of current nonmedical use of prescription 

psychotherapeutic drugs among the population aged 12 or 

older that were described previously have largely been driven 

by the nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers. In 

2014, about two thirds of the current nonmedical users of 

psychotherapeutic drugs who were aged 12 or older reported 

current nonmedical use of pain relievers (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Nonmedical Use of Pain Relievers and Other 

Psychotherapeutic Drugs among Current Nonmedical Users of Any 

Psychotherapeutic Drug Aged 12 or Older: 2014

4.3 Million Current

Nonmedical Users of

Pain Relievers

(66.2%)

6.5 Million Current Nonmedical Users of Psychotherapeutic Drugs

2.2 Million Current

Nonmedical Users of

Psychotherapeutics

Other Than Pain

Relievers

(33.8%)

The estimated 4.3 million people aged 12 or older in 

2014 who were current nonmedical users of pain relievers 

represent 1.6 percent of the population aged 12 or older 

(Figures 5 and 6). The percentage of people aged 12 or older 

who were current nonmedical users of pain relievers in 2014 

was lower than the percentages in most years from 2002 to 

2012, but it was similar to the percentage in 2013.

Aged 12 to 17

In 2014, an estimated 467,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 

were current nonmedical users of pain relievers, which 

corresponds to 1.9 percent of adolescents (Figure 6). The 

2014 estimate for current nonmedical use of pain relievers 

among adolescents was lower than the estimates from 2002 

to 2011, and it was similar to those in 2012 and 2013.

Aged 18 to 25

An estimated 978,000 young adults aged 18 to 25 were 

current nonmedical users of pain relievers in 2014, which 

represents 2.8 percent of young adults (Figure 6). The 2014 

estimate for current nonmedical use of pain relievers was 

lower than the estimates from 2002 to 2012, but it was 

similar to the estimate in 2013.

Figure 6. Past Month Nonmedical Use of Pain Relievers among 

People Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0

1

2

3

4

5

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 6 Table. Past Month Nonmedical Use of Pain Relievers among People 

Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 1.9+ 2.0+ 1.8+ 1.9+ 2.1+ 2.1+ 1.9+ 2.1+ 2.0+ 1.7   1.9+ 1.7   1.6  

12 to 17 3.2+ 3.2+ 3.0+ 2.7+ 2.7+ 2.7+ 2.3+ 2.7+ 2.5+ 2.3+ 2.2   1.7   1.9  

18 to 25 4.1+ 4.7+ 4.7+ 4.7+ 5.0+ 4.6+ 4.5+ 4.8+ 4.4+ 3.6+ 3.8+ 3.3   2.8  

26 or Older 1.3   1.3   1.2+ 1.3   1.5   1.6   1.4   1.6   1.5   1.4   1.5   1.5   1.4  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 8

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, an estimated 2.9 million adults aged 26 or older 

were current nonmedical users of pain relievers, which 

corresponds to 1.4 percent of adults aged 26 or older 

(Figure 6). The 2014 estimate for current nonmedical use of 

pain relievers among adults aged 26 or older was similar to 

the estimates for most years between 2002 and 2013.

Tranquilizers

The estimated 1.9 million people aged 12 or older in 2014 

who were current nonmedical users of tranquilizers represent 

0.7 percent of people aged 12 or older (Figures 1 and 7). The 

estimate of current nonmedical use of tranquilizers in 2014 

was similar to the estimates for most years between 2002 

and 2013.

Aged 12 to 17

In 2014, an estimated 103,000 adolescents aged 12 to 

17 were current nonmedical users of tranquilizers, which 

represents 0.4 percent of adolescents (Figure 7). The 2014 

estimate for current nonmedical use of tranquilizers among 

adolescents was lower than the estimates in most years from 

2002 to 2008, and it was similar to the estimates in most 

years from 2009 to 2013.

Figure 7. Past Month Nonmedical Use of Tranquilizers among People 

Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 7 Table. Past Month Nonmedical Use of Tranquilizers among People 

Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.8   0.8   0.7   0.7   0.7   0.7   0.7   0.8   0.9+ 0.7   0.8   0.6   0.7  

12 to 17 0.8+ 0.9+ 0.6+ 0.6+ 0.5   0.7+ 0.6+ 0.6   0.5   0.6+ 0.6   0.4   0.4  

18 to 25 1.6+ 1.7+ 1.8+ 1.9+ 2.0+ 1.7+ 1.7+ 1.9+ 1.7+ 1.6+ 1.6+ 1.2   1.2  

26 or Older 0.6   0.6   0.5+ 0.6   0.5   0.6   0.6   0.7   0.7   0.6   0.7   0.6   0.7  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Aged 18 to 25

An estimated 416,000 young adults aged 18 to 25 were 

current nonmedical users of tranquilizers in 2014, which 

represents 1.2 percent of young adults (Figure 7). The 

percentage of young adults in 2014 who were current nonmedical users of tranquilizers was similar to the percentage in 

2013, but it was lower than estimates in 2002 to 2012.

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, an estimated 1.4 million adults aged 26 or older 

were current nonmedical users of tranquilizers, which 

corresponds to 0.7 percent of adults in this age group 

(Figure 7). The percentage of adults aged 26 or older in 2014 

who were current nonmedical users of tranquilizers was 

similar to the percentages in most years from 2002 to 2013.

Stimulants and Methamphetamine

Respondents in 2014 were asked about the nonmedical 

use of prescription stimulants and also were asked about 

their use of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is 

chemically similar to amphetamine stimulants. Although 

most methamphetamine that is used in the United States 

is currently being manufactured illegally rather than 

representing nonmedical use of the drug in prescription form 

(i.e., Desoxyn®), methamphetamine has been included in the 

section of the NSDUH interview on the nonmedical use of 

prescription stimulants to maintain historical trends.19,20

In 2014, the estimated 1.6 million people aged 12 or older 

who were current nonmedical users of stimulants included 

569,000 people who were current methamphetamine users 

(Figure 8). Thus, almost two thirds of current nonmedical 

users of stimulants in 2014 who were aged 12 or older 

Figure 8. Nonmedical Use of Methamphetamine and Other 

Stimulants among Current Nonmedical Users of Any Stimulant Aged 

12 or Older: 2014

569,000 Current

Methamphetamine

Users

(35.7%)

1.6 Million Current Nonmedical Users of Stimulants

1.0 Million Current

Nonmedical Users of

Stimulants Other Than

Methamphetamine

(64.3%)
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 9

reported current nonmedical use of prescription stimulants 

but not methamphetamine.

These numbers of nonmedical users of stimulants and 

methamphetamine users represent 0.6 percent of the 

population aged 12 or older who were current nonmedical 

users of stimulants (Figure 9) and 0.2 percent who were 

current users of methamphetamine in 2014 (Figure 10). 

The percentage of the population aged 12 or older in 2014 

who were current nonmedical users of stimulants was higher 

than the percentages for most years between 2005 and 2012. 

Meanwhile, the percentage of the population aged 12 or 

older in 2014 who were current users of methamphetamine 

was similar to the percentages for most years between 2002 

and 2013.

Aged 12 to 17

About 169,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 were current 

nonmedical users of stimulants in 2014, including about 

45,000 current methamphetamine users. These numbers 

correspond to about 0.7 percent of adolescents in 2014 

being current nonmedical users of stimulants (Figure 9) 

and 0.2 percent being current users of methamphetamine 

(Figure 10). The estimate for the current nonmedical use 

of stimulants in 2014 among adolescents was similar to the 

Figure 9. Past Month Nonmedical Use of Stimulants among People 

Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 9 Table. Past Month Nonmedical Use of Stimulants among People 

Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.6   0.6   0.5   0.5+ 0.6   0.4+ 0.4+ 0.5   0.4+ 0.4+ 0.5+ 0.5   0.6  

12 to 17 0.8   0.9   0.7   0.7   0.7   0.5   0.5+ 0.5   0.4+ 0.4+ 0.5   0.3+ 0.7  

18 to 25 1.3   1.3   1.5+ 1.4   1.4   1.1   1.1   1.3   1.2   1.0   1.2   1.3   1.2  

26 or Older 0.4   0.4   0.4+ 0.3+ 0.4   0.3+ 0.2+ 0.4   0.3+ 0.3+ 0.3+ 0.4   0.5  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 10. Past Month Nonmedical Use of Methamphetamine among 

People Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 10 Table. Past Month Nonmedical Use of Methamphetamine among 

People Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.3   0.3+ 0.3   0.3   0.3   0.2   0.1+ 0.2   0.1+ 0.2   0.2   0.2   0.2  

12 to 17 0.3   0.3   0.2   0.3   0.2   0.1   0.1   0.1   0.1   0.1   0.1   0.1   0.2  

18 to 25 0.6+ 0.6+ 0.7+ 0.7+ 0.6+ 0.4   0.2   0.2   0.2   0.2   0.3   0.3   0.2  

26 or Older 0.2   0.3   0.2   0.2   0.3   0.2   0.1+ 0.2   0.1+ 0.2   0.2   0.2   0.2  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

estimates in 2002 through 2007, although the 2014 estimate 

was higher than estimates for most years between 2008 and 

2013. For methamphetamine, current use among adolescents 

was stable between 2002 and 2014.

Aged 18 to 25

There were about 406,000 young adults aged 18 to 25 in 

2014 who were current nonmedical users of stimulants, 

including about 86,000 current methamphetamine 

users. These numbers correspond to about 1.2 percent 

of young adults in 2014 being current nonmedical users 

of stimulants (Figure 9) and 0.2 percent being current 

users of methamphetamine (Figure 10). The percentage of 

young adults in 2014 who were current nonmedical users 

of stimulants was similar to the percentages for most years 

between 2002 and 2013. The percentage of young adults in 

2014 who were current methamphetamine users was lower 

than the percentages between 2002 and 2006, but it was 

comparable with the percentages between 2007 and 2013.

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, an estimated 1.0 million adults aged 26 or 

older were current nonmedical users of stimulants, which 

represents 0.5 percent of adults aged 26 or older (Figure 9). 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 10

An estimated 438,000 adults aged 26 or older were current 

methamphetamine users, which corresponds to 0.2 percent 

of the adults in this age group (Figure 10). The estimate of 

0.5 percent of adults aged 26 or older in 2014 who were 

current nonmedical users of stimulants was higher than the 

estimates for most years between 2004 and 2012, but it 

was similar to the estimate in 2013. The 2014 estimate for 

current methamphetamine use was similar to the estimates 

for most years between 2002 and 2013.

Sedatives

An estimated 330,000 people aged 12 or older were current 

nonmedical users of sedatives in 2014, which rounds to 

the 0.3 million people shown in Figure 1. This number 

represents 0.1 percent of the population aged 12 or 

older (Table A.1B in Appendix A). The percentage of the 

population aged 12 or older who were current nonmedical 

users of sedatives was stable from 2002 to 2014, ranging 

from 0.1 to 0.2 percent.

Aged 12 to 17

There were an estimated 41,000 adolescents in 2014 who 

were current nonmedical users of sedatives (0.2 percent of 

adolescents). The percentage of adolescents who were current 

nonmedical users of sedatives was stable from 2002 to 2014, 

ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 percent (Table A.2B in Appendix A).

Aged 18 to 25

In 2014, an estimated 56,000 young adults aged 18 to 25 

were current nonmedical users of sedatives (0.2 percent of 

young adults). The percentage of young adults who were 

current nonmedical users of sedatives in 2014 was similar 

to the percentages from 2002 to 2013 (Table A.3B in 

Appendix A).

Aged 26 or Older

An estimated 233,000 adults aged 26 or older were current 

nonmedical users of sedatives in 2014 (0.1 percent of adults 

aged 26 or older). The percentage of adults aged 26 or older 

who were current nonmedical users of sedatives in 2014 

was similar to the percentages between 2002 and 2013 

(Table A.4B in Appendix A).

Cocaine Use

In this report, estimates of the use of cocaine in any form 

include use of crack cocaine. Estimates also are presented 

specifically for crack use. In 2014, the estimate of about 

1.5 million people aged 12 or older who were current users 

of cocaine (Figure 1) included about 354,000 current users 

of crack. These numbers correspond to about 0.6 percent of 

the population aged 12 or older who were current users of 

cocaine (Figure 11) and 0.1 percent who were current users 

of crack (Table A.1B in Appendix A). The 2014 estimates for 

current cocaine and crack use were similar to the estimates 

between 2009 and 2013 for cocaine and between 2008 and 

2013 for crack, although the 2014 estimates were lower than 

those from most previous years.

Aged 12 to 17

There were 39,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 who were 

current users of cocaine in 2014, including 8,000 who used 

crack. These numbers represent 0.2 percent of adolescents 

who used cocaine (Figure 11) and less than 0.1 percent who 

used crack (Table A.2B in Appendix A). The 2014 estimate 

for current cocaine use among adolescents was similar to the 

estimates between 2009 and 2013, but the 2014 estimate 

was lower than the estimates in the years from 2002 to 2008. 

The percentage of adolescents who were current users of 

crack in 2014 was similar to the percentages in most years 

from 2002 to 2013.

Figure 11. Past Month Cocaine Use among People Aged 12 or Older, 

by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 11 Table. Past Month Cocaine Use among People Aged 12 or Older, by 

Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.9+ 1.0+ 0.8+ 1.0+ 1.0+ 0.8+ 0.7+ 0.7   0.6   0.5   0.6   0.6   0.6  

12 to 17 0.6+ 0.6+ 0.5+ 0.6+ 0.4+ 0.4+ 0.4+ 0.3   0.2   0.3   0.1   0.2   0.2  

18 to 25 2.0+ 2.2+ 2.1+ 2.6+ 2.2+ 1.7+ 1.6   1.4   1.5   1.4   1.1   1.1   1.4  

26 or Older 0.7+ 0.8+ 0.7+ 0.8+ 0.8+ 0.7+ 0.7+ 0.6   0.5   0.4   0.6   0.5   0.5  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 11

Aged 18 to 25

An estimated 1.4 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25 were 

current users of cocaine in 2014 (Figure 11), and 0.1 percent 

used crack in the past month (Table A.3B in Appendix A). 

These percentages represent 473,000 young adults who 

used cocaine, including 29,000 who used crack. The 2014 

percentage of young adults who were current cocaine users 

was lower than the percentages in 2002 through 2007, and 

it was similar to the percentages between 2008 and 2013. 

Estimates of current crack use among young adults were 

similar for most years between 2008 and 2014.

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, 0.5 percent of adults aged 26 or older were 

current users of cocaine (Figure 11), and 0.2 percent used 

crack in the past month (Table A.4B in Appendix A). 

These percentages represent 1.0 million adults aged 26 or 

older who currently used cocaine, including 317,000 who 

currently used crack. Current cocaine use among adults aged 

26 or older was stable between 2009 and 2014, and current 

crack use was stable between 2008 and 2014.

Heroin Use

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid that is illegal and 

has no accepted medical use in the United States. About 

435,000 people aged 12 or older were current heroin users 

in 2014, which rounds to the 0.4 million people shown in 

Figure 1. This number corresponds to about 0.2 percent 

of the population aged 12 or older (Figure 12). Because 

heroin use is not as common as the use of other illicit 

drugs, monitoring both past month and past year heroin 

use provides additional context for interpreting the trends. 

For past year use, 0.3 percent of people aged 12 or older in 

2014 had used heroin (Figure 13), which represents about 

914,000 people.

Despite the dangers associated with heroin use, its use 

has increased in the population. The estimate of current 

heroin use in 2014 among people aged 12 or older was 

higher than the estimates for most years between 2002 and 

2013. However, this difference represents a change from 

0.1 percent in 2002 to 2013 to 0.2 percent in 2014. Data 

from future survey years would be useful for monitoring 

whether this increase in 2014 signals the start of a change in 

the trend, or if the percentage goes back down.

The estimate of past year heroin use in 2014 (0.3 percent) 

also was greater than the estimates from 2002 to 2013 

Figure 12. Past Month Heroin Use among People Aged 12 or Older, by 

Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 12 Table. Past Month Heroin Use among People Aged 12 or Older, by 

Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1   0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1   0.1+ 0.2  

12 to 17 0.0   0.1   0.1   0.1   0.1   0.0+ 0.1   0.1   0.0   0.1   *   0.1   0.1  

18 to 25 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1   0.2   0.2   0.1   0.2   0.2   0.3   0.3   0.4+ 0.3   0.2  

26 or Older 0.1+ 0.0+ 0.1+ 0.0+ 0.1   0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1   0.1+ 0.2  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

* Low precision; no estimate reported.

Figure 13. Past Year Heroin Use among People Aged 12 or Older, by 

Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Year

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 13 Table. Past Year Heroin Use among People Aged 12 or Older, by 

Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.2+ 0.1+ 0.2+ 0.2+ 0.2+ 0.2+ 0.2+ 0.2+ 0.2+ 0.2+ 0.3+ 0.3+ 0.3  

12 to 17 0.2   0.1   0.2   0.1   0.1   0.1   0.2   0.1   0.1   0.2   0.1   0.1   0.1  

18 to 25 0.4+ 0.3+ 0.4+ 0.5+ 0.4+ 0.4+ 0.5+ 0.5+ 0.6   0.7   0.8   0.7   0.8  

26 or Older 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.2   0.1+ 0.1+ 0.2+ 0.2+ 0.2+ 0.2+ 0.2+ 0.3  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 12

(ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 percent). This rise in heroin use 

among people aged 12 or older may reflect increases in 

heroin use by adults aged 26 or older and, to a lesser extent, 

increases in heroin use among young adults aged 18 to 25.

Aged 12 to 17

In 2014, 0.1 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 were 

current heroin users (Figure 12), and 0.1 percent were past 

year users (Figure 13). These percentages represent 28,000 

adolescents who used heroin in the past year, including 

16,000 who currently used heroin. The percentage of 

adolescents in 2014 who were current heroin users was 

similar to the estimates for heroin use in most years from 

2002 to 2013. The percentage of adolescents in 2014 who 

were past year heroin users was similar to the percentages for 

2002 through 2013.

Aged 18 to 25

Among young adults aged 18 to 25 in 2014, 0.2 percent 

were current heroin users (Figure 12), and 0.8 percent were 

past year users (Figure 13). These percentages represent 

268,000 young adults who used heroin in the past year, 

including 82,000 who currently used heroin. The percentage 

of young adults in 2014 who were current heroin users 

(0.2 percent) was higher than the percentages in 2002 and 

2003, and it was similar to the percentages in most years 

since 2004. The exception was in 2012, when the percentage 

of young adults who were current heroin users peaked at 

0.4 percent. The percentages of young adults who were 

past year heroin users were similar for most years between 

2010 and 2014 (ranging from 0.6 to 0.8 percent), but 

the percentage in 2014 (0.8 percent) was higher than the 

percentages from 2002 through 2009 (ranging from 0.3 to 

0.5 percent).

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, 0.2 percent of adults aged 26 or older were current 

heroin users (Figure 12), and 0.3 percent were past year users 

(Figure 13). These percentages represent 618,000 adults 

aged 26 or older who used heroin in the past year, including 

337,000 who currently used heroin. The percentage of adults 

aged 26 or older in 2014 who were current heroin users 

(0.2 percent) was higher than the percentages for most years 

between 2002 and 2013 (ranging from less than 0.1 percent 

to 0.1 percent). The percentage of adults aged 26 or older in 

2014 who were past year heroin users (0.3 percent) was also 

higher than the percentages for most years between 2002 

and 2013 (ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 percent).

Hallucinogen Use

Several drugs are grouped under the category of 

hallucinogens, including LSD, PCP, peyote, mescaline, 

psilocybin mushrooms, and “Ecstasy” (MDMA).21 Any 

hallucinogen use is presented in this section, and estimates 

of LSD and Ecstasy use are presented separately. In 2014, an 

estimated 1.2 million people aged 12 or older were current 

users of hallucinogens, representing 0.4 percent of the 

population aged 12 or older (Figure 14). The percentage of 

the population aged 12 or older in 2014 who were current 

users of hallucinogens was similar to the percentages between 

2002 and 2013.

Aged 12 to 17

An estimated 136,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 were 

current users of hallucinogens in 2014, or 0.5 percent of 

adolescents (Figure 14). The percentage of adolescents in 

2014 who were current hallucinogen users was similar to 

the percentages in 2012 and 2013, but it was lower than the 

percentages in most years from 2002 through 2011.

Figure 14. Past Month Hallucinogen Use among People Aged 12 or 

Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 14 Table. Past Month Hallucinogen Use among People Aged 12 or 

Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.5   0.4   0.4   0.4   0.4   0.4   0.4   0.5   0.5   0.4   0.4   0.5   0.4  

12 to 17 1.0+ 1.0+ 0.8+ 0.8+ 0.7   0.7   1.0+ 0.9+ 0.9+ 0.9+ 0.6   0.6   0.5  

18 to 25 1.9+ 1.7   1.5   1.5   1.7   1.5   1.7   1.8+ 2.0+ 1.6   1.7   1.8   1.4  

26 or Older 0.2   0.1+ 0.1+ 0.2   0.1+ 0.2   0.1+ 0.2   0.2+ 0.1+ 0.2   0.3   0.3  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 13

Aged 18 to 25

In 2014, 1.4 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25 were 

current users of hallucinogens (Figure 14), which represents 

502,000 young adults who used hallucinogens. The 2014 

estimate of current hallucinogen use among young adults 

was similar to the estimates for most years between 2002 

and 2013. However, the estimate in 2014 was lower than the 

estimates in 2002, 2009, and 2010.

Aged 26 or Older

An estimated 0.3 percent of adults aged 26 or older were 

current users of hallucinogens in 2014 (Figure 14), which 

represents 535,000 individuals in this age group who were 

using hallucinogens. Estimates of current hallucinogen use 

among adults aged 26 or older ranged between 0.1 and 

0.3 percent from 2002 to 2014, with the 2014 estimate 

being slightly higher than the estimates in 2003, 2004, 

2006, 2008, 2010, and 2011.

Use of Specific Hallucinogens: LSD and Ecstasy

Among people aged 12 or older in 2014, 0.1 percent used 

LSD in the past month (Table A.1B in Appendix A), and 

0.2 percent used Ecstasy (Figure 15). These percentages 

represent approximately 287,000 people aged 12 or older 

who used LSD and 609,000 who used Ecstasy. Over the 

period from 2002 to 2014, the percentages of the population 

aged 12 or older using LSD in the past month ranged from 

less than 0.1 percent to 0.1 percent. The percentage of 

people aged 12 or older using Ecstasy in the past month in 

2014 was similar to estimates for most years between 2002 

and 2013.

Aged 12 to 17

About 65,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 were current users 

of LSD in 2014, and 39,000 adolescents were current 

users of Ecstasy. These numbers represent 0.3 percent of 

adolescents who used LSD (Table A.2B in Appendix A) 

and 0.2 percent who used Ecstasy (Figure 15). The 2014 

estimate of current LSD use among adolescents was greater 

than the estimates in 2005 to 2007, but it was similar to the 

estimates in most other years. The percentage of adolescents 

in 2014 who were current Ecstasy users was lower than the 

percentages in most years from 2002 to 2013.

Aged 18 to 25

In 2014, 0.3 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25 were 

current users of LSD (Table A.3B in Appendix A), and 

Figure 15. Past Month Ecstasy Use among People Aged 12 or Older, 

by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 15 Table. Past Month Ecstasy Use among People Aged 12 or Older, by 

Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.3   0.2   0.2   0.2   0.2   0.2   0.2   0.3+   0.3   0.2   0.2   0.3   0.2  

12 to 17 0.5+ 0.4+ 0.3+ 0.3+ 0.3+ 0.3   0.4+ 0.5+ 0.5+ 0.4+ 0.3+ 0.2   0.2  

18 to 25 1.1+ 0.7   0.7   0.8   1.0   0.7   0.9   1.1+ 1.2+ 0.9   1.0   0.9   0.8  

26 or Older 0.1   0.1   0.1+ 0.1   0.1+ 0.1   0.1+ 0.1   0.1   0.1+ 0.1   0.1   0.1  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

0.8 percent were current users of Ecstasy (Figure 15). These 

percentages represent 118,000 young adults who were 

current users of LSD and 270,000 who were current users 

of Ecstasy. The estimate for current use of LSD among 

young adults in 2014 was similar to estimates for most years 

between 2007 and 2013. Current use of Ecstasy among 

young adults was stable between 2011 and 2014.

Aged 26 or Older

About 104,000 adults aged 26 or older were current users 

of LSD in 2014, and 300,000 were current Ecstasy users. 

These numbers correspond to 0.1 percent of adults aged 

26 or older who were current users of LSD (Table A.4B

in Appendix A) and 0.1 percent who were current Ecstasy 

users (Figure 15). The estimate of current use of LSD among 

adults aged 26 or older in 2014 was similar to the estimates 

in 2012 and 2013, but it was higher than the published (i.e., 

nonsuppressed) estimates for most years between 2002 and 

2011.12 The 2014 estimate of current Ecstasy use among 

adults aged 26 or older was similar to the estimates from 

most years between 2002 and 2013.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 14

Inhalant Use

Inhalants include a variety of substances, such as nitrous 

oxide, amyl nitrite, cleaning fluids, gasoline, spray paint, 

other aerosol sprays, and glue. Respondents are asked to 

report use of inhalants to get high but not to report times 

when they accidentally inhaled a substance. In 2014, 

approximately 546,000 people aged 12 or older were 

current users of inhalants, which rounds to the estimate 

of 0.5 million people shown in Figure 1. This number 

represents 0.2 percent of the population aged 12 or older 

(Figure 16). The percentage of the population aged 12 

or older in 2014 who were current users of inhalants 

was similar to the percentages for most years dating back 

to 2002.

Current use of inhalants in 2014 was more common among 

adolescents aged 12 to 17 than among people in other age 

groups. Percentages of people in different age groups who 

were current users of inhalants in 2014 were 0.6 percent of 

adolescents, 0.2 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25, and 

0.2 percent of adults aged 26 or older (Figure 16).

Figure 16. Past Month Inhalant Use among People Aged 12 or Older, 

by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 16 Table. Past Month Inhalant Use among People Aged 12 or Older, by 

Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.3   0.2   0.3   0.3   0.3+ 0.2   0.3   0.2   0.3   0.2   0.2   0.2   0.2  

12 to 17 1.2+ 1.3+ 1.2+ 1.2+ 1.3+ 1.2+ 1.1+ 1.0+ 1.1+ 0.9+ 0.8   0.5   0.6  

18 to 25 0.5+ 0.4+ 0.4+ 0.5+ 0.4+ 0.4+ 0.3   0.4+ 0.4+ 0.4   0.4   0.3   0.2  

26 or Older 0.1   0.1+ 0.1   0.1   0.2   0.1   0.1   0.1   0.2   0.1   0.1   0.1   0.2  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Aged 12 to 17

The 0.6 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2014 who 

were current users of inhalants represents about 149,000 

adolescents. The percentage of adolescents in 2014 who were 

current users of inhalants was similar to the percentages in 

2012 and 2013, but it was lower than the percentages from 

2002 through 2011 (Figure 16). In 2003 and 2006, for 

example, 1.3 percent of adolescents were current users of 

inhalants.

Aged 18 to 25

In 2014, the 0.2 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25 

who were current users of inhalants corresponds to about 

80,000 young adults. The percentage of young adults in 

2014 who were current users of inhalants was lower than the 

percentages in most years from 2002 to 2010 (Figure 16).

Aged 26 or Older

Approximately 316,000 adults aged 26 or older were current 

users of inhalants in 2014. This number corresponds to 

about 0.2 percent of adults in this age group who were 

using inhalants in the past month (Figure 16). The 2014 

percentage of adults aged 26 or older who were current 

inhalant users was similar to the percentages for most years 

between 2002 and 2013.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable 

death in the United States. Tobacco use, particularly cigarette 

smoking, imposes substantial health and financial costs on 

our nation.22,23

NSDUH data can estimate the percentage of individuals 

who use tobacco products and, in turn, can be used to 

monitor changes in use over time. NSDUH asks respondents 

aged 12 or older about their tobacco use in the 30 days 

before the interview. Tobacco products include cigarettes, 

chewing tobacco, snuff, cigars, and pipe tobacco. Cigarette 

use is defined as smoking “part or all of a cigarette.” In this 

report, use of chewing tobacco or snuff is referred to as 

“smokeless tobacco use.” Because the majority of current 

(i.e., past month) tobacco users historically have been 

current cigarette users,24 estimates of any tobacco use and 

cigarette use are presented in the same section. A discussion 

of the estimates for daily cigarette use follows a presentation 

of the estimates for any tobacco use and cigarette use. 

Finally, this section presents estimates for current use of 

cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 15

Any Tobacco Use and Cigarette Use

In 2014, an estimated 66.9 million people aged 12 or 

older were current users of a tobacco product, including 

55.2 million cigarette smokers. These 2014 numbers 

correspond to 25.2 percent of the population being current 

users of tobacco products (Figure 17) and 20.8 percent being 

current cigarette smokers (Figure 18). The percentage of 

people aged 12 or older in 2014 who were current users of 

tobacco products was lower than in 2002 to 2012.

Similarly, past month cigarette use among the population 

aged 12 or older was lower in 2014 than in 2002 to 2012, 

but 2014’s estimate was similar to the estimate in 2013. 

Stated another way, about 1 in 5 people aged 12 or older 

in 2014 (20.8 percent) were current cigarette smokers. In 

comparison, about 1 in 4 people aged 12 or older were 

current cigarette smokers in 2002 to 2008 (ranging from 

24.0 to 26.0 percent).

Aged 12 to 17

Among adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2014, 1.7 million used 

tobacco products in the past month, including 1.2 million 

current cigarette smokers. These 2014 numbers represent 

7.0 percent of adolescents who were current tobacco users 

Figure 17. Past Month Tobacco Use among People Aged 12 or Older, 

by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0

10

20

30

40

50

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 17 Table. Past Month Tobacco Use among People Aged 12 or Older, by 

Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 30.4+ 29.8+ 29.2+ 29.4+ 29.6+ 28.7+ 28.4+ 27.7+ 27.5+ 26.5+ 26.7+ 25.5   25.2  

12 to 17 15.2+ 14.4+ 14.4+ 13.1+ 12.9+ 12.4+ 11.5+ 11.8+ 10.7+ 10.0+ 8.6+ 7.8+ 7.0  

18 to 25 45.3+ 44.8+ 44.6+ 44.3+ 44.0+ 41.9+ 41.4+ 41.6+ 40.9+ 39.5+ 38.1+ 37.0+ 35.0  

26 or Older 29.9+ 29.3+ 28.5+ 29.0+ 29.4+ 28.6+ 28.4+ 27.3+ 27.2+ 26.3   27.0+ 25.7   25.8  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 18. Past Month Cigarette Use among People Aged 12 or Older, 

by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0

10

20

30

40

50

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 18 Table. Past Month Cigarette Use among People Aged 12 or Older, 

by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 26.0+ 25.4+ 24.9+ 24.9+ 25.0+ 24.3+ 24.0+ 23.3+ 23.0+ 22.1+ 22.1+ 21.3   20.8  

12 to 17 13.0+ 12.2+ 11.9+ 10.8+ 10.4+ 9.9+ 9.2+ 9.0+ 8.4+ 7.8+ 6.6+ 5.6+ 4.9  

18 to 25 40.8+ 40.2+ 39.5+ 39.0+ 38.5+ 36.2+ 35.7+ 35.8+ 34.3+ 33.5+ 31.8+ 30.6+ 28.4  

26 or Older 25.2+ 24.7+ 24.1+ 24.3+ 24.7+ 24.1+ 23.8+ 23.0+ 22.8+ 21.9   22.4   21.6   21.5  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

(Figure 17) and 4.9 percent who were current cigarette smokers 

(Figure 18). From 2002 to 2014, the percentage of adolescents 

who were past month tobacco users declined roughly by 

half, from 15.2 to 7.0 percent. Similarly, the percentage of 

adolescents who were current cigarette smokers in 2014 was 

lower than the percentages in 2002 to 2013. In 2002, for 

example, about 1 in 8 adolescents (13.0 percent) were current 

cigarette smokers. Although the estimate of current use of 

cigarettes among adolescents continued to decrease from 2013 

(5.6 percent) to 2014, about 1 in 20 adolescents aged 12 to 17 

in 2014 were current cigarette smokers.

Aged 18 to 25

Among young adults aged 18 to 25 in 2014, 12.2 million 

used tobacco products in the past month, including 

9.9 million current cigarette smokers. These numbers 

represent about one third of young adults (35.0 percent) 

who were current tobacco users (Figure 17) and 28.4 percent 

who were current cigarette smokers (Figure 18). The 

percentage of young adults who were current users of a 

tobacco product in 2014 was lower than the percentages in 

2002 to 2013. This decline in tobacco use was driven by a 

decline in past month cigarette smoking among young adults 

between 2002 (40.8 percent) and 2014.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 16

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, 52.9 million adults aged 26 or older used tobacco 

products in the past month, including 44.1 million 

current cigarette smokers. These 2014 numbers represent 

25.8 percent of adults aged 26 or older who were current 

tobacco users (Figure 17) and 21.5 percent who were current 

cigarette smokers (Figure 18). The trends for current use 

of tobacco products among adults aged 26 or older and for 

current use of cigarettes correspond closely to the trends for 

the population aged 12 or older.

Daily Cigarette Use

Among the 55.2 million current cigarette smokers aged 12 

or older in 2014, 32.5 million were daily cigarette smokers. 

The 32.5 million daily smokers represent 58.8 percent of 

current cigarette smokers (Figure 19). The percentage of 

current smokers aged 12 or older in 2014 who smoked 

cigarettes daily was lower than the percentages in most 

years from 2002 to 2013 (Table 1). Nevertheless, about 

three fifths of current cigarette smokers in 2014 smoked 

cigarettes daily.

Among the 32.5 million daily smokers aged 12 or older in 

2014, 40.3 percent, or 2 out of 5 daily smokers, reported 

smoking 16 or more cigarettes per day (i.e., approximately 

one pack or more) (Figure 20). The percentage of daily 

smokers aged 12 or older who smoked one or more packs of 

cigarettes per day was lower in 2014 than the percentages in 

2002 to 2011.

Aged 12 to 17

In 2014, about 292,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 

smoked cigarettes every day, which represents about one 

fourth (24.1 percent) of adolescents who were current 

smokers (Table 1). The 2014 percentage was lower than 

the percentages in 2002 and 2003, but it was similar to 

the percentages in most years from 2004 to 2013. The 

percentage of adolescent daily smokers who smoked one 

or more packs of cigarettes per day was lower in 2014 

(11.9 percent) than in 2002 (21.8 percent) (Figure 20).

Figure 19. Daily Cigarette Use among Past Month Cigarette Smokers Aged 12 or Older 

and Smoking of One or More Packs of Cigarettes per Day among Current Daily Smokers: 

Percentages, 2014

32.5 Million

Daily Smokers

(58.8%)

22.8 Million

Less Than

Daily Smokers

(41.2%)

13.1 Million

Smokers of

One or More

Packs per Day

(40.3%)

19.3 Million

Smokers of

Less Than a

Pack per Day

(59.7%)

Note: Current daily smokers with unknown data about the number of cigarettes smoked per day were excluded.

Table 1. Daily Cigarette Use among Past Month Cigarette Smokers Aged 12 or Older, by Age 

Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 63.4+ 62.9+ 62.3+ 63.0+ 62.3+ 61.3+ 61.5+ 61.0+ 59.5   60.7+ 60.7+ 59.6   58.8  

12 to 17 31.8+ 29.7+ 27.6   25.8   26.5   26.4   22.3   23.0   22.5   22.7   22.0   19.4+ 24.1  

18 to 25 51.8+ 52.7+ 51.6+ 50.1+ 48.8+ 49.2+ 47.8+ 45.3   45.8+ 45.3   45.1   43.1   43.0  

26 or Older 68.8+ 68.0+ 67.8+ 68.9+ 67.9+ 66.3+ 67.0+ 67.2+ 64.8   66.5+ 66.0+ 64.9   63.3  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 17

Aged 18 to 25

About 4.3 million young adults aged 18 to 25 in 2014 were 

daily cigarette smokers, or 43.0 percent of young adults who 

were current cigarette smokers (Table 1). The percentage of 

young adult current smokers who smoked cigarettes daily 

in 2014 was lower than the percentages in most years from 

2002 to 2010, and it was stable between 2011 and 2014. 

In particular, at least half of the young adults who were 

current smokers in 2002 to 2005 smoked cigarettes every 

day (ranging from 50.1 to 52.7 percent). Nevertheless, about 

2 in 5 young adults in 2014 who were current cigarette users 

smoked cigarettes daily. The percentage of young adult daily 

smokers who smoked one or more packs of cigarettes per 

day was lower in 2014 (22.5 percent) than in 2002 to 2011 

(Figure 20).

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, about 27.9 million adults aged 26 or older smoked 

cigarettes every day, which represents 63.3 percent of the 

adults aged 26 or older who were current smokers (Table 1). 

The percentage of current smokers aged 26 or older in 

2014 who smoked cigarettes every day was lower than the 

Figure 20. Smokers of One or More Packs of Cigarettes per Day 

among Past Month Daily Cigarette Smokers Aged 12 or Older, by Age 

Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 20 Table. Smokers of One or More Packs of Cigarettes per Day 

among Past Month Daily Cigarette Smokers Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: 

Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 53.1+ 53.5+ 54.0+ 51.4+ 50.6+ 50.9+ 49.2+ 45.9+ 45.1+ 43.8+ 42.0   41.3   40.3  

12 to 17 21.8+ 22.0+ 19.4+ 20.1+ 17.9   18.7+ 18.4+ 17.9   16.7   14.8   10.8   11.9   11.9  

18 to 25 39.1+ 37.1+ 34.9+ 36.9+ 34.4+ 32.9+ 31.6+ 29.5+ 27.3+ 26.1+ 25.1   22.3   22.5  

26 or Older 57.1+ 58.0+ 59.2+ 55.1+ 54.5+ 55.1+ 53.0+ 49.4+ 48.8+ 47.4+ 45.2   44.7   43.3  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

percentages in most years from 2002 to 2012. Despite this 

decline, daily smokers represented nearly two thirds of 

current smokers in this age group in 2014. Among daily 

smokers aged 26 or older, the percentage who smoked 

one or more packs of cigarettes per day was lower in 2014 

(43.3 percent) than in 2002 to 2011 (Figure 20).

Cigar, Pipe Tobacco, and Smokeless Tobacco Use

An estimated 12.0 million people aged 12 or older in 2014 

were current cigar smokers, 2.2 million smoked pipe tobacco 

in the past month, and 8.7 million were current smokeless 

tobacco users. These numbers correspond to 4.5 percent 

of the population aged 12 or older who were current cigar 

smokers (Figure 21), 0.8 percent who were current pipe 

tobacco smokers (Figure 22), and 3.3 percent who were 

current smokeless tobacco users (Figure 23). Among people 

aged 12 or older, the percentage who were current cigar 

smokers was lower in 2014 than in 2002 to 2012, but it was 

similar to the percentage in 2013. The percentages of people 

who were current pipe tobacco smokers or smokeless tobacco 

users in 2014 were similar to the percentages for most years 

between 2002 and 2013.

Figure 21. Past Month Cigar Use among People Aged 12 or Older, by 

Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0

3

6

9

12

15

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 21 Table. Past Month Cigar Use among People Aged 12 or Older, by 

Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 5.4+ 5.4+ 5.7+ 5.6+ 5.6+ 5.4+ 5.3+ 5.3+ 5.2+ 5.0+ 5.2+ 4.7   4.5  

12 to 17 4.5+ 4.5+ 4.8+ 4.2+ 4.1+ 4.3+ 3.8+ 4.0+ 3.2+ 3.4+ 2.6+ 2.3   2.1  

18 to 25 11.0+ 11.4+ 12.7+ 12.0+ 12.1+ 11.9+ 11.4+ 11.5+ 11.3+ 10.9+ 10.7+ 10.0   9.7  

26 or Older 4.6+ 4.5+ 4.6+ 4.7+ 4.6+ 4.4+ 4.4+ 4.4+ 4.4+ 4.2   4.5+ 4.1   3.9  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 18

Aged 12 to 17

Among adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2014, 521,000 smoked 

cigars, 179,000 smoked pipe tobacco, and 490,000 used 

smokeless tobacco in the past month. These 2014 numbers 

represent 2.1 percent of adolescents who were current 

cigar smokers (Figure 21), 0.7 percent who were current 

pipe tobacco smokers (Figure 22), and 2.0 percent who 

were current smokeless tobacco users (Figure 23). A lower 

percentage of adolescents in 2014 were current cigar smokers 

than in 2002 to 2012. The estimate for current smokeless 

tobacco use among adolescents in 2014 was lower than the 

estimates in most years from 2006 to 2010, but it was similar 

to the estimates in 2002 to 2005 and in 2011 to 2013.

Aged 18 to 25

In 2014, 3.4 million young adults aged 18 to 25 smoked 

cigars, 0.7 million smoked pipe tobacco, and 2.0 million 

used smokeless tobacco in the past month. These 2014 

numbers represent 9.7 percent of young adults who were 

current cigar smokers (Figure 21), 1.9 percent who were 

current pipe tobacco smokers (Figure 22), and 5.6 percent 

who were current smokeless tobacco users (Figure 23). The 

percentage of young adults in 2014 who were current cigar 

smokers was lower than in 2002 to 2012. In contrast to the 

Figure 22. Past Month Pipe Tobacco Use among People Aged 12 or 

Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 22 Table. Past Month Pipe Tobacco Use among People Aged 12 or 

Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.8   0.7+ 0.8   0.9   0.9   0.8   0.8   0.8   0.8   0.8   1.0   0.9   0.8  

12 to 17 0.6   0.6   0.7   0.6   0.7   0.7   0.7   0.9   0.6   0.7   0.7   0.6   0.7  

18 to 25 1.1+ 0.9+ 1.2+ 1.5+ 1.3+ 1.2+ 1.4+ 1.8   1.8   1.9   1.8   2.2   1.9  

26 or Older 0.8   0.6   0.7   0.8   0.9+ 0.8   0.6   0.7   0.7   0.7   0.9   0.7   0.7  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 23. Past Month Smokeless Tobacco Use among People Aged 

12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 23 Table. Past Month Smokeless Tobacco Use among People Aged 12 

or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 3.3   3.3   3.0+ 3.2   3.3   3.3   3.5   3.4   3.5   3.2   3.5   3.4   3.3  

12 to 17 2.0   2.0   2.3   2.1   2.4+ 2.5+ 2.2   2.4+ 2.3+ 2.1   2.1   2.0   2.0  

18 to 25 4.8+ 4.7+ 4.9+ 5.1   5.2   5.2   5.3   6.1   6.4+ 5.4   5.5   5.8   5.6  

26 or Older 3.2   3.2   2.7   3.0   3.1   3.0   3.3   3.1   3.1   3.0   3.3   3.1   3.0  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

trend for current cigar smoking among young adults, the 

percentages of young adults in 2014 who were current users 

of smokeless tobacco or who currently smoked pipe tobacco 

were greater than the percentages in some prior years. For 

smokeless tobacco, the percentage in 2014 was greater than 

the percentages in 2002 to 2004, but it was similar to the 

percentages for most years between 2005 and 2013. The 

percentage of young adults in 2014 who were current pipe 

tobacco smokers was greater than the percentages in 2002 to 

2008. Nevertheless, current smoking of pipe tobacco among 

young adults in 2014 was less common than the use of other 

types of tobacco.

Aged 26 or Older

About 8.1 million adults aged 26 or older in 2014 smoked 

cigars, 1.4 million smoked pipe tobacco, and 6.2 million 

used smokeless tobacco in the past month. These numbers 

represent 3.9 percent of adults aged 26 or older who were 

current cigar smokers (Figure 21), 0.7 percent who were 

current pipe tobacco smokers (Figure 22), and 3.0 percent 

who were current smokeless tobacco users (Figure 23). The 

estimate of current cigar smoking in 2014 among adults aged 

26 or older was lower than the estimates in most years from 

2002 to 2010, but it was similar to the estimates in 2011 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 19

and 2013 (Figure 21). Estimates for current pipe tobacco 

smoking and current smokeless tobacco use among adults 

aged 26 or older were similar for most years between 2002 

and 2014.

Alcohol Use

Excessive alcohol use is associated with an array of social, 

economic, and health costs.25,26 NSDUH asks respondents 

aged 12 or older about their alcohol use in the 30 days 

before the interview. Current alcohol use is defined as any 

use of alcohol in the past 30 days. Binge alcohol use is 

defined as drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion 

on at least 1 day in the past 30 days.27 Heavy alcohol use is 

defined as drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion 

on 5 or more days in the past 30 days. These levels are not 

mutually exclusive categories of use; heavy use is included in 

estimates of binge and current use, and binge use is included 

in estimates of current use.

In 2014, 139.7 million Americans aged 12 or older reported 

current use of alcohol, 60.9 million reported binge alcohol 

use in the past month, and 16.3 million reported heavy 

alcohol use in the past month (Figure 24). Thus, slightly 

more than 2 in 5 current alcohol users reported binge 

alcohol use (43.6 percent), and about 1 in 9 current alcohol 

users reported heavy alcohol use (11.7 percent). Among 

binge alcohol users, more than 1 in 4 (26.8 percent) were 

heavy users.

Current Alcohol Use

The estimate of 139.7 million current alcohol users aged 12 

or older in 2014 (Figure 24) corresponds to alcohol use in 

the past month by slightly more than half (52.7 percent) of 

the people aged 12 or older (Figure 25). The estimates of 

past month alcohol use remained steady between 2009 and 

2014, but the 2014 estimate was higher than the estimates in 

most years between 2002 and 2008.

Aged 12 to 17

The percentage of adolescents aged 12 to 17 who were 

current alcohol users was 11.5 percent in 2014 (Figure 25). 

This percentage corresponds to 2.9 million adolescents in 

2014 who drank alcohol in the past month. The percentage 

of adolescents who were current alcohol users in 2014 was 

lower than the percentages in 2002 through 2012. Although 

the estimate of current alcohol use among adolescents 

decreased between 2002 and 2014, about 1 in 9 adolescents 

aged 12 to 17 were current alcohol users in 2014.

Figure 24. Current, Binge, and Heavy Alcohol Use among People 

Aged 12 or Older: 2014

139.7 Million

Current Alcohol Users

60.9 Million

Binge Alcohol Users

(43.6% of Current

Alcohol Users)

16.3 Million

Heavy Alcohol Users

(26.8% of Binge

Alcohol Users and

11.7% of Current

Alcohol Users)

Aged 18 to 25

In 2014, 59.6 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25 were 

current alcohol users (Figure 25), which corresponds to 

about 20.8 million young adults. The percentage of young 

adults in 2014 who drank alcohol in the past month was 

similar to the percentages in 2011 through 2013. Although 

the 2014 estimate was lower than the estimates in 2006 

through 2010, about three fifths of young adults were 

current alcohol users in each year between 2002 and 2014 

(ranging from 59.6 to 62.0 percent).

Figure 25. Past Month Alcohol Use among People Aged 12 or Older, 

by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 25 Table. Past Month Alcohol Use among People Aged 12 or Older, by 

Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 51.0+ 50.1+ 50.3+ 51.8   51.0+ 51.2+ 51.6+ 51.9   51.8   51.8   52.1   52.2   52.7  

12 to 17 17.6+ 17.7+ 17.6+ 16.5+ 16.7+ 16.0+ 14.7+ 14.8+ 13.6+ 13.3+ 12.9+ 11.6   11.5  

18 to 25 60.5   61.4+ 60.5   60.9   62.0+ 61.3+ 61.1+ 61.8+ 61.4+ 60.7   60.2   59.6   59.6  

26 or Older 53.9+ 52.5+ 53.0+ 55.1+ 53.7+ 54.1+ 54.7+ 54.9+ 54.9+ 55.1+ 55.6   55.9   56.5  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 20

Aged 26 or Older

More than half (56.5 percent) of adults aged 26 or older in 

2014 were current alcohol users (Figure 25). This percentage 

corresponds to about 116.0 million adults in this age group 

who drank alcohol in the past month. The percentage of 

adults aged 26 or older in 2014 who were current alcohol 

users was higher than the percentages in most years from 

2002 to 2011, but it was similar to the percentages in 2012 

and 2013. In each year between 2002 and 2014, however, 

more than half of adults aged 26 or older were current 

alcohol users (ranging from 52.5 to 56.5 percent).

Binge Alcohol Use

In 2014, the estimate of 60.9 million binge alcohol users in 

the past 30 days (Figure 24) represents nearly one quarter 

(23.0 percent) of people aged 12 or older (Figure 26). 

Estimates of binge drinking among people aged 12 or older 

did not change over the period from 2002 to 2014.

Aged 12 to 17

About 1.5 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2014 were 

past month binge alcohol users. This number corresponds to 

6.1 percent of adolescents who reported binge drinking in 

the past month (Figure 26). The percentages of adolescents 

Figure 26. Past Month Binge Alcohol Use among People Aged 12 or 

Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0

10

20

30

40

50

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 26 Table. Past Month Binge Alcohol Use among People Aged 12 or 

Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 22.9   22.6   22.8   22.7   23.0   23.3   23.4   23.7   23.1   22.6   23.0   22.9   23.0  

12 to 17 10.7+ 10.6+ 11.1+ 9.9+ 10.3+ 9.7+ 8.9+ 8.9+ 7.9+ 7.4+ 7.2+ 6.2   6.1  

18 to 25 40.9+ 41.6+ 41.2+ 41.9+ 42.3+ 41.9+ 41.2+ 41.8+ 40.5+ 39.8+ 39.5+ 37.9   37.7  

26 or Older 21.4+ 21.0+ 21.1+ 21.0+ 21.4+ 22.0   22.2   22.4   21.9   21.6+ 22.1   22.4   22.5  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

who were binge drinkers in 2013 and 2014 were lower 

than the percentages in 2002 through 2012. Although the 

estimate of current binge alcohol use among adolescents 

decreased between 2002 and 2014, about 1 in 16 adolescents 

aged 12 to 17 in 2014 were current binge drinkers.

Aged 18 to 25

An estimated 37.7 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25 in 

2014 were binge alcohol users in the past month (Figure 26), 

which corresponds to about 13.2 million young adults. The 

percentages of young adults who were past month binge 

drinkers in 2013 and 2014 were lower than the percentages 

in 2002 through 2012. Despite this decrease over time, more 

than one third of young adults in 2014 were current binge 

alcohol users.

Aged 26 or Older

Nearly a quarter (22.5 percent) of adults aged 26 or older 

in 2014 were current binge alcohol users (Figure 26). This 

percentage corresponds to about 46.2 million adults in 

this age group who were binge drinkers. The percentage of 

adults aged 26 or older in 2014 who were past month binge 

drinkers was similar to the percentages in most years from 

2007 to 2013, but it was higher than the percentages in 

2002 to 2006.

Heavy Alcohol Use

The estimate of 16.3 million people aged 12 or older in 

2014 who were heavy alcohol users in the past month 

(Figure 24) represents 6.2 percent of the population aged 

12 or older (Figure 27). The estimates of past month heavy 

alcohol use among the population aged 12 or older remained 

steady between 2011 and 2014, but they were lower than 

the estimates in 2002 to 2010. Nevertheless, the differences 

between the estimate in 2014 and the estimates in 2002 to 

2010 were relatively modest (the latter estimates ranged from 

6.6 to 7.0 percent).

Aged 12 to 17

In 2014, 1.0 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 were 

current heavy alcohol users (Figure 27), or about 257,000 

adolescents. The estimate of past month heavy alcohol use 

among adolescents in 2014 was lower than the estimates in 

2002 to 2011.

Aged 18 to 25

Heavy alcohol use was reported by 10.8 percent of young 

adults aged 18 to 25 in 2014 (Figure 27), which represents 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 21

3.8 million young adults. The percentage of young adults 

in 2014 who were heavy drinkers was lower than the 

percentages in 2002 to 2012. Nevertheless, about 1 in 10 

young adults in 2014 were heavy alcohol users.

Aged 26 or Older

An estimated 6.0 percent of adults aged 26 or older in 2014 

were current heavy alcohol users (Figure 27). This percentage 

corresponds to about 12.3 million adults aged 26 or older 

who were heavy drinkers in the past month. The percentage 

of adults aged 26 or older who were heavy alcohol users in 

the past month remained stable between 2002 and 2014.

Underage Alcohol Use

In 2014, about 8.7 million underage people aged 12 to 

20 reported drinking alcohol in the past month, including 

5.3 million who reported binge alcohol use and 1.3 million 

who reported heavy alcohol use (Figure 28). Thus, about 

three fifths of underage current drinkers (60.6 percent) were 

binge alcohol users, and about 1 in 7 were heavy alcohol 

users (15.0 percent). About one fourth of underage binge 

alcohol users (24.8 percent) were heavy drinkers.

The estimate of 8.7 million underage people in 2014 who 

reported current alcohol use represents 22.8 percent of 

Figure 27. Past Month Heavy Alcohol Use among People Aged 12 or 

Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0

4

8

12

16

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 27 Table. Past Month Heavy Alcohol Use among People Aged 12 or 

Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 6.7+ 6.8+ 6.9+ 6.6+ 6.9+ 6.9+ 7.0+ 6.8+ 6.7+ 6.2   6.5   6.3   6.2  

12 to 17 2.5+ 2.6+ 2.7+ 2.4+ 2.4+ 2.3+ 2.0+ 2.1+ 1.7+ 1.5+ 1.3   1.2   1.0  

18 to 25 14.9+ 15.1+ 15.1+ 15.3+ 15.6+ 14.8+ 14.6+ 13.8+ 13.5+ 12.1+ 12.7+ 11.3   10.8  

26 or Older 5.9   5.9   6.1   5.6   6.0   6.1   6.3   6.2   6.1   5.7   6.1   6.1   6.0  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 28. Current, Binge, and Heavy Alcohol Use among People 

Aged 12 to 20: 2014

8.7 Million

Current Alcohol Users

5.3 Million

Binge Alcohol Users

(60.6% of Current

Alcohol Users)

1.3 Million

Heavy Alcohol Users

(24.8% of Binge

Alcohol Users and

15.0% of Current

Alcohol Users)

underage people (Figure 29). Among all underage people 

in 2014, 13.8 percent were binge drinkers, and 3.4 percent 

were heavy drinkers (Figure 29). Percentages of underage 

individuals who reported current, binge, and heavy alcohol 

use in 2014 were lower than the percentages in 2002 

through 2012, but they were similar to the percentages 

in 2013. Despite these declines over time, about 1 in 5 

underage individuals in 2014 drank alcohol in the past 

month, and about 1 in 7 engaged in binge drinking.

Figure 29. Current, Binge, and Heavy Alcohol Use among People 

Aged 12 to 20: 2002-2014 Percent Using in Past Month

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

Current Binge Heavy

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 29 Table. Current, Binge, and Heavy Alcohol Use among People Aged 

12 to 20: 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Current 28.8+ 29.0+ 28.7+ 28.2+ 28.4+ 28.0+ 26.5+ 27.2+ 26.2+ 25.1+ 24.3+ 22.7   22.8  

Binge 19.3+ 19.2+ 19.6+ 18.8+ 19.0+ 18.7+ 17.5+ 18.2+ 16.9+ 15.8+ 15.3+ 14.2   13.8  

Heavy 6.2+ 6.1+ 6.3+ 6.0+ 6.2+ 6.0+ 5.6+ 5.4+ 5.1+ 4.4+ 4.3+ 3.7   3.4  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 22

Substance Use Disorders

Reducing substance use disorders (SUDs) and related 

problems is critical to Americans’ mental and physical 

health, safety, and quality of life. SUDs occur when the 

recurrent use of alcohol or other drugs (or both) causes 

clinically significant impairment, including health problems, 

disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at 

work, school, or home. These disorders contribute heavily 

to the burden of disease in the United States. Excessive 

substance use and SUDs are costly to our nation due to lost 

productivity, health care, and crime.26,28,29 However, SUDs 

are preventable and treatable.

NSDUH includes a series of questions to estimate the 

percentage of the population aged 12 or older who had 

SUDs in the past 12 months. Respondents were asked 

questions about SUDs if they previously reported use 

in the past 12 months of alcohol or illicit drugs. Illicit 

drugs include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, 

inhalants, and the nonmedical use of prescription-type 

psychotherapeutic drugs. These SUD questions classify 

people as having an SUD in the past 12 months and are 

based on criteria specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical 

Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV).30,31

This section provides trends in past year SUDs in the United 

States between 2002 and 2014.

For many of the trends that are discussed in this section, the 

percentage of people with SUDs in 2014 was significantly 

different from the percentages in several of the years from 

2002 to 2012, but the percentage was similar to that in 

2013. Where possible,32 SUD estimates from the 2015 

NSDUH may help in assessing whether similarities in 

estimates between 2013 and 2014 represent a stabilizing of 

the trends in SUDs.

Approximately 21.5 million people aged 12 or older in 

2014 had SUDs in the past year, including 17.0 million 

people with an alcohol use disorder and 7.1 million people 

with an illicit drug use disorder (Figure 30). An estimated 

2.6 million people aged 12 or older had both an alcohol 

use disorder and an illicit drug use disorder in the past year. 

Thus, among people aged 12 or older in 2014 who had 

SUDs in the past year, nearly 4 out of 5 had an alcohol 

use disorder, and about 1 out of 3 had an illicit drug use 

disorder. About 1 in 8 people aged 12 or older who had 

SUDs in the past year had both an alcohol use disorder 

and an illicit drug use disorder. However, most people in 

2014 who had an alcohol use disorder did not have an illicit 

drug use disorder, and most people with an illicit drug use 

disorder did not have an alcohol use disorder.

In addition, 4.2 million people had past year disorders 

related to their use of marijuana, and 1.9 million people had 

disorders related to their nonmedical use of prescription pain 

relievers in the past year (Figure 31). Smaller numbers of 

people in 2014 had disorders in the past year related to their 

use of cocaine or heroin.

The 21.5 million people who had SUDs in 2014 (Figure 30) 

represent 8.1 percent of the people aged 12 or older 

(Figure 31). This 2014 percentage of those who had SUDs 

corresponds to about 1 in 12 people aged 12 or older. The 

percentage of people aged 12 or older who had past year SUDs 

in 2014 was similar to the percentages in 2011 to 2013, but it 

was lower than the percentages in 2002 to 2010 (Figure 32).

Figure 30. Alcohol Use Disorder or Illicit Drug Use Disorder in the 

Past Year among People Aged 12 or Older with Past Year Substance 

Use Disorders: 2014

14.4 Million People

with an Alcohol

Use Disorder Only

4.5 Million People

with an Illicit Drug

Use Disorder Only

21.5 Million People Aged 12 or Older with Past Year SUDs

7.1 Million People

with a Past Year Illicit

Drug Use Disorder

(32.9% of People

with an SUD)

17.0 Million People

with a Past Year

Alcohol Use Disorder

(79.1% of People

with an SUD)

2.6 Million People

with Both Alcohol and

Illicit Drug Use Disorders 

(12.1% of People with SUDs)

SUD = substance use disorder. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 23

Aged 12 to 17

An estimated 1.3 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 had 

SUDs in 2014, which represents 5.0 percent of adolescents 

(Figure 32), or about 1 in 20 adolescents. The 2014 

percentage of adolescents who had SUDs was lower than the 

percentages in 2002 to 2012.

Aged 18 to 25

In 2014, 5.7 million young adults aged 18 to 25 had SUDs, 

which represents 16.3 percent of young adults (Figure 32). 

The percentage of young adults who had SUDs in 2014 was 

lower than the percentages in 2002 to 2012. However, this 

change represents a decline from about 1 in 5 young adults 

in 2002 to 2010 to about 1 in 6 young adults in 2014.

Aged 26 or Older

An estimated 14.5 million adults aged 26 or older in 2014 

had SUDs, which represents 7.1 percent of adults aged 26 or 

older, or about 1 in 14 adults in this age group (Figure 32). 

Unlike the declines in the percentages with SUDs for 

adolescents and young adults over time, the 2014 percentage 

of adults aged 26 or older who had SUDs was similar to the 

percentages with SUDs in most years from 2002 to 2013.

Figure 32. Substance Use Disorder in the Past Year among People 

Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent in Past Year

0

5

10

15

20

25

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 32 Table. Substance Use Disorder in the Past Year among People 

Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 9.4+ 9.1+ 9.4+ 9.1+ 9.2+ 9.0+ 9.0+ 9.0+ 8.8+ 8.0   8.5   8.2   8.1  

12 to 17 8.9+ 8.9+ 8.8+ 8.0+ 8.1+ 7.7+ 7.7+ 7.1+ 7.3+ 6.9+ 6.1+ 5.2   5.0  

18 to 25 21.7+ 21.0+ 21.2+ 21.8+ 21.4+ 20.7+ 21.0+ 20.1+ 20.0+ 18.6+ 18.9+ 17.3   16.3  

26 or Older 7.3   7.0   7.3   7.1   7.2   7.2   7.1   7.3   7.0   6.3+ 7.0   7.0   7.1  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 31. Numbers of People Aged 12 or Older with a Past Year Substance Use Disorder: 2014

No SUD in

the Past Year

243.6 Million People

(91.9%)

SUD in

the Past Year

21.5 Million People

(8.1%)

 4.3

Heroin Use Disorder

Cocaine Use Disorder

Pain Reliever Use Disorder

Marijuana Use Disorder

Illicit Drug Use Disorder

Alcohol Use Disorder

0 5 10 15 20

Millions of People

17.0

7.1

4.2

1.9

0.9

0.6

SUD = substance use disorder. 

Note: SUD refers to dependence or abuse in the past year related to the use of alcohol or illicit drugs in that same period. Estimated numbers of people having disorders for 

specific substances do not sum to the 21.5 million people with any SUD because people could have disorders associated with their use of more than one substance.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 24

Alcohol Use Disorder

The 17.0 million people aged 12 or older who had an alcohol 

use disorder in 2014 (Figure 31) represent 6.4 percent of 

people aged 12 or older (Figure 33). The percentage of people 

aged 12 or older with an alcohol use disorder remained steady 

between 2011 and 2014. However, the percentage in 2014 

was lower than the percentages in 2002 to 2010.

Aged 12 to 17

There were 679,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2014 with 

a past year alcohol use disorder, or 2.7 percent of adolescents 

(Figure 33). The percentage of adolescents with an alcohol 

use disorder in 2014 was lower than the percentages in 2002 

to 2012. In particular, the percentage of adolescents in 2014 

with an alcohol use disorder was roughly half the percentages 

in 2002 to 2004 (5.9 to 6.0 percent).

Aged 18 to 25

Approximately 4.3 million young adults aged 18 to 25 

in 2014 had an alcohol use disorder in the past year. This 

number represents 12.3 percent of young adults, or about 1 in 

8 young adults who had an alcohol use disorder (Figure 33). 

The percentage of young adults with an alcohol use disorder 

in 2014 was lower than the percentages in 2002 to 2012.

Figure 33. Alcohol Use Disorder in the Past Year among People Aged 

12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent in Past Year

0

5

10

15

20

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 33 Table. Alcohol Use Disorder in the Past Year among People Aged 

12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 7.7+ 7.5+ 7.8+ 7.7+ 7.7+ 7.5+ 7.4+ 7.5+ 7.1+ 6.5   6.8   6.6   6.4  

12 to 17 5.9+ 5.9+ 6.0+ 5.5+ 5.4+ 5.4+ 4.9+ 4.6+ 4.6+ 3.8+ 3.4+ 2.8   2.7  

18 to 25 17.7+ 17.2+ 17.4+ 17.5+ 17.6+ 16.9+ 17.4+ 16.1+ 15.7+ 14.4+ 14.3+ 13.0   12.3  

26 or Older 6.2   6.0   6.3   6.2   6.2   6.2   6.0   6.3   5.9   5.4   5.9   6.0   5.9  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, approximately 12.0 million adults aged 26 or older 

had an alcohol use disorder in the past year, which represents 

5.9 percent of the adults in this age group (Figure 33). The 

percentage of adults aged 26 or older with an alcohol use 

disorder remained stable from 2002 to 2014.

Illicit Drug Use Disorder

The 7.1 million people aged 12 or older who had an illicit 

drug use disorder in 2014 (Figure 31) represent 2.7 percent 

of the people aged 12 or older (Figure 34). The percentage 

of the population aged 12 or older with an illicit drug use 

disorder remained steady between 2005 and 2014. However, 

the percentage in 2014 was lower than the percentage of 

3.0 percent in 2002 and 2004.

Figure 34. Illicit Drug Use Disorder in the Past Year among People 

Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent in Past Year

0

2

4

6

8

10

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 34 Table. Illicit Drug Use Disorder in the Past Year among People 

Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 3.0+ 2.9   3.0+ 2.8   2.9   2.8   2.8   2.8   2.8   2.5   2.8   2.6   2.7  

12 to 17 5.6+ 5.1+ 5.3+ 4.7+ 4.6+ 4.3+ 4.6+ 4.3+ 4.7+ 4.6+ 4.0+ 3.5   3.5  

18 to 25 8.2+ 7.8+ 8.3+ 8.4+ 7.9+ 7.9+ 7.9+ 7.7+ 7.9+ 7.5+ 7.8+ 7.4   6.6  

26 or Older 1.8   1.7   1.8   1.6+ 1.7   1.7   1.7   1.8   1.7   1.4+ 1.8   1.7   1.9  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 25

Aged 12 to 17

An estimated 3.5 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 had 

an illicit drug use disorder in 2014 (Figure 34), or about 

867,000 adolescents. The percentage of adolescents with 

an illicit drug use disorder in 2014 was lower than the 

percentages in 2002 to 2012.

Aged 18 to 25

Approximately 2.3 million young adults aged 18 to 25 in 

2014 had an illicit drug use disorder in the past year, which 

represents 6.6 percent of young adults (Figure 34). The 

percentage of young adults with an illicit drug use disorder 

in 2014 was lower than the percentages in 2002 to 2012.

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, approximately 3.9 million adults aged 26 or older 

had an illicit drug use disorder in the past year, which 

represents 1.9 percent of adults aged 26 or older (Figure 34). 

The 2014 percentage of adults aged 26 or older with an illicit 

drug use disorder was similar to percentages for most years 

between 2002 and 2013.

Marijuana Use Disorder

The approximately 4.2 million people aged 12 or older in 

2014 who had a marijuana use disorder in the past year 

(Figure 31) represent 1.6 percent of the people aged 12 or 

older (Figure 35). The 2014 percentage of the population 

aged 12 or older with a marijuana use disorder was similar to 

the percentages for most years between 2005 and 2014.

Aged 12 to 17

In 2014, 2.7 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 had 

a marijuana use disorder in the past year (Figure 35), or 

about 667,000 adolescents. The percentage of adolescents 

with a marijuana use disorder in 2014 was lower than the 

percentages in 2002 to 2012.

Figure 35. Marijuana Use Disorder in the Past Year among People 

Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent in Past Year

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 35 Table. Marijuana Use Disorder in the Past Year among People Aged 

12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 1.8+ 1.8+ 1.9+ 1.7   1.7   1.6   1.7   1.7   1.8+ 1.6   1.7   1.6   1.6  

12 to 17 4.3+ 3.8+ 3.9+ 3.6+ 3.4+ 3.1+ 3.4+ 3.4+ 3.6+ 3.5+ 3.2+ 2.9   2.7  

18 to 25 6.0+ 5.9+ 6.0+ 5.9+ 5.7+ 5.6+ 5.6+ 5.6+ 5.7+ 5.7+ 5.5   5.4   4.9  

26 or Older 0.8   0.7   0.8   0.7+ 0.8   0.7+ 0.8   0.8   0.9   0.7+ 0.8   0.8   0.9  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Aged 18 to 25

Approximately 1.7 million young adults aged 18 to 25 

in 2014 had a marijuana use disorder in the past year, or 

4.9 percent of young adults (Figure 35). The percentage of 

young adults with a marijuana use disorder in 2014 was 

lower than the percentages in 2002 through 2011, but it was 

similar to the percentages in 2012 and 2013.

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, approximately 1.8 million adults aged 26 or older 

had a marijuana use disorder in the past year, or 0.9 percent 

of the population aged 26 or older (Figure 35). The 2014 

percentage of adults aged 26 or older with a marijuana 

use disorder was similar to the percentages for most years 

between 2002 and 2013.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 26

Pain Reliever Use Disorder

The estimated 1.9 million people aged 12 or older in 2014 

who had a pain reliever use disorder (Figure 31) represent 

0.7 percent of the people aged 12 or older (Figure 36). The 

percentage of the population aged 12 or older with a pain 

reliever use disorder in 2014 was similar to the percentages 

in most years from 2005 to 2013.

Aged 12 to 17

An estimated 0.7 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 

in 2014 had a pain reliever use disorder in the past year 

(Figure 36), which represents about 168,000 adolescents. The 

percentage of adolescents with a pain reliever use disorder in 

2014 was lower than the percentages in 2002 to 2011, but it 

was similar to the percentages in 2012 and 2013.

Aged 18 to 25

Approximately 430,000 young adults aged 18 to 25 in 

2014 had a pain reliever use disorder in the past year, or 

1.2 percent of young adults (Figure 36). The percentage of 

young adults with a pain reliever use disorder in 2014 was 

similar to the percentages in 2002 to 2004, and it was lower 

than the percentages in most years from 2005 to 2012.

Figure 36. Pain Reliever Use Disorder in the Past Year among People 

Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent in Past Year

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

26 or Older

18 to 25

12 to 17

12 or Older

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 36 Table. Pain Reliever Use Disorder in the Past Year among People 

Aged 12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.6   0.6+ 0.6+ 0.6   0.7   0.7   0.7   0.7   0.8   0.7   0.8   0.7   0.7  

12 to 17 1.0+ 1.1+ 1.2+ 1.1+ 1.0+ 0.9+ 1.0+ 0.9+ 1.0+ 1.0+ 0.6   0.5   0.7  

18 to 25 1.4   1.1   1.4   1.7+ 1.5   1.7+ 1.8+ 1.7+ 1.8+ 1.7+ 1.9+ 1.4   1.2  

26 or Older 0.5+ 0.4+ 0.3+ 0.4+ 0.5+ 0.5+ 0.5+ 0.6   0.6   0.5+ 0.6   0.6   0.6  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, approximately 1.3 million adults aged 26 or 

older had a pain reliever use disorder in the past year, or 

0.6 percent of the population aged 26 or older (Figure 36). 

The percentage of adults aged 26 or older with a pain reliever 

use disorder was greater in 2014 than the percentages in 

2002 to 2008, but it was similar to the percentages in most 

years from 2009 to 2014.

Cocaine Use Disorder

About 913,000 people aged 12 or older in 2014 had a 

cocaine use disorder, which represents 0.3 percent of the 

people aged 12 or older (Figure 37). The percentage of the 

population aged 12 or older with a cocaine use disorder 

remained stable between 2009 and 2014. However, the 

percentage in 2014 was lower than the percentages in 2002 

to 2008.

Figure 37. Cocaine Use Disorder in the Past Year among People Aged 

12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent in Past Year

0.0

0.4

0.8

1.2

1.6

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 37 Table. Cocaine Use Disorder in the Past Year among People Aged 

12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.6+ 0.6+ 0.7+ 0.6+ 0.7+ 0.6+ 0.6+ 0.4   0.4   0.3   0.4   0.3   0.3  

12 to 17 0.4+ 0.3+ 0.4+ 0.4+ 0.4+ 0.4+ 0.3+ 0.2   0.1   0.2   0.2   0.1   0.1  

18 to 25 1.2+ 1.2+ 1.4+ 1.5+ 1.3+ 1.4+ 1.2+ 0.9+ 0.7   0.6   0.6   0.7   0.5  

26 or Older 0.6+ 0.6+ 0.6+ 0.5+ 0.6+ 0.6+ 0.5+ 0.4   0.4   0.3   0.4   0.3   0.3  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 27

Aged 12 to 17

An estimated 0.1 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 

2014 had a cocaine use disorder in the past year (Figure 37), 

or about 27,000 adolescents. The percentage of adolescents 

with a cocaine use disorder in 2014 was lower than the 

percentages in 2002 to 2008, but it was similar to the 

percentages in 2009 to 2013.

Aged 18 to 25

Approximately 185,000 young adults aged 18 to 25 in 2014 

had a cocaine use disorder in the past year, which represents 

0.5 percent of young adults (Figure 37). Similar to the 

pattern for adolescents aged 12 to 17, the percentage of 

young adults with a cocaine use disorder in 2014 was lower 

than the percentages in 2002 to 2009, but it was similar to 

the percentages in 2010 to 2013.

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, approximately 702,000 adults aged 26 or older 

had a cocaine use disorder in the past year, which represents 

0.3 percent of adults in this age group (Figure 37). The 

percentage of adults aged 26 or older with a cocaine use 

disorder in 2014 was lower than the percentages in 2002 

to 2008, but it remained steady when compared with the 

percentages between 2009 and 2013.

Heroin Use Disorder

About 586,000 people aged 12 or older in 2014 had a heroin 

use disorder, which represents 0.2 percent of the people aged 

12 or older (Figure 38). Although the percentage of people 

aged 12 or older in 2014 who were current heroin users was 

higher than the percentages in most years between 2002 and 

2013 (Figure 12), the percentage of people aged 12 or older 

with a heroin use disorder remained steady from 2011 to 

2014. However, the percentage in 2014 was higher than the 

percentages in 2002 to 2010 (0.1 percent in each year).

Aged 12 to 17

An estimated 0.1 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 

2014 had a heroin use disorder in the past year (Figure 38), 

which corresponds to about 18,000 adolescents. The 

percentage of adolescents with a heroin use disorder 

remained stable from 2002 to 2014.

Aged 18 to 25

Approximately 168,000 young adults aged 18 to 25 in 2014 

had a heroin use disorder in the past year, which represents 

0.5 percent of young adults (Figure 38). The percentage of 

young adults with a heroin use disorder in 2014 was greater 

than the percentages in 2002 to 2009, but it was similar to 

the percentages in 2010 to 2013.

Aged 26 or Older

In 2014, approximately 400,000 adults aged 26 or older 

had a heroin use disorder in the past year, which represents 

0.2 percent of adults aged 26 or older (Figure 38). Between 

2002 and 2014, 0.1 to 0.2 percent of adults aged 26 or older 

had a heroin use disorder in the past year.

Figure 38. Heroin Use Disorder in the Past Year among People Aged 

12 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014 Percent in Past Year

0.0

0.4

0.8

1.2

1.6

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002

12 or Older 12 to 17 18 to 25 26 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 38 Table. Heroin Use Disorder in the Past Year among People Aged 12 

or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2002-2014

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

12 or Older 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.2   0.2   0.2   0.2  

12 to 17 0.1   0.0   0.1   0.0   0.0   0.0   0.1   0.1   0.0   0.1   0.1   0.0   0.1  

18 to 25 0.2+ 0.1+ 0.2+ 0.3+ 0.2+ 0.2+ 0.3+ 0.3+ 0.3   0.4   0.5   0.5   0.5  

26 or Older 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1   0.1+ 0.1+ 0.1   0.1   0.1   0.1   0.2   0.2  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 28

Mental Health Issues among Adults and 

Adolescents

Promoting mental health and preventing mental disorders 

and SUDs are fundamental to SAMHSA’s mission to 

reduce the impact of behavioral health issues in America’s 

communities. Mental disorders are generally characterized 

by changes in mood, thought, or behavior. They can 

make carrying out daily activities difficult and can impair 

an individual’s ability to work or function in school, 

interact with family, and fulfill other major life functions. 

Understanding the percentage of the population with 

mental disorders is important for gauging progress toward 

preventing the occurrence or progression of mental health 

concerns and in assessing the need for mental health services 

among adolescents or adults. As noted in this report’s survey 

background section, NSDUH collects different mental 

health information for adults and adolescents, unlike the 

information that is collected on substance use. Therefore, 

this section presents mental health results separately for 

adults and adolescents.

Past Year Any Mental Illness (AMI), Serious Mental 

Illness (SMI), and AMI without SMI among Adults Aged 

18 or Older

NSDUH provides estimates of any mental illness (AMI) and 

serious mental illness (SMI) for adults aged 18 or older.33

An adult with AMI was defined as having any mental, 

behavioral, or emotional disorder in the past year that met 

DSM-IV criteria (excluding developmental disorders and 

SUDs).30 Adults with AMI were defined as having SMI if 

they had any mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that 

substantially interfered with or limited one or more major 

life activities. This section includes past year estimates of 

adults with AMI, SMI, and AMI without SMI.34

In 2014, an estimated 43.6 million adults aged 18 or older 

had AMI in the United States (Figure 39). This number of 

adults who had AMI represents 18.1 percent of all adults 

in the United States. An estimated 9.8 million adults aged 

18 or older in the nation had SMI in the past year, and 

33.7 million adults had AMI without SMI in the past year. 

The number of adults with SMI represents 4.1 percent of 

all U.S. adults in 2014, and the number of adults with AMI 

without SMI represents 14.0 percent of all U.S. adults in 

2014. Among adults with AMI in the past year, 22.6 percent 

had SMI, and 77.4 percent did not have SMI.35,36

Figure 39. Any Mental Illness, Serious Mental Illness, and Any Mental 

Illness Excluding Serious Mental Illness in the Past Year among 

Adults Aged 18 or Older: 2014

AMI

Excluding SMI:

33.7 Million

(14.0% of

All Adults and

77.4% of Adults

with AMI)

43.6 Million Adults with AMI in the Past Year (18.1% of All Adults)

SMI:

9.8 Million

(4.1% of All Adults

and 22.6% of Adults

with AMI)

AMI = any mental illness; SMI = serious mental illness.

The percentage of adults aged 18 or older with AMI 

remained stable from 2008 to 2014 (Figure 40). Although 

the percentage of adults aged 18 or older with past year SMI 

remained stable between 2010 and 2014, the 2014 estimate 

was slightly higher than the estimates in 2008 and 2009 

(3.7 percent in both years) (Figure 41). The percentage of 

adults aged 18 or older who had AMI without SMI was 

stable between 2008 and 2014 (Figure 42).

Figure 40. Any Mental Illness in the Past Year among Adults Aged 18 

or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2008-2014 Percent with Any Mental Illness (AMI) in the Past Year

0

5

10

15

20

25

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 18 to 25 26 to 49 50 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 40 Table. Any Mental Illness in the Past Year among Adults Aged 18 

or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2008-2014

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 17.7   18.1   18.1   17.8   18.6   18.5   18.1  

18 to 25 18.5+ 18.0+ 18.1+ 18.5+ 19.6   19.4   20.1  

26 to 49 20.7   21.6+ 20.9   20.3   21.2   21.5+ 20.4  

50 or Older 14.1   14.5   15.1   15.0   15.8   15.3   15.4  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 29

50 or Older

26-49

18-25

18 or older

50 or Older

26-49

18-25

18 or older

Figure 41. Serious Mental Illness in the Past Year among Adults Aged 

18 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2008-2014 Percent with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in the Past Year

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 18 to 25 26 to 49 50 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 41 Table. Serious Mental Illness in the Past Year among Adults Aged 

18 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2008-2014

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 3.7+ 3.7+ 4.1   3.9   4.1   4.2   4.1  

18 to 25 3.8+ 3.3+ 3.9+ 3.8+ 4.1+ 4.2+ 4.8  

26 to 49 4.8   4.9   5.2   5.0   5.2   5.3   4.9  

50 or Older 2.5   2.5   3.0   2.8   3.0   3.2   3.1  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 42. Any Mental Illness Excluding Serious Mental Illness 

in the Past Year among Adults Aged 18 or Older, by Age Group: 

Percentages, 2008-2014 Percent with Any Mental Illness (AMI) Excluding Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in the Past Year

0

4

8

12

16

20

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 18 to 25 26 to 49 50 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 42 Table. Any Mental Illness Excluding Serious Mental Illness in the Past 

Year among Adults Aged 18 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2008-2014

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 14.0   14.4   14.0   13.9   14.5   14.2   14.0  

18 to 25 14.8   14.6   14.1+ 14.8   15.5   15.2   15.3  

26 to 49 16.0   16.7+ 15.7   15.3   16.0   16.2   15.5  

50 or Older 11.6   12.0   12.2   12.3   12.8   12.1   12.3  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

By Adult Age Groups

The percentage of adults with AMI in the past year was 

higher for adults aged 18 to 25 in 2014 (20.1 percent) and 

those aged 26 to 49 (20.4 percent) compared with those aged 

50 or older (15.4 percent) (Figure 40). This pattern differed 

in 2008 to 2013 compared with that in 2014. In 2008 to 

2013, the percentage of adults with AMI was highest among 

adults aged 26 to 49, followed by those aged 18 to 25, then 

by those aged 50 or older. The percentage of adults aged 18 

to 25 with AMI was stable between 2012 and 2014; however, 

the 2014 estimate was greater than the estimates in 2008 to 

2011. Estimates of AMI among adults aged 26 to 49 and 

those aged 50 or older in 2014 were similar to the estimates 

in most years between 2008 and 2013.

The percentage of adults with past year SMI in 2014 was 

higher among adults aged 18 to 25 (4.8 percent) and those 

aged 26 to 49 (4.9 percent) compared with adults aged 50 or 

older (3.1 percent) (Figure 41). In 2008 to 2013, however, 

the percentage of adults with SMI was highest among adults 

aged 26 to 49, followed by those aged 18 to 25, then by 

those aged 50 or older. The percentage of young adults aged 

18 to 25 with past year SMI was greater in 2014 than the 

percentages in 2008 to 2013. For adults aged 26 to 49 and 

those aged 50 or older, the percentages with past year SMI in 

2014 were similar to the percentages in 2008 to 2013.

In 2014, 15.3 percent of adults aged 18 to 25 and 

15.5 percent of adults 26 to 49 had AMI without SMI 

compared with 12.3 percent of adults aged 50 or older 

(Figure 42). In 2008 to 2013, however, the percentage of 

adults who had AMI without SMI was highest among those 

aged 26 to 49, followed by those aged 18 to 25, then by 

those aged 50 or older. For each age group, the percentages 

of adults who had AMI without SMI in 2014 were similar to 

the percentages in most years from 2008 to 2013.

Past Year Major Depressive Episode (MDE) and MDE 

with Severe Impairment among Adults Aged 18 or Older

NSDUH also provides estimates of having a past year 

major depressive episode (MDE) among adults. MDE is 

defined using the diagnostic criteria from the DSM-IV.30

Adults were defined as having an MDE if they had a period 

of 2 weeks or longer in the past 12 months when they 

experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure 

in daily activities, and they had at least some additional 

symptoms, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, 

concentration, and self-worth.37 Adults were defined as 

having an MDE with severe impairment if their depression 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 30

caused severe problems with their ability to manage at home, 

manage well at work, have relationships with others, or have 

a social life.38

In 2014, 6.6 percent of adults aged 18 or older (15.7 million 

people) had at least one MDE in the past year, and 4.3 percent 

of adults (10.2 million people) had an MDE with severe 

impairment in the past year (Figure 43). Adults in 2014 who 

had an MDE with severe impairment represent nearly two 

thirds (65.5 percent) of adults who had a past year MDE.39

The percentage of adults who had a past year MDE remained 

stable between 2005 and 2014 (Figure 44). The percentage 

of adults with a past year MDE with severe impairment also 

remained stable between 2009 and 2014 (Figure 45).

By Adult Age Groups

Among adults aged 18 or older, the percentage having a 

past year MDE in 2014 was highest for young adults aged 

18 to 25 (9.3 percent), followed by adults aged 26 to 49 

(7.2 percent), then by those aged 50 or older (5.2 percent) 

(Figure 44). However, the percentages of adults aged 18 to 

25 and those aged 26 to 49 who had a past year MDE were 

similar in 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2011. In addition, adults 

aged 50 or older in 2005 to 2013 were less likely than other 

adults to have a past year MDE.

The percentage of young adults aged 18 to 25 with a past 

year MDE was greater in 2014 than the percentages in 2006 

to 2011 (Figure 44). Percentages of adults aged 26 to 49 and 

50 or older in 2014 who had a past year MDE were similar 

to the corresponding percentages in 2005 to 2013.

Figure 43. Major Depressive Episode and Major Depressive Episode 

with Severe Impairment in the Past Year among Adults Aged 18 or 

Older: 2014

MDE without

Severe Impairment:

5.4 Million

(2.3% of All Adults

and 34.5% of Adults

with an MDE)

15.7 Million Adults with a Past Year MDE (6.6% of All Adults)

MDE with

Severe Impairment:

10.2 Million

(4.3% of

All Adults and

65.5% of Adults

with an MDE)

MDE = major depressive episode.

Note: Adult respondents with unknown past year MDE data or unknown impairment data were 

excluded.

Figure 44. Major Depressive Episode in the Past Year among Adults 

Aged 18 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2005-2014 Percent with Major Depressive Episode (MDE) in the Past Year

0

2

4

6

8

10

2014201320122011201020092008200720062005

18 or Older 18 to 25 26 to 49 50 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 44 Table. Major Depressive Episode in the Past Year among Adults 

Aged 18 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2005-2014

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 6.6   6.5   6.7   6.5   6.6   6.8   6.6   6.9   6.7   6.6  

18 to 25 8.8   8.1+ 8.0+ 8.4+ 8.0+ 8.3+ 8.3+ 8.9   8.7   9.3  

26 to 49 7.6   7.7   7.6   7.4   7.6   7.5   7.7   7.6   7.6   7.2  

50 or Older 4.5   4.5   5.2   4.8   4.9   5.6   4.8   5.5   5.1   5.2  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 45. Major Depressive Episode with Severe Impairment 

in the Past Year among Adults Aged 18 or Older, by Age Group: 

Percentages, 2009-2014 Percent with Major Depressive Episode (MDE) with Severe Impairment in the Past Year

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 18 to 25 26 to 49 50 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 45 Table. Major Depressive Episode with Severe Impairment in the Past 

Year among Adults Aged 18 or Older, by Age Group: Percentages, 2009-2014

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 4.0   4.2   4.2   4.5   4.3   4.3  

18 to 25 5.2+ 5.2+ 5.2+ 5.8   5.7   6.0  

26 to 49 4.8   4.7   5.2   5.1   4.9   4.6  

50 or Older 2.6+ 3.5   2.9   3.4   3.2   3.5  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 31

Among adults aged 18 or older, the percentage having a 

past year MDE with severe impairment in 2014 was highest 

for those aged 18 to 25 (6.0 percent), followed by those 

aged 26 to 49 (4.6 percent), then by those aged 50 or older 

(3.5 percent) (Figure 45). Adults aged 50 or older in 2009 to 

2013 also were less likely than other adults to have an MDE 

with severe impairment. In addition, young adults aged 18 

to 25 were more likely than adults aged 26 to 49 in 2010 

and 2012 to have an MDE with severe impairment. In other 

years from 2009 to 2013, however, similar percentages of 

young adults and adults aged 26 to 49 had an MDE with 

severe impairment.

The percentage of young adults aged 18 to 25 with a past 

year MDE with severe impairment was greater in 2014 than 

in 2009 to 2011 (Figure 45). Percentages of adults aged 26 

to 49 and 50 or older in 2014 who had a past year MDE 

with severe impairment were similar to the percentages in 

most years from 2009 to 2013.

Past Year Major Depressive Episode (MDE) and MDE with 

Severe Impairment among Adolescents Aged 12 to 17

Although NSDUH does not have an overall measure of 

mental illness among adolescents aged 12 to 17, the survey 

provides estimates of having a past year MDE for this age 

group. MDE is defined using the diagnostic criteria from 

DSM-IV.30 Similar to adults, adolescents were defined as 

having an MDE if they had a period of 2 weeks or longer in 

the past 12 months when they experienced a depressed mood 

or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, and they had 

at least some additional symptoms, such as problems with 

sleep, eating, energy, concentration, and self-worth. However, 

some wordings to the questions for adolescents were designed 

to make them more developmentally appropriate for 

youths.40 Adolescents were defined as having an MDE with 

severe impairment if their depression caused severe problems 

with their ability to do chores at home, do well at work or 

school, get along with their family, or have a social life.41

In 2014, 11.4 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 

(2.8 million adolescents) had an MDE during the past year, 

and 8.2 percent of adolescents (2.0 million adolescents) had 

a past year MDE with severe impairment in one or more 

role domains (Figure 46). Adolescents in 2014 who had an 

MDE with severe impairment represent nearly three fourths 

(72.6 percent) of adolescents who had a past year MDE.40

This percentage of adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2014 who 

had a past year MDE was higher than the percentages in 

2004 to 2012 (ranging from 7.9 to 9.1 percent), but it 

Figure 46. Major Depressive Episode and Major Depressive Episode 

with Severe Impairment in the Past Year among Youths Aged 12 

to 17: 2014

2.8 Million Youths with a Past Year MDE (11.4% of All Youths)

MDE with

Severe Impairment:

2.0 Million

(8.2% of

All Youths and

72.6% of Youths

with an MDE)

MDE without

Severe Impairment:

0.8 Million

(3.1% of All Youths

and 27.4% of Youths

with an MDE)

MDE = major depressive episode.

Note: Youth respondents with unknown past year MDE data or unknown impairment data were 

excluded.

was similar to the percentage in 2013 (Figure 47). The 

percentage of adolescents in 2014 who had a past year MDE 

with severe impairment also was higher than the percentages 

in 2006 to 2012, which ranged from 5.5 to 6.3 percent.

Figure 47. Major Depressive Episode and Major Depressive Episode 

with Severe Impairment in the Past Year among Youths Aged 12 to 

17: Percentages, 2004-2014 Percent with Major Depressive Episode (MDE) or MDE with Severe Impairment in the Past Year

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

20142013201220112010200920082007200620052004

MDE MDE with Severe Impairment

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 47 Table. Major Depressive Episode and Major Depressive Episode 

with Severe Impairment in the Past Year among Youths Aged 12 to 17: 

Percentages, 2004-2014

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

MDE 9.0+ 8.8+ 7.9+ 8.2+ 8.3+ 8.1+ 8.0+ 8.2+ 9.1+ 10.7   11.4  

MDE with 

Severe 

Impairment

N/A N/A 5.5+ 5.5+ 6.0+ 5.8+ 5.7+ 5.7+ 6.3+ 7.7   8.2  

N/A = not available.

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 32

Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues and 

Substance Use Disorders among Adults

The coexistence of both a mental health issue and an SUD is 

referred to as a co-occurring disorder (i.e., a mental disorder 

and an SUD). Because NSDUH data allow estimates to 

be made for mental health issues and SUDs, it is possible 

to estimate the percentages of adults and adolescents with 

co-occurring disorders. This section presents findings on 

co-occurring mental health issues (including AMI, SMI, and 

MDE) and SUDs (i.e., illicit drug or alcohol dependence or 

abuse) among adults aged 18 or older in the United States. 

In addition, findings for adolescents aged 12 to 17 are 

presented in a later section on the co-occurrence of MDE 

and substance use and SUDs.

Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders among 

Adults with a Disorder

In 2014, among the 20.2 million adults with a past year 

SUD, 7.9 million (39.1 percent) had AMI in the past year 

(Figure 48 and Table A.18B in Appendix A). In contrast, 

among adults without a past year SUD, 16.2 percent 

(35.6 million adults) had AMI in the past year. Among 

adults with a past year SUD, the percentage of adults with 

co-occurring AMI in 2014 was similar to the percentages of 

adults with AMI in most years from 2008 to 2013.

The 7.9 million adults with AMI who met the criteria for an 

SUD in the past year (Figure 48) represent 18.2 percent of 

the 43.6 million adults with AMI (Figure 49). In contrast, 

6.3 percent of adults who did not have past year AMI 

(12.3 million adults) met the criteria for an SUD (Figure 48

and Table A.19B in Appendix A). Among adults who had 

AMI in the past year, the percentage of adults with a cooccurring SUD in 2014 was similar to the percentages of 

adults with a co-occurring SUD in most years from 2008 to 

2013 (Figure 49).

Among the 20.2 million adults aged 18 or older in 2014 

who had a past year SUD, 2.3 million (11.3 percent) also 

had SMI in the past year (Figure 50 and Table A.18B). 

Among adults with a past year SUD, the percentage of adults 

with SMI in 2014 was similar to the percentages of adults 

with SMI in most years from 2008 to 2013.

Among the 9.8 million adults aged 18 or older in 2014 

who had past year SMI, the 2.3 million adults who met the 

criteria for an SUD in the past year represent 23.3 percent of 

Figure 48. Past Year Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness 

among Adults Aged 18 or Older: 2014

43.6 Million Adults

Had Mental Illness

35.6

Million

SUD and

Mental Illness 

20.2 Million

Adults Had SUD

12.3

Million

Mental

Illness,

No SUD

 SUD,

No Mental

Illness

7.9

Million

SUD = substance use disorder.

Figure 49. Past Year Substance Use Disorder among Adults Aged 

18 or Older with Any Mental Illness in the Past Year, by Age Group: 

Percentages, 2008-2014 Percent with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in the Past Year

0

10

20

30

40

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 18 to 25 26 to 49 50 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 49 Table. Past Year Substance Use Disorder among Adults Aged 18 or 

Older with Any Mental Illness in the Past Year, by Age Group: Percentages, 

2008-2014

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 18.4   19.0   19.0   16.5+ 19.2   17.5   18.2  

18 to 25 36.9+ 35.1+ 35.5+ 32.4+ 34.5+ 31.1   29.3  

26 to 49 20.5   20.8   21.7   18.2+ 22.6   21.0   20.8  

50 or Older 6.3+ 9.1   8.2   7.4+ 8.6   7.2+ 10.3  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

adults with SMI (Figure 50 and Table A.19B). Among adults 

who had SMI in the past year, the percentage of adults with 

an SUD in 2014 was similar to the percentages in most years 

from 2008 to 2013 (Figure 51).
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 33

Figure 50. Past Year Substance Use Disorders and Serious Mental 

Illness among Adults Aged 18 or Older: 2014

9.8 Million

Adults Had SMI

SUD and SMI

17.9

Million

7.5

Million

20.2 Million

Adults Had SUD

SUD,

No SMI

SMI,

No SUD

2.3

Million

SMI = serious mental illness; SUD = substance use disorder.

Figure 51. Past Year Substance Use Disorder among Adults Aged 18 

or Older with Serious Mental Illness in the Past Year, by Age Group: 

Percentages, 2008-2014 Percent with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in the Past Year

0

10

20

30

40

50

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 18 to 25 26 to 49 50 or Older

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 51 Table. Past Year Substance Use Disorder among Adults Aged 

18 or Older with Serious Mental Illness in the Past Year, by Age Group: 

Percentages, 2008-2014

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

18 or Older 23.4   24.6   25.6   23.6   27.3+ 23.1   23.3  

18 to 25 46.8+ 39.7   42.7+ 40.8   39.9   39.6   35.3  

26 to 49 25.2   25.3   29.4   23.3   29.4   25.6   24.9  

50 or Older 7.3+ 16.1   10.8   16.0   18.0   12.0   15.1  

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

By Adult Age Groups in 2014

Among adults aged 18 or older in 2014 with past year 

SUDs, the percentage of adults who had co-occurring 

AMI in the past year was highest among those aged 26 

to 49 (42.7 percent) than among those aged 18 to 25 

(36.0 percent) or those aged 50 or older (35.6 percent) 

(Table A.18B in Appendix A). The percentages of adults 

with SUDs who had co-occurring SMI in the past year were 

12.3 percent for adults aged 26 to 49, 10.5 percent for those 

aged 50 or older, and 10.4 percent for those aged 18 to 25.

Among adults aged 18 or older in 2014 with past year 

AMI, the percentage of adults who had a co-occurring 

SUD in the past year was highest among those aged 18 

to 25 (29.3 percent), followed by those aged 26 to 49 

(20.8 percent), then by those aged 50 or older (10.3 percent) 

(Figure 49). Among adults aged 18 or older in 2014 with 

past year SMI, the percentage of adults who had a past year 

SUD was highest among those aged 18 to 25 (35.3 percent), 

followed by those aged 26 to 49 (24.9 percent), then by 

those aged 50 or older (15.1 percent) (Figure 51).

Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use 

Disorders among Adults in the General Population

Prior sections described the percentage of adults with mental 

illness among the subpopulation of adults who had a past 

year SUD or described the percentage of adults with an 

SUD among the subpopulation of adults with mental illness. 

This section presents findings on the percentages of adults 

who had co-occurring SUDs and mental illness among all 

adults in the United States. This type of presentation helps 

to provide further context for discussions of co-occurring 

disorders. Although the numbers of adults in the population 

who had co-occurring disorders are the same as presented in 

previous sections, the percentages presented in this section 

are based on the total population of adults.

In 2014, the estimate of 7.9 million adults aged 18 or 

older who had both mental illness and SUDs in the past 

year (Figure 48) corresponds to 3.3 percent of all adults 

(Table A.22B in Appendix A). This percentage for 2014 

among all adults was similar to the percentages in most years 

from 2008 to 2013.

The estimate of 2.3 million adults aged 18 or older in 

2014 who had co-occurring SMI and SUDs in the past 

year (Figure 50) corresponds to 1.0 percent of all adults 

(Table A.22B). This percentage among all adults in 2014 was 

similar to the percentages in 2008 to 2013.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 34

Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance 

Use Issues among Adolescents

This section discusses co-occurring MDE and substance 

use among adolescents aged 12 to 17 in addition to 

discussing co-occurring MDE and SUDs among adolescents. 

Specifically, estimates of substance use and SUDs are 

described among adolescents with an MDE, estimates of 

MDE are described among those with SUDs, and estimates 

of co-occurring MDE and SUDs are described among all 

adolescents.

Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders among 

Adolescents with Major Depressive Episode

In 2014, the percentage of adolescents aged 12 to 17 who 

used illicit drugs in the past year was higher among those 

with a past year MDE than it was among those without a 

past year MDE (33.0 vs. 15.2 percent) (Figure 52). Youths 

with a past year MDE in 2014 also were more likely than 

those without an MDE to be users of marijuana, nonmedical 

users of psychotherapeutics, users of inhalants, and users of 

hallucinogens in the past year. (Because estimates of illicit 

drug use among adolescents that previously were mentioned 

in this report pertain to use in the past 30 days, percentages 

for past year illicit drug use measures among all adolescents 

are shown in Figure 52 as additional points of reference.)

Figure 52. Past Year Illicit Drug Use among Youths Aged 12 to 17, by 

Past Year Major Depressive Episode: Percentages, 2014

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Female

Male

Total

Psycho- Inhalants Hallucinogens

therapeutics

Illicit Drugs Marijuana

12 to 17, Total

Percent Using in Past Year 

Had Major Depressive Episode in the Past Year

Did Not Have Major Depressive Episode in the Past Year

24.1

17.4

33.0

15.2

13.1

11.6 14.8

6.2 5.0

2.1

5.5

1.6 1.7

3.8

1.4

Among adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2014, 1.6 percent 

of those with a past year MDE and 1.1 percent of those 

without a past year MDE were daily cigarette smokers in 

the past month (Table A.24B in Appendix A). In addition, 

1.8 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 with a past year 

MDE and 0.9 percent of those without a past year MDE 

were heavy alcohol drinkers in the past month.

Among the 2.8 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2014 

who had a past year MDE, a total of 340,000 adolescents 

(12.4 percent) had a past year SUD (Figure 53). In contrast, 

among adolescents without a past year MDE, 858,000 

(4.0 percent) had an SUD in the past year.

Major Depressive Episode among Adolescents with a 

Substance Use Disorder

An estimated 340,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2014 

had a co-occurring MDE and an SUD in the past year 

(Figure 53) in 2014. This number of adolescents with a 

co-occurring MDE and an SUD represents 28.4 percent 

of the 1.3 million adolescents who had a past year SUD. 

Among adolescents without a past year SUD, 10.5 percent 

(2.4 million adolescents) had an MDE in the past year.

Figure 53. Past Year Substance Use Disorders and Major Depressive 

Episode in the Past Year among Youths Aged 12 to 17: 2014

1.3 Million 

Youths Had SUD

0.9

Million

MDE and SUD

2.8 Million

Youths Had MDE

2.4

Million

SUD,

No MDE

MDE,

No SUD 340,000

MDE = major depressive episode; SUD = substance use disorder. 

Note: Youth respondents with unknown MDE data were excluded.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 35

Co-Occurring Major Depressive Episode and 

Substance Use Disorder among Adolescents in the 

General Population

The previous section presented findings among adolescents 

who had an MDE or an SUD. This section presents findings 

on co-occurring SUD and MDE among all adolescents aged 

12 to 17.

The estimated 340,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2014 

who had an SUD and an MDE in the past year (Figure 53) 

represent 1.4 percent of all adolescents (Table A.23B in 

Appendix A). An estimated 271,000 adolescents in 2014 

(1.1 percent of adolescents) had an SUD and an MDE with 

severe impairment in the past year.

The 2014 percentage of adolescents with co-occurring SUD 

and MDE was similar to the percentages in most years 

between 2006 and 2013, but it was lower than those in 

2004 and 2005 (Figure 54). Percentages of adolescents with 

co-occurring SUD and MDE with severe impairment were 

stable between 2006 and 2014.

Figure 54. Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Past Year 

Major Depressive Episode (MDE) or MDE with Severe Impairment in 

the Past Year among Youths Aged 12 to 17: Percentages, 2004-2014 Percent with Co-Occurring SUD and MDE/ MDE with Severe Impairment

0.0

0.4

0.8

1.2

1.6

2.0

20142013201220112010200920082007200620052004

Co-Occurring SUD and MDE

Co-Occurring SUD and MDE with Severe Impairment

+Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 

Figure 54 Table. Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Past Year 

Major Depressive Episode (MDE) or MDE with Severe Impairment in the Past 

Year among Youths Aged 12 to 17: Percentages, 2004-2014

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Co-Occurring SUD and 

MDE 1.8+ 1.7+ 1.5   1.5   1.8+ 1.5   1.6   1.5   1.4   1.5   1.4  

Co-Occurring SUD 

and MDE with Severe 

Impairment

N/A N/A 1.2   1.2   1.4   1.3   1.2   1.1   1.1   1.2   1.1  

N/A = not available.

+ Difference between this estimate and the 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the .05 level. 
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 36

Endnotes

1. World Health Organization. (2013). Mental health action plan 

2013‒2020. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mental_health/

publications/action_plan/en/

2. Reeves, W. C., Strine, T. W., Pratt, L. A., Thompson, W., Ahluwalia, I., 

Dhingra, S. S., McKnight-Eily, L. R., Harrison, L., D’Angelo, D. V., 

Williams, L., Morrow, B., Gould, D., & Safran, M. A. (2011). Mental 

illness surveillance among adults in the United States. Morbidity and 

Mortality Weekly Report CDC Surveillance Summaries, 60(Suppl. 3), 1-29.

3. Murray, C. J. L., & Lopez, A. D. (2013). Measuring the global burden 

of disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 369, 448-457. doi:10.1056/

NEJMra1201534

4. This report occasionally presents estimated numbers of people with a 

specific characteristic (e.g., estimated numbers of substance users). Some 

of these estimated numbers are not included in figures or tables in the 

report but may be found in the detailed tables or mental health detailed 

tables for the 2014 NSDUH available at http://www.samhsa.gov/data/.

5. In this report, terms such as “Americans,” “people in this country,” 

“general population,” or similar terms are used broadly to refer to the 

civilian, noninstitutionalized population that is covered by NSDUH. 

Although some people in the general population of the United States are 

outside of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population, information from 

the 2010 census suggests that the civilian, noninstitutionalized population 

includes at least 97 percent of the total U.S. population. See the following 

reference: Lofquist, D., Lugaila, T., O’Connell, M., & Feliz, S. (2012, 

April). Households and families: 2010 (C2010BR-14, 2010 Census Briefs). 

Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-14.

pdf

6. Details about the sample design, weighting, and interviewing results for 

the 2014 NSDUH are provided in Sections A.1, A.3.3, and B.3.1 of 

CBHSQ (2015). In particular, Tables A.1 and A.2 in CBHSQ (2015) 

provide sample design information on the targeted numbers of completed 

interviews by state and by age group, respectively. See the following 

reference: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2015). 

2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Methodological summary 

and definitions. Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/data/

7. The screening procedure involves listing all household members in order 

to determine whether zero, one, or two individuals aged 12 or older 

should be selected for the interview.

8. An overall response rate is not calculated for adolescents or adults 

because the screening response rate is not specific to age groups.

9. See the CBHSQ (2015) reference in endnote 6.

10. Trend data are presented for 2002 to 2014. Methodological changes 

to the survey in 2002 affect the comparability of the 2002 to 2014 

estimates with estimates from prior surveys, including the addition of 

a $30 incentive to respondents and the change in the survey’s name 

from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) to 

NSDUH. For more details, see Appendix C in the following report for 

the 2004 NSDUH: Office of Applied Studies. (2005). Results from the 

2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National findings (HHS 

Publication No. SMA 05-4062, NSDUH Series H-28). Rockville, MD: 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

11. Estimates presented in this report have been weighted to reflect 

characteristics of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population aged 

12 or older in the United States. The calculation of NSDUH weights 

for analysis includes a step that yields weights that are consistent with 

population totals obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau based on the 

most recently available decennial census.

12. For a discussion of the criteria for suppressing (i.e., not publishing) 

unreliable estimates, see Section B.2.2 in CBHSQ (2015). See endnote 6 

for the reference.

13. If the number of people in the population with a characteristic of interest 

has increased (e.g., the number of substance users) simply because the size 

of the overall population has increased, then the percentages will control 

for the increases both in the number of people with the characteristic of 

interest and the total number of people in the population.

14. The term “most years” is used when the 2014 estimate is either similar 

to or significantly different from the estimates in the majority of prior 

years. However, estimates may not follow the overall pattern in up to 3 

nonsequential years for estimates that are available in 2002 to 2014 and 

in up to 1 or 2 nonsequential years for mental health estimates that are 

available in 2008 (or 2009) to 2014.

15. Anomalous differences between 2 years of data usually “correct” 

themselves with 1 or 2 additional years of data.

16. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012, November). Medical 

consequences of drug abuse. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/

related-topics/medical-consequences-drug-abuse

17. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014, 

October 3). Prevention of substance abuse and mental illness. Retrieved 

from http://www.samhsa.gov/prevention

18. The estimated numbers of current users of different illicit drugs are not 

mutually exclusive because people could have used more than one type of 

illicit drug in the past month.

19. Because of changes in the questionnaire in 2005, 2006, and 2007, 

estimates for methamphetamine, stimulants, and psychotherapeutics 

in this report should not be compared with corresponding estimates 

presented in previous NSDUH reports for data years prior to 2007. 

Estimates for 2002 to 2006 for these drug categories in this report 

incorporate statistical adjustments that enable year-to-year comparisons to 

be made over the period from 2002 to 2014.

20. The redesigned questionnaire for the 2015 NSDUH will include 

questions about methamphetamine use that are separate from questions 

about nonmedical use of prescription stimulants. See the following 

reference: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2015). 

National Survey on Drug Use and Health: 2014 and 2015 redesign changes. 

Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/data/

21. LSD = lysergic acid diethylamide; PCP = phencyclidine; MDMA = 

methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. Definitions for these hallucinogens 

also are included in Section C of CBHSQ (2015). See endnote 6 for the 

reference.

22. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014, January). The 

health consequences of smoking—50 years of progress: A report of the Surgeon 

General, 2014. Retrieved from http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/

reports/50-years-of-progress/

23. Adhikari, B., Kahende, J., Malarcher, A., Pechacek, T., & Tong, V. 

(2008). Smoking-attributable mortality, years of potential life lost, and 

productivity losses—United States, 2000-2004. Morbidity and Mortality 

Weekly Report, 57(45), 1226-1228.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | 37

24. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2014). Results from 

the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of national 

findings (HHS Publication No. SMA 14-4863, NSDUH Series H-48). 

Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/data/

25. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2015). Rethinking 

drinking. Alcohol and your health. What are the risks? Retrieved 

from http://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/WhatsTheHarm/

WhatAreTheRisks.asp

26. Bouchery, E. E., Harwood, H. J., Sacks, J. J., Simon, C. J., & Brewer, 

R. D. (2011). Economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 

the U.S., 2006. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 41, 516-524. 

doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2011.06.045

27. In NSDUH, a “drink” is defined as a can or bottle of beer, a glass of 

wine or a wine cooler, a shot of liquor, or a mixed drink with liquor in 

it. Times when respondents only had a sip or two from a drink are not 

considered to be alcohol consumption.

28. Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President. 

(2011). How illicit drug use affects business and the economy. Retrieved 

from http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/Fact_Sheets/

effects_of_drugs_on_economy_jw_5-24-11_0.pdf

29. National Drug Intelligence Center. (2011). National Drug Threat 

Assessment 2011 (Product No. 2011-Q0317-001). Retrieved from http://

www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs44/44849/44849p.pdf

30. American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical 

manual of mental disorders (DSM-IV) (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

31. The DSM-IV criteria for SUDs include separate criteria for dependence 

or abuse. Individuals who met the criteria for abuse for a given substance 

(e.g., alcohol) did not meet the criteria for dependence for that substance. 

For more information, see Section B.4.2 and the definitions for abuse 

and dependence in Section C of CBHSQ (2015). See endnote 6 for the 

reference.

32. Some estimates of SUDs in 2015 may no longer be comparable with 

corresponding estimates in 2002 to 2014 because of changes to the 2015 

questionnaire, especially for prescription drugs. More information is 

provided in CBHSQ (2015). See endnote 20 for the reference.

33. In order to generate estimates of AMI and SMI in the United States, 

SAMHSA designed and implemented the Mental Health Surveillance 

Study (MHSS). Over the 5-year period from 2008 to 2012, a subsample 

of adults was selected from the main study to participate in a follow-up 

telephone interview that obtained a detailed mental health assessment 

administered by trained mental health clinicians. The MHSS interview 

used the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders, 

Research Version, Non-patient Edition (SCID-I/NP). A prediction model 

created from clinical interview data that were collected from 2008 to 

2012 was applied to data from the 2008 to 2014 NSDUHs to produce 

estimates of AMI for the entire NSDUH adult sample in these years. 

See the following reference: First, M. B., Spitzer, R. L., Gibbon, M., & 

Williams, J. B. W. (2002). Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR 

Axis I Disorders, Research Version, Non-patient Edition (SCID-I/NP). 

New York, NY: New York State Psychiatric Institute, Biometrics Research.

34. Details about the definitions and estimation methods for mental illness 

estimates are provided in Section B.4.4 and Section C of CBHSQ (2015). 

See endnote 6 for the reference.

35. In this section, estimated numbers or percentages of adults with SMI and 

the corresponding estimates for adults who had AMI without SMI may 

not sum to the overall estimates for adults with AMI because of rounding.

36. Percentages shown in Figure 39 may differ from percentages that are 

calculated from the estimated numbers of people because the estimated 

numbers are rounded.

37. The specific questions used to measure MDE and a discussion of 

measurement issues are included in Section B.4.5 of CBHSQ (2015). 

See endnote 6 for the reference.

38. Adults were first asked whether they ever had a period in their lifetime 

lasting several days or longer when any of the following was true for most 

of the day: (a) feeling sad, empty or depressed; (b) feeling discouraged 

about how things were going in their lives; or (c) losing interest in most 

things they usually enjoy. Adults who reported any of these problems were 

asked further questions about having an MDE in their lifetime, including 

whether they had at least five of nine symptoms in the same 2-week 

period in their lifetime; at least one of the symptoms needed to be having 

a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Those 

who had lifetime MDE were asked if they had a period of time in the past 

12 months when they felt depressed or lost interest or pleasure in daily 

activities for 2 weeks or longer, and they reported that they had some of 

their other lifetime MDE symptoms in the past 12 months. These adults 

were defined as having past year MDE. Data on MDE in the past year for 

adults are available in NSDUH since 2005. Data on MDE with severe 

impairment for adults are available since 2009.

39. Percentages shown in Figure 43 may differ from percentages that are 

calculated from the estimated numbers of people because the estimated 

numbers are rounded. Also, respondents with unknown information for 

past year MDE or MDE with severe impairment were excluded.

40. Adolescents were first asked whether they ever had a period in their 

lifetime lasting several days or longer when any of the following was true 

for most of the day: (a) feeling sad, empty or depressed; (b) feeling very 

discouraged or hopeless about how things were going in their lives; or 

(c) losing interest and becoming bored with most things they usually 

enjoy. Adolescents who reported any of these problems were asked further 

questions about having an MDE in their lifetime, including whether they 

had at least five of nine symptoms in the same 2-week period in their 

lifetime; at least one of the symptoms needed to be having a depressed 

mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Unlike questions 

for adults, adolescents who reported gaining weight without trying were 

asked if this occurred because they were growing. Those who had lifetime 

MDE were asked if they had a period of time in the past 12 months 

when they felt depressed or lost interest or pleasure in daily activities for 

2 weeks or longer, and they reported that they had some of their other 

lifetime MDE symptoms in the past 12 months. These adolescents were 

defined as having past year MDE.

41. Questions measuring adolescents’ impairment in carrying out life 

activities because of MDE were added to the survey in 2006.
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Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | A-1

Appendix A: Supplemental Tables of Estimates for Behavioral Health Trends in the 

United States
A-2

Table A.1B Types of Illicit Drug Use in the Past Month among Individuals Aged 12 or Older

Drug 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

ILLICIT DRUGS 8.3* (0.17) 8.2* (0.17) 7.9* (0.17) 8.1* (0.18) 8.3* (0.17) 8.0* (0.18) 8.1* (0.17) 8.7* (0.18) 8.9* (0.19) 8.7* (0.18) 9.2* (0.19) 9.4* (0.19) 10.2 (0.18)

 Marijuana and Hashish 6.2* (0.14) 6.2* (0.14) 6.1* (0.15) 6.0* (0.15) 6.0* (0.15) 5.8* (0.14) 6.1* (0.15) 6.7* (0.16) 6.9* (0.16) 7.0* (0.16) 7.3* (0.17) 7.5* (0.17) 8.4 (0.16)

 Cocaine 0.9* (0.05) 1.0* (0.06) 0.8* (0.05) 1.0* (0.06) 1.0* (0.06) 0.8* (0.06) 0.7* (0.05) 0.7 (0.05) 0.6 (0.04) 0.5 (0.04) 0.6 (0.05) 0.6 (0.05) 0.6 (0.04)

Crack 0.2* (0.03) 0.3* (0.04) 0.2 (0.03) 0.3* (0.04) 0.3* (0.04) 0.2* (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.2 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02)

 Heroin 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.2 (0.02)

 Hallucinogens 0.5 (0.03) 0.4 (0.03) 0.4 (0.02) 0.4 (0.03) 0.4 (0.03) 0.4 (0.03) 0.4 (0.03) 0.5 (0.04) 0.5 (0.03) 0.4 (0.02) 0.4 (0.03) 0.5 (0.05) 0.4 (0.03)

LSD 0.0* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.0* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1 (0.01) 0.1 (0.01) 0.1 (0.02)

PCP 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.00) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.00) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.00) 0.0 (0.00) 0.0 (0.01) ** (**)

 Ecstasy 0.3 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.3* (0.03) 0.3 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.03) 0.3 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02)

 Inhalants 0.3 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02) 0.3 (0.03) 0.3 (0.02) 0.3* (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.3 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02) 0.3 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02)

 Nonmedical Use of

 Psychotherapeutics1 2.7 (0.10) 2.7 (0.11) 2.5 (0.09) 2.7 (0.10) 2.9* (0.10) 2.8* (0.10) 2.5 (0.09) 2.8* (0.10) 2.7* (0.11) 2.4 (0.09) 2.6 (0.10) 2.5 (0.10) 2.5 (0.08)

Pain Relievers 1.9* (0.08) 2.0* (0.09) 1.8* (0.07) 1.9* (0.08) 2.1* (0.09) 2.1* (0.09) 1.9* (0.08) 2.1* (0.09) 2.0* (0.08) 1.7 (0.07) 1.9* (0.08) 1.7 (0.08) 1.6 (0.07)

Tranquilizers 0.8 (0.06) 0.8 (0.05) 0.7 (0.04) 0.7 (0.05) 0.7 (0.05) 0.7 (0.05) 0.7 (0.05) 0.8 (0.05) 0.9* (0.05) 0.7 (0.05) 0.8 (0.06) 0.6 (0.05) 0.7 (0.04)

Stimulants1 0.6 (0.04) 0.6 (0.04) 0.5 (0.04) 0.5* (0.03) 0.6 (0.04) 0.4* (0.04) 0.4* (0.03) 0.5 (0.04) 0.4* (0.03) 0.4* (0.03) 0.5* (0.04) 0.5 (0.04) 0.6 (0.04)

 Methamphetamine1 0.3 (0.03) 0.3* (0.03) 0.3 (0.03) 0.3 (0.03) 0.3 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.2 (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03)

Sedatives 0.2 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.2 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.01) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02)

LSD = lysergic acid diethylamide; PCP = phencyclidine. 

**Low precision; no estimate reported.

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

1 Estimates of Nonmedical Use of Psychotherapeutics, Stimulants, and Methamphetamine in the designated rows include data from new methamphetamine items added in 2005 and 2006 and are not 

comparable with estimates presented in NSDUH reports prior to the 2007 national findings report.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014. 
A-3

Table A.2B Types of Illicit Drug Use in the Past Month among Youths Aged 12 to 17

Drug 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

ILLICIT DRUGS 11.6* (0.29) 11.2* (0.27) 10.6* (0.27) 9.9 (0.25) 9.8 (0.27) 9.6 (0.27) 9.3 (0.25) 10.1 (0.27) 10.1 (0.29) 10.1 (0.27) 9.5 (0.25) 8.8 (0.25) 9.4 (0.30)

 Marijuana and Hashish 8.2* (0.24) 7.9 (0.24) 7.6 (0.23) 6.8 (0.22) 6.7* (0.21) 6.7 (0.22) 6.7 (0.22) 7.4 (0.24) 7.4 (0.25) 7.9 (0.24) 7.2 (0.22) 7.1 (0.23) 7.4 (0.27)

 Cocaine 0.6* (0.07) 0.6* (0.06) 0.5* (0.06) 0.6* (0.06) 0.4* (0.05) 0.4* (0.05) 0.4* (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.2 (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04)

 Crack 0.1 (0.03) 0.1* (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1* (0.03) 0.0 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) ** (**) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.02)

 Heroin 0.0 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0* (0.01) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.1 (0.03) ** (**) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02)

 Hallucinogens 1.0* (0.08) 1.0* (0.08) 0.8* (0.07) 0.8* (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 1.0* (0.08) 0.9* (0.08) 0.9* (0.09) 0.9* (0.09) 0.6 (0.07) 0.6 (0.07) 0.5 (0.08)

 LSD 0.2 (0.05) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.03) 0.1* (0.03) 0.1* (0.03) 0.1* (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.2 (0.04) 0.3 (0.06)

 PCP 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.0 (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.0 (0.02) 0.0 (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01)

 Ecstasy 0.5* (0.06) 0.4* (0.05) 0.3* (0.05) 0.3* (0.04) 0.3* (0.04) 0.3 (0.04) 0.4* (0.06) 0.5* (0.06) 0.5* (0.06) 0.4* (0.06) 0.3* (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04)

 Inhalants 1.2* (0.09) 1.3* (0.10) 1.2* (0.10) 1.2* (0.09) 1.3* (0.10) 1.2* (0.10) 1.1* (0.10) 1.0* (0.09) 1.1* (0.10) 0.9* (0.08) 0.8 (0.08) 0.5 (0.06) 0.6 (0.07)

 Nonmedical Use of

 Psychotherapeutics1 4.0* (0.17) 4.0* (0.17) 3.6* (0.16) 3.3* (0.14) 3.3* (0.16) 3.3* (0.16) 2.9 (0.13) 3.1* (0.15) 3.0 (0.16) 2.8 (0.14) 2.8 (0.15) 2.2* (0.13) 2.6 (0.16)

 Pain Relievers 3.2* (0.16) 3.2* (0.15) 3.0* (0.14) 2.7* (0.13) 2.7* (0.14) 2.7* (0.14) 2.3* (0.12) 2.7* (0.14) 2.5* (0.14) 2.3* (0.12) 2.2 (0.13) 1.7 (0.11) 1.9 (0.13)

 Tranquilizers 0.8* (0.07) 0.9* (0.09) 0.6* (0.06) 0.6* (0.07) 0.5 (0.06) 0.7* (0.07) 0.6* (0.07) 0.6 (0.06) 0.5 (0.06) 0.6* (0.07) 0.6 (0.08) 0.4 (0.05) 0.4 (0.06)

 Stimulants1 0.8 (0.09) 0.9 (0.08) 0.7 (0.08) 0.7 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.5 (0.06) 0.5* (0.05) 0.5 (0.06) 0.4* (0.06) 0.4* (0.05) 0.5 (0.06) 0.3* (0.05) 0.7 (0.09)

 Methamphetamine1 0.3 (0.06) 0.3 (0.04) 0.2 (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.2 (0.05)

 Sedatives 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.1 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04)

LSD = lysergic acid diethylamide; PCP = phencyclidine. 

**Low precision; no estimate reported.

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

1 Estimates of Nonmedical Use of Psychotherapeutics, Stimulants, and Methamphetamine in the designated rows include data from new methamphetamine items added in 2005 and 2006 and are not 

comparable with estimates presented in NSDUH reports prior to the 2007 national findings report. 

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014. 
A-4

Table A.3B Types of Illicit Drug Use in the Past Month among Young Adults Aged 18 to 25

Drug 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

ILLICIT DRUGS 20.2* (0.37) 20.3* (0.40) 19.4* (0.40) 20.1* (0.40) 19.8* (0.37) 19.8* (0.39) 19.7* (0.39) 21.4 (0.40) 21.6 (0.40) 21.4 (0.42) 21.3 (0.40) 21.5 (0.41) 22.0 (0.46)

 Marijuana and Hashish 17.3* (0.36) 17.0* (0.37) 16.1* (0.37) 16.6* (0.37) 16.3* (0.35) 16.5* (0.37) 16.6* (0.37) 18.2* (0.38) 18.5 (0.38) 19.0 (0.39) 18.7 (0.39) 19.1 (0.39) 19.6 (0.45)

 Cocaine 2.0* (0.12) 2.2* (0.13) 2.1* (0.13) 2.6* (0.15) 2.2* (0.13) 1.7* (0.12) 1.6 (0.12) 1.4 (0.11) 1.5 (0.11) 1.4 (0.12) 1.1 (0.09) 1.1 (0.10) 1.4 (0.11)

 Crack 0.2* (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.3* (0.04) 0.3* (0.05) 0.2* (0.04) 0.2* (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2* (0.05) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03)

 Heroin 0.1* (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.3 (0.05) 0.3 (0.06) 0.4* (0.06) 0.3 (0.05) 0.2 (0.05)

 Hallucinogens 1.9* (0.12) 1.7 (0.12) 1.5 (0.10) 1.5 (0.11) 1.7 (0.13) 1.5 (0.11) 1.7 (0.12) 1.8* (0.14) 2.0* (0.14) 1.6 (0.12) 1.7 (0.13) 1.8 (0.14) 1.4 (0.13)

 LSD 0.1* (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.3 (0.04) 0.2* (0.04) 0.2* (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.3 (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.3 (0.04) 0.3 (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.3 (0.05)

 PCP 0.0 (0.02) 0.1* (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.0 (0.02) 0.0 (0.02) 0.0 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01)

 Ecstasy 1.1* (0.10) 0.7 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.8 (0.08) 1.0 (0.10) 0.7 (0.07) 0.9 (0.09) 1.1* (0.10) 1.2* (0.11) 0.9 (0.09) 1.0 (0.11) 0.9 (0.09) 0.8 (0.10)

 Inhalants 0.5* (0.06) 0.4* (0.06) 0.4* (0.06) 0.5* (0.06) 0.4* (0.05) 0.4* (0.06) 0.3 (0.05) 0.4* (0.06) 0.4* (0.06) 0.4 (0.10) 0.4 (0.06) 0.3 (0.05) 0.2 (0.05)

 Nonmedical Use of

 Psychotherapeutics1 5.5* (0.19) 6.1* (0.22) 6.1* (0.21) 6.3* (0.22) 6.5* (0.23) 5.9* (0.21) 5.9* (0.22) 6.4* (0.22) 5.9* (0.21) 5.0 (0.20) 5.3* (0.21) 4.8 (0.20) 4.4 (0.20)

 Pain Relievers 4.1* (0.16) 4.7* (0.19) 4.7* (0.19) 4.7* (0.19) 5.0* (0.20) 4.6* (0.18) 4.5* (0.19) 4.8* (0.19) 4.4* (0.19) 3.6* (0.17) 3.8* (0.19) 3.3 (0.17) 2.8 (0.16)

 Tranquilizers 1.6* (0.11) 1.7* (0.11) 1.8* (0.12) 1.9* (0.12) 2.0* (0.13) 1.7* (0.12) 1.7* (0.12) 1.9* (0.12) 1.7* (0.11) 1.6* (0.12) 1.6* (0.12) 1.2 (0.10) 1.2 (0.10)

 Stimulants1 1.3 (0.10) 1.3 (0.10) 1.5* (0.11) 1.4 (0.11) 1.4 (0.10) 1.1 (0.09) 1.1 (0.09) 1.3 (0.10) 1.2 (0.10) 1.0 (0.10) 1.2 (0.09) 1.3 (0.11) 1.2 (0.10)

 Methamphetamine1 0.6* (0.07) 0.6* (0.07) 0.7* (0.07) 0.7* (0.08) 0.6* (0.06) 0.4 (0.06) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.05) 0.2 (0.05) 0.2 (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.2 (0.04)

 Sedatives 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.05) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.05) 0.2 (0.05) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04)

LSD = lysergic acid diethylamide; PCP = phencyclidine. 

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

1 Estimates of Nonmedical Use of Psychotherapeutics, Stimulants, and Methamphetamine in the designated rows include data from new methamphetamine items added in 2005 and 2006 and are not 

comparable with estimates presented in NSDUH reports prior to the 2007 national findings report. 

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014. 
A-5

Table A.4B Types of Illicit Drug Use in the Past Month among Adults Aged 26 or Older

Drug 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

ILLICIT DRUGS 5.8* (0.20) 5.6* (0.20) 5.5* (0.20) 5.8* (0.21) 6.1* (0.20) 5.8* (0.21) 5.9* (0.20) 6.3* (0.21) 6.6* (0.23) 6.3* (0.21) 7.0* (0.23) 7.3* (0.23) 8.3 (0.20)

 Marijuana and Hashish 4.0* (0.16) 4.0* (0.16) 4.1* (0.17) 4.1* (0.17) 4.2* (0.17) 3.9* (0.16) 4.2* (0.18) 4.6* (0.18) 4.8* (0.19) 4.8* (0.19) 5.3* (0.20) 5.6* (0.20) 6.6 (0.18)

 Cocaine 0.7* (0.07) 0.8* (0.08) 0.7* (0.06) 0.8* (0.07) 0.8* (0.08) 0.7* (0.08) 0.7* (0.06) 0.6 (0.07) 0.5 (0.05) 0.4 (0.05) 0.6 (0.07) 0.5 (0.06) 0.5 (0.05)

 Crack 0.3* (0.04) 0.3* (0.05) 0.2 (0.03) 0.3* (0.05) 0.3* (0.05) 0.3* (0.04) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.2 (0.05) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03)

 Heroin 0.1* (0.02) 0.0* (0.01) 0.1* (0.02) 0.0* (0.01) 0.1 (0.04) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.2 (0.03)

 Hallucinogens 0.2 (0.04) 0.1* (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1* (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.1* (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2* (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.2 (0.04) 0.3 (0.06) 0.3 (0.04)

 LSD 0.0* (0.01) 0.0* (0.00) 0.0* (0.01) 0.0* (0.00) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.02) ** (**) 0.0* (0.01) ** (**) 0.0* (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02)

 PCP 0.0 (0.01) ** (**) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) ** (**) 0.0 (0.01) ** (**) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) ** (**) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) ** (**)

 Ecstasy 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03)

 Inhalants 0.1 (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03)

 Nonmedical Use of

 Psychotherapeutics1 2.0 (0.12) 2.0 (0.13) 1.8* (0.10) 1.9 (0.12) 2.2 (0.12) 2.2 (0.12) 1.9 (0.11) 2.1 (0.12) 2.2 (0.13) 1.9 (0.11) 2.1 (0.12) 2.1 (0.12) 2.1 (0.10)

 Pain Relievers 1.3 (0.10) 1.3 (0.11) 1.2* (0.08) 1.3 (0.10) 1.5 (0.11) 1.6 (0.11) 1.4 (0.09) 1.6 (0.10) 1.5 (0.10) 1.4 (0.09) 1.5 (0.10) 1.5 (0.10) 1.4 (0.08)

 Tranquilizers 0.6 (0.07) 0.6 (0.06) 0.5* (0.05) 0.6 (0.06) 0.5 (0.06) 0.6 (0.07) 0.6 (0.06) 0.7 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.6 (0.06) 0.7 (0.08) 0.6 (0.06) 0.7 (0.05)

 Stimulants1 0.4 (0.05) 0.4 (0.05) 0.4* (0.05) 0.3* (0.04) 0.4 (0.05) 0.3* (0.05) 0.2* (0.03) 0.4 (0.05) 0.3* (0.04) 0.3* (0.04) 0.3* (0.05) 0.4 (0.05) 0.5 (0.05)

 Methamphetamine1 0.2 (0.04) 0.3 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.03) 0.3 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1* (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.1* (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04)

 Sedatives 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.04) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.04) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02)

LSD = lysergic acid diethylamide; PCP = phencyclidine. 

**Low precision; no estimate reported.

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

1 Estimates of Nonmedical Use of Psychotherapeutics, Stimulants, and Methamphetamine in the designated rows include data from new methamphetamine items added in 2005 and 2006 and are not 

comparable with estimates presented in NSDUH reports prior to the 2007 national findings report. 

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014. 
A-6

Table A.5B Heroin Use in the Past Year among Individuals Aged 12 or Older

Age 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

TOTAL 0.2* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.2* (0.02) 0.2* (0.02) 0.2* (0.03) 0.2* (0.02) 0.2* (0.02) 0.2* (0.03) 0.2* (0.03) 0.2* (0.03) 0.3* (0.03) 0.3* (0.03) 0.3 (0.03)

 12-17 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.05) 0.1 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03)

 18-25 0.4* (0.05) 0.3* (0.04) 0.4* (0.05) 0.5* (0.06) 0.4* (0.06) 0.4* (0.06) 0.5* (0.06) 0.5* (0.06) 0.6 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.8 (0.08) 0.7 (0.08) 0.8 (0.09)

 26 or Older 0.1* (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1* (0.03) 0.1* (0.03) 0.2* (0.04) 0.2* (0.04) 0.2* (0.03) 0.2* (0.04) 0.2* (0.03) 0.3 (0.03)

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014. 

Table A.6B Tobacco Product and Alcohol Use in the Past Month among Individuals Aged 12 or Older

Substance 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

TOBACCO PRODUCTS 30.4* (0.35) 29.8* (0.34) 29.2* (0.33) 29.4* (0.35) 29.6* (0.35) 28.7* (0.34) 28.4* (0.35) 27.7* (0.33) 27.5* (0.34) 26.5* (0.33) 26.7* (0.34) 25.5 (0.32) 25.2 (0.28)

Cigarettes 26.0* (0.34) 25.4* (0.33) 24.9* (0.32) 24.9* (0.32) 25.0* (0.33) 24.3* (0.33) 24.0* (0.32) 23.3* (0.32) 23.0* (0.31) 22.1* (0.32) 22.1* (0.32) 21.3 (0.30) 20.8 (0.26)

Daily Cigarette Use among

Past Month Users 63.4* (0.66) 62.9* (0.67) 62.3* (0.63) 63.0* (0.62) 62.3* (0.59) 61.3* (0.65) 61.5* (0.70) 61.0* (0.68) 59.5 (0.71) 60.7* (0.71) 60.7* (0.71) 59.6 (0.73) 58.8 (0.59)

Smoked 1+ Packs of 

 Cigarettes per Day

 among Daily Cigarette

 Users1 53.1* (0.91) 53.5* (0.82) 54.0* (0.87) 51.4* (0.86) 50.6* (0.85) 50.9* (0.88) 49.2* (0.94) 45.9* (0.98) 45.1* (0.94) 43.8* (0.90) 42.0 (0.94) 41.3 (1.00) 40.3 (0.83)

Smokeless Tobacco 3.3 (0.12) 3.3 (0.12) 3.0* (0.10) 3.2 (0.11) 3.3 (0.12) 3.3 (0.11) 3.5 (0.12) 3.4 (0.12) 3.5 (0.12) 3.2 (0.11) 3.5 (0.11) 3.4 (0.11) 3.3 (0.09)

Cigars 5.4* (0.15) 5.4* (0.14) 5.7* (0.13) 5.6* (0.15) 5.6* (0.14) 5.4* (0.14) 5.3* (0.15) 5.3* (0.14) 5.2* (0.14) 5.0* (0.14) 5.2* (0.15) 4.7 (0.14) 4.5 (0.11)

Pipe Tobacco 0.8 (0.07) 0.7* (0.06) 0.8 (0.06) 0.9 (0.06) 0.9 (0.07) 0.8 (0.07) 0.8 (0.06) 0.8 (0.06) 0.8 (0.06) 0.8 (0.06) 1.0 (0.07) 0.9 (0.06) 0.8 (0.05)

ALCOHOL 51.0* (0.42) 50.1* (0.39) 50.3* (0.40) 51.8 (0.40) 51.0* (0.39) 51.2* (0.41) 51.6* (0.39) 51.9 (0.38) 51.8 (0.39) 51.8 (0.39) 52.1 (0.39) 52.2 (0.41) 52.7 (0.33)

Binge Alcohol Use 22.9 (0.31) 22.6 (0.29) 22.8 (0.29) 22.7 (0.29) 23.0 (0.30) 23.3 (0.31) 23.4 (0.29) 23.7 (0.31) 23.1 (0.30) 22.6 (0.29) 23.0 (0.31) 22.9 (0.31) 23.0 (0.26)

Heavy Alcohol Use 6.7* (0.17) 6.8* (0.16) 6.9* (0.16) 6.6* (0.16) 6.9* (0.17) 6.9* (0.17) 7.0* (0.17) 6.8* (0.16) 6.7* (0.17) 6.2 (0.16) 6.5 (0.17) 6.3 (0.17) 6.2 (0.14)

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

1 Respondents with missing data for number of cigarettes smoked per day were excluded from the analysis. 

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014.
A-7

Table A.7B Tobacco Product and Alcohol Use in the Past Month among Youths Aged 12 to 17

Substance 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

TOBACCO PRODUCTS 15.2* (0.33) 14.4* (0.32) 14.4* (0.32) 13.1* (0.31) 12.9* (0.29) 12.4* (0.30) 11.5* (0.28) 11.8* (0.29) 10.7* (0.28) 10.0* (0.27) 8.6* (0.25) 7.8* (0.24) 7.0 (0.25)

Cigarettes 13.0* (0.30) 12.2* (0.29) 11.9* (0.30) 10.8* (0.28) 10.4* (0.26) 9.9* (0.27) 9.2* (0.25) 9.0* (0.26) 8.4* (0.26) 7.8* (0.24) 6.6* (0.22) 5.6* (0.20) 4.9 (0.21)

Daily Cigarette Use among

Past Month Users 31.8* (1.03) 29.7* (1.06) 27.6 (1.13) 25.8 (1.12) 26.5 (1.19) 26.4 (1.16) 22.3 (1.11) 23.0 (1.17) 22.5 (1.29) 22.7 (1.28) 22.0 (1.33) 19.4* (1.35) 24.1 (1.89)

Smoked 1+ Packs of 

 Cigarettes per Day

 among Daily Cigarette

 Users1 21.8* (1.61) 22.0* (1.68) 19.4* (1.80) 20.1* (1.87) 17.9 (1.94) 18.7* (2.14) 18.4* (2.08) 17.9 (2.12) 16.7 (2.24) 14.8 (1.97) 10.8 (1.88) 11.9 (2.47) 11.9 (2.52)

Smokeless Tobacco 2.0 (0.11) 2.0 (0.12) 2.3 (0.13) 2.1 (0.12) 2.4* (0.12) 2.5* (0.14) 2.2 (0.12) 2.4* (0.13) 2.3* (0.12) 2.1 (0.12) 2.1 (0.12) 2.0 (0.12) 2.0 (0.14)

Cigars 4.5* (0.19) 4.5* (0.17) 4.8* (0.18) 4.2* (0.18) 4.1* (0.16) 4.3* (0.18) 3.8* (0.16) 4.0* (0.16) 3.2* (0.15) 3.4* (0.16) 2.6* (0.13) 2.3 (0.13) 2.1 (0.13)

Pipe Tobacco 0.6 (0.06) 0.6 (0.07) 0.7 (0.08) 0.6 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.7 (0.08) 0.7 (0.07) 0.9 (0.09) 0.6 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.6 (0.07) 0.7 (0.08)

ALCOHOL 17.6* (0.32) 17.7* (0.33) 17.6* (0.32) 16.5* (0.32) 16.7* (0.32) 16.0* (0.34) 14.7* (0.32) 14.8* (0.32) 13.6* (0.33) 13.3* (0.31) 12.9* (0.31) 11.6 (0.29) 11.5 (0.33)

Binge Alcohol Use 10.7* (0.27) 10.6* (0.27) 11.1* (0.29) 9.9* (0.26) 10.3* (0.27) 9.7* (0.27) 8.9* (0.23) 8.9* (0.25) 7.9* (0.25) 7.4* (0.22) 7.2* (0.22) 6.2 (0.22) 6.1 (0.24)

Heavy Alcohol Use 2.5* (0.12) 2.6* (0.13) 2.7* (0.14) 2.4* (0.13) 2.4* (0.13) 2.3* (0.15) 2.0* (0.12) 2.1* (0.12) 1.7* (0.11) 1.5* (0.10) 1.3 (0.10) 1.2 (0.09) 1.0 (0.10)

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

1 Respondents with missing data for number of cigarettes smoked per day were excluded from the analysis. 

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014. 

Table A.8B Tobacco Product and Alcohol Use in the Past Month among Young Adults Aged 18 to 25

Substance 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

TOBACCO PRODUCTS 45.3* (0.48) 44.8* (0.48) 44.6* (0.50) 44.3* (0.48) 44.0* (0.49) 41.9* (0.50) 41.4* (0.47) 41.6* (0.50) 40.9* (0.49) 39.5* (0.49) 38.1* (0.47) 37.0* (0.49) 35.0 (0.54)

Cigarettes 40.8* (0.48) 40.2* (0.47) 39.5* (0.49) 39.0* (0.47) 38.5* (0.48) 36.2* (0.49) 35.7* (0.45) 35.8* (0.48) 34.3* (0.47) 33.5* (0.47) 31.8* (0.47) 30.6* (0.46) 28.4 (0.53)

Daily Cigarette Use among

Past Month Users 51.8* (0.72) 52.7* (0.69) 51.6* (0.72) 50.1* (0.73) 48.8* (0.77) 49.2* (0.76) 47.8* (0.81) 45.3 (0.80) 45.8* (0.80) 45.3 (0.86) 45.1 (0.88) 43.1 (0.83) 43.0 (0.91)

Smoked 1+ Packs of 

 Cigarettes per Day

 among Daily Cigarette

 Users1 39.1* (0.93) 37.1* (0.88) 34.9* (0.86) 36.9* (0.93) 34.4* (0.93) 32.9* (0.92) 31.6* (0.91) 29.5* (0.92) 27.3* (0.94) 26.1* (0.97) 25.1 (0.90) 22.3 (0.90) 22.5 (1.16)

Smokeless Tobacco 4.8* (0.19) 4.7* (0.18) 4.9* (0.19) 5.1 (0.20) 5.2 (0.20) 5.2 (0.19) 5.3 (0.20) 6.1 (0.23) 6.4* (0.24) 5.4 (0.20) 5.5 (0.20) 5.8 (0.20) 5.6 (0.23)

Cigars 11.0* (0.27) 11.4* (0.26) 12.7* (0.30) 12.0* (0.28) 12.1* (0.29) 11.9* (0.28) 11.4* (0.29) 11.5* (0.29) 11.3* (0.30) 10.9* (0.29) 10.7* (0.27) 10.0 (0.29) 9.7 (0.30)

Pipe Tobacco 1.1* (0.08) 0.9* (0.08) 1.2* (0.09) 1.5* (0.11) 1.3* (0.10) 1.2* (0.10) 1.4* (0.10) 1.8 (0.12) 1.8 (0.12) 1.9 (0.14) 1.8 (0.11) 2.2 (0.14) 1.9 (0.13)

ALCOHOL 60.5 (0.53) 61.4* (0.50) 60.5 (0.51) 60.9 (0.51) 62.0* (0.51) 61.3* (0.52) 61.1* (0.49) 61.8* (0.52) 61.4* (0.50) 60.7 (0.54) 60.2 (0.49) 59.6 (0.53) 59.6 (0.56)

Binge Alcohol Use 40.9* (0.52) 41.6* (0.49) 41.2* (0.52) 41.9* (0.53) 42.3* (0.52) 41.9* (0.52) 41.2* (0.51) 41.8* (0.54) 40.5* (0.49) 39.8* (0.55) 39.5* (0.51) 37.9 (0.52) 37.7 (0.57)

Heavy Alcohol Use 14.9* (0.36) 15.1* (0.36) 15.1* (0.37) 15.3* (0.37) 15.6* (0.38) 14.8* (0.35) 14.6* (0.38) 13.8* (0.38) 13.5* (0.37) 12.1* (0.36) 12.7* (0.35) 11.3 (0.31) 10.8 (0.36)

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

1 Respondents with missing data for number of cigarettes smoked per day were excluded from the analysis. 

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014.
A-8

Table A.9B Tobacco Product and Alcohol Use in the Past Month among Adults Aged 26 or Older

Substance 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

TOBACCO PRODUCT 29.9* (0.44) 29.3* (0.41) 28.5* (0.41) 29.0* (0.43) 29.4* (0.43) 28.6* (0.42) 28.4* (0.44) 27.3* (0.40) 27.2* (0.42) 26.3 (0.41) 27.0* (0.42) 25.7 (0.40) 25.8 (0.33)

 Cigarettes 25.2* (0.42) 24.7* (0.41) 24.1* (0.39) 24.3* (0.39) 24.7* (0.40) 24.1* (0.40) 23.8* (0.41) 23.0* (0.39) 22.8* (0.38) 21.9 (0.39) 22.4 (0.40) 21.6 (0.38) 21.5 (0.32)

 Daily Cigarette Use among

 Past Month Users 68.8* (0.87) 68.0* (0.86) 67.8* (0.80) 68.9* (0.79) 67.9* (0.74) 66.3* (0.83) 67.0* (0.86) 67.2* (0.84) 64.8 (0.86) 66.5* (0.88) 66.0* (0.85) 64.9 (0.88) 63.3 (0.72)

 Smoked 1+ Packs of 

 Cigarettes per Day

 among Daily Cigarette

 Users1 57.1* (1.12) 58.0* (0.99) 59.2* (1.05) 55.1* (1.02) 54.5* (1.00) 55.1* (1.06) 53.0* (1.10) 49.4* (1.16) 48.8* (1.09) 47.4* (1.05) 45.2 (1.09) 44.7 (1.15) 43.3 (0.93)

 Smokeless Tobacco 3.2 (0.15) 3.2 (0.15) 2.7 (0.13) 3.0 (0.14) 3.1 (0.14) 3.0 (0.14) 3.3 (0.16) 3.1 (0.14) 3.1 (0.15) 3.0 (0.13) 3.3 (0.14) 3.1 (0.14) 3.0 (0.11)

 Cigars 4.6* (0.18) 4.5* (0.18) 4.6* (0.17) 4.7* (0.18) 4.6* (0.18) 4.4* (0.16) 4.4* (0.18) 4.4* (0.18) 4.4* (0.17) 4.2 (0.18) 4.5* (0.19) 4.1 (0.17) 3.9 (0.12)

 Pipe Tobacco 0.8 (0.09) 0.6 (0.07) 0.7 (0.08) 0.8 (0.08) 0.9* (0.09) 0.8 (0.09) 0.6 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.9 (0.09) 0.7 (0.07) 0.7 (0.06)

ALCOHOL 53.9* (0.53) 52.5* (0.49) 53.0* (0.51) 55.1* (0.51) 53.7* (0.49) 54.1* (0.52) 54.7* (0.50) 54.9* (0.48) 54.9* (0.48) 55.1* (0.49) 55.6 (0.48) 55.9 (0.50) 56.5 (0.39)

 Binge Alcohol Use 21.4* (0.39) 21.0* (0.35) 21.1* (0.36) 21.0* (0.35) 21.4* (0.37) 22.0 (0.38) 22.2 (0.37) 22.4 (0.39) 21.9 (0.37) 21.6* (0.35) 22.1 (0.37) 22.4 (0.38) 22.5 (0.30)

 Heavy Alcohol Use 5.9 (0.20) 5.9 (0.19) 6.1 (0.19) 5.6 (0.19) 6.0 (0.21) 6.1 (0.21) 6.3 (0.20) 6.2 (0.19) 6.1 (0.20) 5.7 (0.20) 6.1 (0.21) 6.1 (0.21) 6.0 (0.16)

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

1 Respondents with missing data for number of cigarettes smoked per day were excluded from the analysis. 

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014.

Table A.10B Alcohol Use in the Past Month among Individuals Aged 12 to 20

Alcohol Use 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

PAST MONTH 28.8* (0.39) 29.0* (0.41) 28.7* (0.39) 28.2* (0.41) 28.4* (0.42) 28.0* (0.46) 26.5* (0.40) 27.2* (0.43) 26.2* (0.41) 25.1* (0.47) 24.3* (0.48) 22.7 (0.40) 22.8 (0.46)

 Binge Alcohol Use 19.3* (0.34) 19.2* (0.36) 19.6* (0.36) 18.8* (0.37) 19.0* (0.36) 18.7* (0.39) 17.5* (0.34) 18.2* (0.38) 16.9* (0.35) 15.8* (0.39) 15.3* (0.40) 14.2 (0.34) 13.8 (0.37)

 Heavy Alcohol Use 6.2* (0.19) 6.1* (0.20) 6.3* (0.24) 6.0* (0.21) 6.2* (0.23) 6.0* (0.22) 5.6* (0.21) 5.4* (0.22) 5.1* (0.21) 4.4* (0.23) 4.3* (0.21) 3.7 (0.17) 3.4 (0.19)

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014.
A-9

Table A.11B Substance Dependence or Abuse for Specific Substances in the Past Year among Individuals Aged 12 or Older

Past Year Dependence 

or Abuse 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

ILLICIT DRUGS 3.0* (0.10) 2.9 (0.09) 3.0* (0.09) 2.8 (0.08) 2.9 (0.09) 2.8 (0.09) 2.8 (0.08) 2.8 (0.09) 2.8 (0.10) 2.5 (0.08) 2.8 (0.10) 2.6 (0.09) 2.7 (0.08)

 Marijuana and Hashish 1.8* (0.07) 1.8* (0.06) 1.9* (0.07) 1.7 (0.06) 1.7 (0.06) 1.6 (0.06) 1.7 (0.06) 1.7 (0.06) 1.8* (0.07) 1.6 (0.06) 1.7 (0.07) 1.6 (0.07) 1.6 (0.06)

 Cocaine 0.6* (0.05) 0.6* (0.05) 0.7* (0.05) 0.6* (0.04) 0.7* (0.05) 0.6* (0.05) 0.6* (0.04) 0.4 (0.04) 0.4 (0.04) 0.3 (0.03) 0.4 (0.05) 0.3 (0.03) 0.3 (0.03)

 Heroin 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02)

 Hallucinogens 0.2* (0.02) 0.1* (0.01) 0.2* (0.02) 0.2* (0.01) 0.2* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.2* (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.01)

 Inhalants 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1* (0.01) 0.1 (0.01) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01)

 Nonmedical Use of 

 Psychotherapeutics1 0.9 (0.06) 0.8 (0.05) 0.9 (0.05) 0.8 (0.04) 0.8 (0.05) 0.9 (0.05) 0.9 (0.04) 0.9 (0.05) 0.9 (0.06) 0.8 (0.05) 1.0 (0.06) 0.9 (0.05) 0.9 (0.05)

Pain Relievers 0.6 (0.05) 0.6* (0.04) 0.6* (0.04) 0.6 (0.04) 0.7 (0.04) 0.7 (0.05) 0.7 (0.04) 0.7 (0.05) 0.8 (0.05) 0.7 (0.04) 0.8 (0.06) 0.7 (0.05) 0.7 (0.04)

Tranquilizers 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02)

Stimulants1 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.2 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.02)

Sedatives 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.02) 0.1 (0.01) 0.1 (0.01) 0.1 (0.01) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.1 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.1 (0.01)

ALCOHOL 7.7* (0.18) 7.5* (0.16) 7.8* (0.17) 7.7* (0.16) 7.7* (0.17) 7.5* (0.17) 7.4* (0.16) 7.5* (0.17) 7.1* (0.16) 6.5 (0.15) 6.8 (0.16) 6.6 (0.16) 6.4 (0.14)

BOTH ILLICIT 

DRUGS AND 

ALCOHOL 1.4* (0.06) 1.3* (0.06) 1.4* (0.06) 1.3* (0.06) 1.3* (0.06) 1.3* (0.06) 1.2* (0.05) 1.3* (0.06) 1.1* (0.05) 1.0 (0.05) 1.1 (0.06) 1.0 (0.05) 1.0 (0.05)

ILLICIT DRUGS OR 

ALCOHOL 9.4* (0.19) 9.1* (0.17) 9.4* (0.18) 9.1* (0.18) 9.2* (0.18) 9.0* (0.18) 9.0* (0.17) 9.0* (0.18) 8.8* (0.18) 8.0 (0.16) 8.5 (0.18) 8.2 (0.18) 8.1 (0.15)

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level. 1 Estimates in these designated rows do not include data from new methamphetamine items added in 2005 and 2006.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014.
A-10

Table A.12B Substance Dependence or Abuse for Specific Substances in the Past Year among Youths Aged 12 to 17

Past Year Dependence 

or Abuse 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

ILLICIT DRUGS 5.6* (0.20) 5.1* (0.18) 5.3* (0.18) 4.7* (0.19) 4.6* (0.18) 4.3* (0.16) 4.6* (0.18) 4.3* (0.18) 4.7* (0.19) 4.6* (0.19) 4.0* (0.18) 3.5 (0.17) 3.5 (0.18)

 Marijuana and Hashish 4.3* (0.18) 3.8* (0.15) 3.9* (0.16) 3.6* (0.16) 3.4* (0.16) 3.1* (0.14) 3.4* (0.16) 3.4* (0.16) 3.6* (0.16) 3.5* (0.16) 3.2* (0.16) 2.9 (0.15) 2.7 (0.16)

 Cocaine 0.4* (0.07) 0.3* (0.05) 0.4* (0.05) 0.4* (0.05) 0.4* (0.05) 0.4* (0.05) 0.3* (0.05) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03)

 Heroin 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.1 (0.03) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.1 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.0 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03)

 Hallucinogens 0.6* (0.08) 0.4* (0.05) 0.5* (0.06) 0.5* (0.07) 0.5* (0.06) 0.5* (0.06) 0.4* (0.06) 0.4* (0.06) 0.6* (0.07) 0.3 (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.3 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04)

 Inhalants 0.4* (0.05) 0.4* (0.05) 0.5* (0.06) 0.4* (0.06) 0.4* (0.06) 0.4* (0.05) 0.4* (0.06) 0.4* (0.05) 0.4* (0.05) 0.3* (0.05) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04)

 Nonmedical Use of 

 Psychotherapeutics1 1.3* (0.10) 1.4* (0.10) 1.5* (0.10) 1.3* (0.11) 1.4* (0.10) 1.3* (0.09) 1.4* (0.10) 1.1 (0.08) 1.2 (0.09) 1.2 (0.10) 0.8 (0.08) 0.7* (0.07) 1.0 (0.09)

Pain Relievers 1.0* (0.09) 1.1* (0.09) 1.2* (0.10) 1.1* (0.11) 1.0* (0.09) 0.9* (0.08) 1.0* (0.08) 0.9* (0.08) 1.0* (0.08) 1.0* (0.09) 0.6 (0.07) 0.5 (0.06) 0.7 (0.08)

Tranquilizers 0.4* (0.05) 0.4* (0.06) 0.3 (0.04) 0.3 (0.05) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.3 (0.05) 0.2 (0.03) 0.3 (0.05) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.05)

Stimulants1 0.4* (0.05) 0.4* (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.4 (0.06) 0.3 (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.04) 0.3 (0.05) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.05)

Sedatives 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.04) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.1 (0.04)

ALCOHOL 5.9* (0.20) 5.9* (0.20) 6.0* (0.20) 5.5* (0.20) 5.4* (0.19) 5.4* (0.19) 4.9* (0.20) 4.6* (0.20) 4.6* (0.20) 3.8* (0.18) 3.4* (0.16) 2.8 (0.14) 2.7 (0.17)

BOTH ILLICIT 

DRUGS AND 

ALCOHOL 2.5* (0.14) 2.2* (0.12) 2.5* (0.13) 2.2* (0.13) 1.9* (0.13) 2.1* (0.12) 1.9* (0.12) 1.9* (0.12) 2.0* (0.13) 1.5* (0.12) 1.3 (0.10) 1.1 (0.09) 1.2 (0.12)

ILLICIT DRUGS OR 

ALCOHOL 8.9* (0.24) 8.9* (0.25) 8.8* (0.24) 8.0* (0.24) 8.1* (0.23) 7.7* (0.23) 7.7* (0.24) 7.1* (0.23) 7.3* (0.25) 6.9* (0.23) 6.1* (0.22) 5.2 (0.20) 5.0 (0.22)

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level. 1 Estimates in these designated rows do not include data from new methamphetamine items added in 2005 and 2006.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014.
A-11

Table A.13B Substance Dependence or Abuse for Specific Substances in the Past Year among Young Adults Aged 18 to 25

Past Year Dependence 

or Abuse 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

ILLICIT DRUGS 8.2* (0.24) 7.8* (0.23) 8.3* (0.26) 8.4* (0.26) 7.9* (0.25) 7.9* (0.24) 7.9* (0.25) 7.7* (0.25) 7.9* (0.25) 7.5* (0.24) 7.8* (0.27) 7.4 (0.25) 6.6 (0.26)

 Marijuana and 

 Hashish 6.0* (0.20) 5.9* (0.20) 6.0* (0.23) 5.9* (0.22) 5.7* (0.21) 5.6* (0.21) 5.6* (0.22) 5.6* (0.22) 5.7* (0.22) 5.7* (0.21) 5.5 (0.23) 5.4 (0.22) 4.9 (0.22)

 Cocaine 1.2* (0.09) 1.2* (0.09) 1.4* (0.10) 1.5* (0.10) 1.3* (0.10) 1.4* (0.10) 1.2* (0.10) 0.9* (0.08) 0.7 (0.08) 0.6 (0.07) 0.6 (0.08) 0.7 (0.08) 0.5 (0.07)

 Heroin 0.2* (0.04) 0.1* (0.03) 0.2* (0.04) 0.3* (0.04) 0.2* (0.04) 0.2* (0.04) 0.3* (0.05) 0.3* (0.05) 0.3 (0.05) 0.4 (0.06) 0.5 (0.06) 0.5 (0.07) 0.5 (0.07)

 Hallucinogens 0.8* (0.08) 0.5 (0.05) 0.7* (0.07) 0.6* (0.07) 0.6* (0.07) 0.5* (0.06) 0.6* (0.08) 0.6* (0.07) 0.6* (0.07) 0.5 (0.06) 0.4 (0.05) 0.4 (0.07) 0.3 (0.06)

 Inhalants 0.1 (0.02) 0.1* (0.03) 0.2* (0.03) 0.2* (0.04) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2* (0.04) 0.1* (0.04) 0.1* (0.03) 0.0 (0.01) 0.1* (0.04) 0.0 (0.02)

 Nonmedical Use of 

 Psychotherapeutics1 1.9 (0.11) 1.6 (0.11) 2.0* (0.12) 2.2* (0.13) 2.0* (0.12) 2.1* (0.13) 2.2* (0.13) 2.2* (0.13) 2.2* (0.13) 2.0* (0.13) 2.4* (0.16) 1.9 (0.13) 1.6 (0.13)

Pain Relievers 1.4 (0.10) 1.1 (0.09) 1.4 (0.09) 1.7* (0.11) 1.5 (0.10) 1.7* (0.12) 1.8* (0.12) 1.7* (0.11) 1.8* (0.12) 1.7* (0.11) 1.9* (0.14) 1.4 (0.11) 1.2 (0.12)

Tranquilizers 0.5* (0.05) 0.5* (0.06) 0.5* (0.05) 0.5* (0.07) 0.5* (0.06) 0.4 (0.06) 0.4 (0.05) 0.5* (0.06) 0.4 (0.06) 0.4 (0.06) 0.5* (0.08) 0.4 (0.06) 0.3 (0.05)

Stimulants1 0.4 (0.05) 0.4 (0.06) 0.5 (0.06) 0.5 (0.06) 0.4 (0.06) 0.4 (0.05) 0.4 (0.05) 0.4 (0.06) 0.4 (0.06) 0.3 (0.04) 0.5 (0.07) 0.5 (0.07) 0.4 (0.05)

Sedatives 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.04) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02)

ALCOHOL 17.7* (0.36) 17.2* (0.34) 17.4* (0.37) 17.5* (0.37) 17.6* (0.37) 16.9* (0.35) 17.4* (0.35) 16.1* (0.35) 15.7* (0.37) 14.4* (0.34) 14.3* (0.33) 13.0 (0.35) 12.3 (0.34)

BOTH ILLICIT 

DRUGS AND 

ALCOHOL 4.2* (0.17) 4.0* (0.17) 4.5* (0.19) 4.2* (0.19) 4.2* (0.17) 4.1* (0.18) 4.3* (0.19) 3.8* (0.18) 3.6* (0.17) 3.3* (0.16) 3.3* (0.17) 3.1* (0.17) 2.6 (0.16)

ILLICIT DRUGS OR 

ALCOHOL 21.7* (0.39) 21.0* (0.37) 21.2* (0.40) 21.8* (0.41) 21.4* (0.40) 20.7* (0.39) 21.0* (0.38) 20.1* (0.38) 20.0* (0.41) 18.6* (0.37) 18.9* (0.39) 17.3 (0.40) 16.3 (0.38)

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level. 1 Estimates in these designated rows do not include data from new methamphetamine items added in 2005 and 2006.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014.
A-12

Table A.14B Substance Dependence or Abuse for Specific Substances in the Past Year among Adults Aged 26 or Older

Past Year Dependence 

or Abuse 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

ILLICIT DRUGS 1.8 (0.11) 1.7 (0.10) 1.8 (0.10) 1.6* (0.09) 1.7 (0.11) 1.7 (0.11) 1.7 (0.09) 1.8 (0.10) 1.7 (0.11) 1.4* (0.09) 1.8 (0.12) 1.7 (0.11) 1.9 (0.09)

 Marijuana and 

 Hashish 0.8 (0.07) 0.7 (0.06) 0.8 (0.07) 0.7* (0.06) 0.8 (0.07) 0.7* (0.07) 0.8 (0.06) 0.8 (0.07) 0.9 (0.08) 0.7* (0.06) 0.8 (0.07) 0.8 (0.08) 0.9 (0.06)

 Cocaine 0.6* (0.06) 0.6* (0.06) 0.6* (0.06) 0.5* (0.05) 0.6* (0.07) 0.6* (0.06) 0.5* (0.05) 0.4 (0.05) 0.4 (0.05) 0.3 (0.04) 0.4 (0.06) 0.3 (0.04) 0.3 (0.04)

 Heroin 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03) 0.2 (0.03)

 Hallucinogens 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.02) 0.0 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.02) 0.0 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01)

 Inhalants 0.0 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.00) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.03) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01)

 Nonmedical Use of 

 Psychotherapeutics1 0.6 (0.07) 0.6* (0.06) 0.6* (0.06) 0.5* (0.05) 0.5* (0.06) 0.6* (0.06) 0.6* (0.05) 0.7 (0.06) 0.7 (0.07) 0.6* (0.06) 0.8 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.8 (0.05)

Pain Relievers 0.5* (0.07) 0.4* (0.05) 0.3* (0.04) 0.4* (0.05) 0.5* (0.05) 0.5* (0.06) 0.5* (0.05) 0.6 (0.06) 0.6 (0.07) 0.5* (0.05) 0.6 (0.07) 0.6 (0.06) 0.6 (0.05)

Tranquilizers 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.02) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.02) 0.2 (0.02)

Stimulants1 0.1 (0.04) 0.1* (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.2 (0.04) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02)

Sedatives 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.02) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.1 (0.02) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.02)

ALCOHOL 6.2 (0.22) 6.0 (0.20) 6.3 (0.21) 6.2 (0.19) 6.2 (0.20) 6.2 (0.20) 6.0 (0.19) 6.3 (0.20) 5.9 (0.20) 5.4 (0.18) 5.9 (0.19) 6.0 (0.19) 5.9 (0.16)

BOTH ILLICIT 

DRUGS AND 

ALCOHOL 0.7 (0.07) 0.7 (0.06) 0.7 (0.06) 0.7 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.7 (0.07) 0.6 (0.05) 0.8 (0.07) 0.6 (0.06) 0.5 (0.05) 0.7 (0.07) 0.6 (0.06) 0.7 (0.06)

ILLICIT DRUGS OR 

ALCOHOL 7.3 (0.23) 7.0 (0.21) 7.3 (0.22) 7.1 (0.20) 7.2 (0.22) 7.2 (0.22) 7.1 (0.20) 7.3 (0.22) 7.0 (0.22) 6.3* (0.19) 7.0 (0.21) 7.0 (0.21) 7.1 (0.17)

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level. 1 Estimates in these designated rows do not include data from new methamphetamine items added in 2005 and 2006.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2014.
A-13

Table A.15B Level of Mental Illness in the Past Year among Adults Aged 18 or Older, by Age Group

Mental Illness/Age Group 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

AMI 17.7 (0.30) 18.1 (0.31) 18.1 (0.30) 17.8 (0.30) 18.6 (0.31) 18.5 (0.31) 18.1 (0.23)

 18-25 18.5* (0.34) 18.0* (0.32) 18.1* (0.35) 18.5* (0.37) 19.6 (0.35) 19.4 (0.36) 20.1 (0.39)

 26-49 20.7 (0.42) 21.6* (0.43) 20.9 (0.42) 20.3 (0.43) 21.2 (0.44) 21.5* (0.45) 20.4 (0.34)

 50 or Older 14.1 (0.59) 14.5 (0.54) 15.1 (0.55) 15.0 (0.53) 15.8 (0.55) 15.3 (0.52) 15.4 (0.40)

SMI 3.7* (0.14) 3.7* (0.14) 4.1 (0.16) 3.9 (0.14) 4.1 (0.14) 4.2 (0.16) 4.1 (0.12)

 18-25 3.8* (0.16) 3.3* (0.15) 3.9* (0.17) 3.8* (0.17) 4.1* (0.17) 4.2* (0.18) 4.8 (0.21)

 26-49 4.8 (0.21) 4.9 (0.22) 5.2 (0.23) 5.0 (0.22) 5.2 (0.23) 5.3 (0.25) 4.9 (0.18)

 50 or Older 2.5 (0.24) 2.5 (0.23) 3.0 (0.27) 2.8 (0.22) 3.0 (0.25) 3.2 (0.26) 3.1 (0.19)

AMI EXCLUDING SMI 14.0 (0.27) 14.4 (0.27) 14.0 (0.27) 13.9 (0.26) 14.5 (0.28) 14.2 (0.27) 14.0 (0.21)

 18-25 14.8 (0.31) 14.6 (0.29) 14.1* (0.31) 14.8 (0.33) 15.5 (0.33) 15.2 (0.33) 15.3 (0.35)

 26-49 16.0 (0.38) 16.7* (0.38) 15.7 (0.37) 15.3 (0.37) 16.0 (0.38) 16.2 (0.40) 15.5 (0.29)

 50 or Older 11.6 (0.54) 12.0 (0.50) 12.2 (0.49) 12.3 (0.48) 12.8 (0.50) 12.1 (0.48) 12.3 (0.37)

AMI = any mental illness; SMI = serious mental illness.

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2008-2014. 
A-14

Table A.16B Major Depressive Episode and Major Depressive Episode with Severe Impairment in the Past Year among Adults Aged 18 or Older, by Age Group

MDE/Age Group 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

MDE 6.6 (0.19) 6.5 (0.18) 6.7 (0.18) 6.5 (0.18) 6.6 (0.18) 6.8 (0.19) 6.6 (0.18) 6.9 (0.19) 6.7 (0.19) 6.6 (0.15)

 18-25 8.8 (0.26) 8.1* (0.23) 8.0* (0.24) 8.4* (0.25) 8.0* (0.24) 8.3* (0.25) 8.3* (0.25) 8.9 (0.27) 8.7 (0.26) 9.3 (0.29)

 26-49 7.6 (0.27) 7.7 (0.29) 7.6 (0.26) 7.4 (0.27) 7.6 (0.26) 7.5 (0.27) 7.7 (0.28) 7.6 (0.27) 7.6 (0.29) 7.2 (0.21)

 50 or Older 4.5 (0.32) 4.5 (0.29) 5.2 (0.34) 4.8 (0.35) 4.9 (0.32) 5.6 (0.35) 4.8 (0.30) 5.5 (0.34) 5.1 (0.31) 5.2 (0.24)

MDE WITH SEVERE 

IMPAIRMENT1 -- (--) -- (--) -- (--) -- (--) 4.0 (0.14) 4.2 (0.15) 4.2 (0.15) 4.5 (0.15) 4.3 (0.15) 4.3 (0.12)

 18-25 -- (--) -- (--) -- (--) -- (--) 5.2* (0.20) 5.2* (0.21) 5.2* (0.20) 5.8 (0.21) 5.7 (0.22) 6.0 (0.24)

 26-49 -- (--) -- (--) -- (--) -- (--) 4.8 (0.21) 4.7 (0.21) 5.2 (0.23) 5.1 (0.23) 4.9 (0.24) 4.6 (0.17)

 50 or Older -- (--) -- (--) -- (--) -- (--) 2.6* (0.23) 3.5 (0.28) 2.9 (0.24) 3.4 (0.28) 3.2 (0.25) 3.5 (0.21)

MDE = major depressive episode. 

-- Not available.

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

NOTE: Respondents with unknown past year MDE data were excluded.

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

1 Impairment is based on the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) role domains, which measure the impact of a disorder on an adult's life. Impairment is defined as the highest severity level of role 

impairment across four domains: (1) home management, (2) work, (3) close relationships with others, and (4) social life. Ratings ≥ 7 on a 0 to 10 scale were considered Severe Impairment.

Respondents with unknown impairment data were excluded.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2005-2014. 
A-15

Table A.17B Major Depressive Episode and Major Depressive Episode with Severe Impairment in the Past Year among Youths Aged 12 to 17, by Age Group

MDE/Age Group 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

MDE 9.0* (0.25) 8.8* (0.25) 7.9* (0.24) 8.2* (0.25) 8.3* (0.25) 8.1* (0.24) 8.0* (0.24) 8.2* (0.24) 9.1* (0.26) 10.7 (0.30) 11.4 (0.32)

 12-13 5.4* (0.33) 5.2* (0.33) 4.9* (0.34) 4.3* (0.32) 4.9* (0.35) 4.6* (0.34) 4.3* (0.32) 4.1* (0.30) 5.4* (0.36) 6.1 (0.40) 7.2 (0.46)

 14-15 9.2* (0.42) 9.5* (0.44) 7.9* (0.38) 8.4* (0.41) 8.5* (0.42) 8.8* (0.44) 9.0* (0.42) 8.6* (0.44) 10.2* (0.45) 12.4 (0.52) 11.9 (0.55)

 16-17 12.3* (0.54) 11.5* (0.47) 10.7* (0.48) 11.5* (0.49) 11.2* (0.48) 10.4* (0.45) 10.6* (0.46) 11.7* (0.48) 11.4* (0.48) 13.2 (0.54) 14.6 (0.56)

MDE WITH SEVERE 

IMPAIRMENT1 -- (--) -- (--) 5.5* (0.20) 5.5* (0.20) 6.0* (0.22) 5.8* (0.20) 5.7* (0.20) 5.7* (0.19) 6.3* (0.22) 7.7 (0.26) 8.2 (0.27)

 12-13 -- (--) -- (--) 2.7* (0.22) 2.5* (0.23) 3.2* (0.28) 3.2* (0.28) 3.0* (0.27) 2.8* (0.24) 3.7* (0.31) 4.1 (0.33) 4.9 (0.38)

 14-15 -- (--) -- (--) 6.0* (0.35) 6.0* (0.35) 6.1* (0.35) 6.2* (0.36) 6.1* (0.34) 5.9* (0.36) 7.1* (0.38) 9.1 (0.47) 8.5 (0.48)

 16-17 -- (--) -- (--) 7.5* (0.42) 7.9* (0.39) 8.4* (0.43) 7.7* (0.40) 7.7* (0.38) 8.1* (0.39) 8.0* (0.40) 9.7 (0.46) 10.9 (0.49)

MDE = major depressive episode. 

-- Not available.

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

NOTE: Respondents with unknown past year MDE data were excluded.

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

1 Impairment is based on the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) role domains, which measure the impact of a disorder on a youth's life. Impairment is defined as the highest severity level of role impairment 

across four domains: (1) chores at home, (2) school or work, (3) close relationships with family, and (4) social life. Ratings ≥ 7 on a 0 to 10 scale were considered Severe Impairment. Respondents with

unknown impairment data were excluded.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2004-2014. 
A-16

Table A.18B Level of Mental Illness in the Past Year among Adults Aged 18 or Older, by Past Year Substance Use Disorder Status and Age Group

Level of Mental Illness/

SUD Status/Age Group 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

AMI

 SUD 35.7* (1.05) 37.4 (1.05) 38.5 (1.09) 36.1* (1.09) 40.7 (1.12) 37.8 (1.11) 39.1 (1.00)

18-25 32.6* (0.98) 31.4* (0.96) 32.1* (0.90) 32.4* (1.02) 35.8 (1.01) 34.9 (1.02) 36.0 (1.20)

26-49 40.3 (1.58) 43.1 (1.55) 44.8 (1.59) 39.4 (1.68) 45.7 (1.63) 43.8 (1.57) 42.7 (1.29)

50 or Older 27.2 (3.54) 32.6 (3.44) 33.2 (3.66) 34.0 (3.52) 35.6 (3.52) 27.5 (3.10) 35.6 (2.72)

 No SUD 15.9 (0.32) 16.2 (0.31) 16.1 (0.31) 16.2 (0.31) 16.5 (0.31) 16.7 (0.32) 16.2 (0.23)

18-25 14.8* (0.34) 14.6* (0.34) 14.6* (0.35) 15.4* (0.37) 15.8* (0.36) 16.2 (0.37) 17.0 (0.39)

26-49 18.4 (0.42) 19.1* (0.44) 18.3 (0.41) 18.4 (0.43) 18.3 (0.43) 19.0 (0.46) 17.9 (0.34)

50 or Older 13.7 (0.59) 13.8 (0.54) 14.4 (0.55) 14.4 (0.54) 15.0 (0.55) 14.8 (0.53) 14.5 (0.39)

SMI

 SUD 9.5* (0.56) 9.9 (0.62) 11.7 (0.72) 11.2 (0.71) 12.6 (0.76) 11.4 (0.69) 11.3 (0.59)

18-25 8.4* (0.53) 6.6* (0.47) 8.4* (0.59) 8.3* (0.56) 8.7 (0.54) 9.7 (0.67) 10.4 (0.73)

26-49 11.4 (0.90) 11.9 (0.97) 15.1 (1.17) 12.5 (1.12) 14.5 (1.15) 13.2 (1.05) 12.3 (0.84)

50 or Older 5.7* (1.54) 10.1 (1.99) 8.5 (2.00) 13.4 (2.42) 14.2 (2.53) 9.6 (1.97) 10.5 (1.59)

 No SUD 3.1 (0.14) 3.1 (0.14) 3.3 (0.15) 3.2 (0.13) 3.2 (0.14) 3.5 (0.16) 3.4 (0.12)

18-25 2.5* (0.15) 2.5* (0.15) 2.8* (0.16) 2.7* (0.16) 3.1* (0.17) 3.1* (0.15) 3.7 (0.20)

26-49 4.0 (0.21) 4.1 (0.22) 4.1 (0.21) 4.3 (0.20) 4.1 (0.22) 4.4 (0.24) 4.1 (0.17)

50 or Older 2.4 (0.25) 2.2 (0.23) 2.8 (0.27) 2.4 (0.22) 2.6 (0.23) 2.9 (0.27) 2.8 (0.19)

AMI EXCLUDING SMI

 SUD 26.2 (0.98) 27.6 (0.99) 26.8 (0.95) 24.8* (0.95) 28.1 (0.96) 26.4 (0.99) 27.8 (0.93)

18-25 24.2 (0.89) 24.8 (0.88) 23.7 (0.78) 24.0 (0.94) 27.1 (0.96) 25.3 (0.96) 25.6 (1.10)

26-49 28.9 (1.47) 31.3 (1.46) 29.7 (1.47) 26.9 (1.50) 31.2 (1.48) 30.7 (1.51) 30.4 (1.25)

50 or Older 21.5 (3.33) 22.5 (3.13) 24.7 (3.38) 20.7 (2.82) 21.4 (2.76) 17.9* (2.55) 25.1 (2.56)

 No SUD 12.8 (0.29) 13.1 (0.28) 12.7 (0.28) 13.0 (0.27) 13.2 (0.29) 13.1 (0.29) 12.8 (0.21)

18-25 12.3* (0.32) 12.1* (0.31) 11.8* (0.33) 12.6 (0.34) 12.8 (0.34) 13.1 (0.34) 13.3 (0.34)

26-49 14.4 (0.38) 15.0* (0.39) 14.2 (0.37) 14.1 (0.38) 14.3 (0.38) 14.6 (0.41) 13.8 (0.29)

50 or Older 11.3 (0.55) 11.5 (0.50) 11.7 (0.49) 12.0 (0.49) 12.4 (0.51) 11.8 (0.48) 11.7 (0.37)

AMI = any mental illness; SMI = serious mental illness; SUD = substance use disorder.

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2008-2014. 
A-17

Table A.19B Substance Use Disorder in the Past Year among Adults Aged 18 or Older, by Past Year Level of Mental Illness and Age Group

Level of Mental Illness/Age Group 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

AMI 18.4 (0.64) 19.0 (0.62) 19.0 (0.64) 16.5* (0.57) 19.2 (0.65) 17.5 (0.61) 18.2 (0.51)

 18-25 36.9* (1.04) 35.1* (1.03) 35.5* (0.97) 32.4* (1.00) 34.5* (1.00) 31.1 (0.99) 29.3 (0.99)

 26-49 20.5 (0.91) 20.8 (0.84) 21.7 (0.93) 18.2* (0.88) 22.6 (0.98) 21.0 (0.95) 20.8 (0.75)

 50 or Older 6.3* (0.91) 9.1 (1.10) 8.2 (1.04) 7.4* (0.90) 8.6 (0.95) 7.2* (0.88) 10.3 (0.89)

SMI 23.4 (1.42) 24.6 (1.48) 25.6 (1.47) 23.6 (1.40) 27.3* (1.54) 23.1 (1.40) 23.3 (1.16)

 18-25 46.8* (2.27) 39.7 (2.27) 42.7* (2.29) 40.8 (2.20) 39.9 (2.10) 39.6 (2.12) 35.3 (2.03)

 26-49 25.2 (1.88) 25.3 (1.88) 29.4 (2.03) 23.3 (1.89) 29.4 (2.08) 25.6 (1.92) 24.9 (1.58)

 50 or Older 7.3* (1.97) 16.1 (3.16) 10.8 (2.55) 16.0 (2.91) 18.0 (3.09) 12.0 (2.46) 15.1 (2.21)

AMI EXCLUDING SMI 17.0 (0.71) 17.6 (0.68) 17.1 (0.69) 14.5* (0.60) 17.0 (0.67) 15.8 (0.66) 16.7 (0.57)

 18-25 34.4* (1.15) 34.1* (1.13) 33.5* (1.06) 30.3 (1.12) 33.1* (1.13) 28.7 (1.12) 27.3 (1.10)

 26-49 19.1 (1.04) 19.5 (0.98) 19.1 (1.02) 16.5* (0.97) 20.4 (1.09) 19.4 (1.07) 19.5 (0.84)

 50 or Older 6.1* (1.02) 7.6 (1.13) 7.6 (1.14) 5.5* (0.83) 6.4* (0.84) 5.9* (0.89) 9.1 (0.99)

NO MENTAL ILLNESS 7.1* (0.19) 7.0* (0.20) 6.7 (0.19) 6.3 (0.17) 6.4 (0.18) 6.5 (0.19) 6.3 (0.16)

 18-25 17.4* (0.40) 16.8* (0.41) 16.6* (0.42) 15.4* (0.38) 15.1* (0.39) 14.0 (0.38) 13.1 (0.39)

 26-49 8.0* (0.31) 7.5 (0.33) 7.1 (0.29) 7.2 (0.29) 7.2 (0.30) 7.4 (0.30) 7.1 (0.24)

 50 or Older 2.8 (0.27) 3.2 (0.28) 3.0 (0.29) 2.6* (0.25) 2.9 (0.27) 3.4 (0.30) 3.4 (0.24)

AMI = any mental illness; SMI = serious mental illness.

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2008-2014. 

Table A.20B Major Depressive Episode in the Past Year among Youths Aged 12 to 17, by Past Year Substance Use Disorder Status

SUD Status 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

SUD 20.3* (1.21) 21.7* (1.20) 18.5* (1.14) 20.0* (1.22) 23.2* (1.40) 21.7* (1.37) 22.1* (1.30) 21.9* (1.44) 23.8 (1.47) 28.8 (1.69) 28.4 (1.88)

No SUD 7.9* (0.24) 7.7* (0.25) 7.0* (0.24) 7.2* (0.25) 7.1* (0.24) 7.1* (0.24) 6.9* (0.24) 7.2* (0.24) 8.1* (0.25) 9.7 (0.30) 10.5 (0.31)

SUD = substance use disorder. 

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

NOTE: Respondents with unknown past year MDE data were excluded.

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2004-2014. 
A-18

Table A.21B Substance Use Disorder in the Past Year among Youths Aged 12 to 17, by Past Year Major Depressive Episode Status

MDE Status 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

MDE 20.0* (1.20) 19.8* (1.11) 18.8* (1.18) 18.9* (1.14) 21.3* (1.32) 18.8* (1.23) 19.9* (1.18) 18.2* (1.21) 16.0* (1.01) 13.9 (0.95) 12.4 (0.91)

No MDE 7.7* (0.24) 6.9* (0.24) 7.1* (0.23) 6.7* (0.23) 6.4* (0.22) 6.0* (0.22) 6.1* (0.24) 5.8* (0.23) 5.1* (0.22) 4.1 (0.19) 4.0 (0.21)

MDE = major depressive episode. 

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

NOTE: Respondents with unknown past year MDE data were excluded.

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2004-2014. 

Table A.22B Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder and Mental Illness Status in the Past Year among Adults Aged 18 or Older, by Age Group

SUD and Mental Illness/Age Group 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

SUD AND AMI 3.3 (0.12) 3.4 (0.12) 3.4 (0.12) 2.9* (0.11) 3.6 (0.13) 3.2 (0.12) 3.3 (0.10)

 18-25 6.8* (0.24) 6.3 (0.22) 6.4 (0.22) 6.0 (0.22) 6.8* (0.23) 6.0 (0.22) 5.9 (0.24)

 26-49 4.3 (0.21) 4.5 (0.20) 4.5 (0.22) 3.7* (0.19) 4.8 (0.24) 4.5 (0.22) 4.2 (0.17)

 50 or Older 0.9* (0.13) 1.3 (0.17) 1.2 (0.16) 1.1* (0.14) 1.3 (0.15) 1.1* (0.14) 1.6 (0.15)

SUD AND SMI 0.9 (0.05) 0.9 (0.06) 1.0 (0.07) 0.9 (0.06) 1.1 (0.07) 1.0 (0.06) 1.0 (0.05)

 18-25 1.8 (0.12) 1.3* (0.10) 1.7 (0.12) 1.5 (0.11) 1.6 (0.11) 1.7 (0.12) 1.7 (0.12)

 26-49 1.2 (0.10) 1.2 (0.10) 1.5* (0.13) 1.2 (0.11) 1.5 (0.13) 1.4 (0.12) 1.2 (0.09)

 50 or Older 0.2* (0.05) 0.4 (0.09) 0.3 (0.08) 0.4 (0.09) 0.5 (0.10) 0.4 (0.08) 0.5 (0.07)

SUD AND AMI EXCLUDING SMI 2.4 (0.10) 2.5 (0.10) 2.4 (0.10) 2.0* (0.08) 2.5 (0.10) 2.3 (0.10) 2.3 (0.09)

 18-25 5.1* (0.21) 5.0* (0.20) 4.7* (0.18) 4.5 (0.20) 5.1* (0.21) 4.4 (0.19) 4.2 (0.20)

 26-49 3.1 (0.18) 3.2 (0.18) 3.0 (0.18) 2.5* (0.16) 3.3 (0.19) 3.2 (0.19) 3.0 (0.14)

 50 or Older 0.7* (0.12) 0.9 (0.14) 0.9 (0.14) 0.7* (0.10) 0.8 (0.11) 0.7* (0.11) 1.1 (0.13)

AMI = any mental illness; SMI = serious mental illness; SUD = substance use disorder.

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2008-2014. 
A-19

Table A.23B Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder and Past Year Major Depressive Episode and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder and Major Depressive Episode 

with Severe Impairment in the Past Year among Youths Aged 12 to 17

Outcome 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

SUD and MDE 1.8* (0.12) 1.7* (0.11) 1.5 (0.10) 1.5 (0.10) 1.8* (0.12) 1.5 (0.11) 1.6 (0.10) 1.5 (0.11) 1.4 (0.10) 1.5 (0.11) 1.4 (0.11)

SUD and MDE with 

Severe Impairment1 -- (--) -- (--) 1.2 (0.09) 1.2 (0.09) 1.4 (0.11) 1.3 (0.10) 1.2 (0.09) 1.1 (0.09) 1.1 (0.09) 1.2 (0.10) 1.1 (0.10)

MDE = major depressive episode; SUD = substance use disorder.

 -- Not available.

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses. 

NOTE: Respondents with unknown past year MDE data were excluded.

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

1 Impairment is based on the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) role domains, which measure the impact of a disorder on an adult’s life. Impairment is defined as the highest severity level of role impairment 

across four domains: (1) home management, (2) work, (3) close relationships with others, and (4) social life. Ratings ≥ 7 on a 0 to 10 scale were considered Severe Impairment. Respondents with unknown

impairment data were excluded.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2004-2014. 
A-20

Table A.24B Substance Use in the Past Year and Past Month among Youths Aged 12 to 17, by Past Year Major Depressive Episode 

Substance

Total1

(2013)

Total1

(2014)

MDE

(2013)

MDE

(2014)

No MDE

(2013)

No MDE

(2014)

PAST YEAR USE

 Illicit Drugs 17.2 (0.35) 17.4 (0.38) 33.2 (1.32) 33.0 (1.41) 15.1 (0.34) 15.2 (0.39)

 Marijuana and Hashish 13.4 (0.31) 13.1 (0.33) 25.7 (1.22) 24.1 (1.24) 11.8 (0.31) 11.6 (0.33)

 Cocaine 0.5 (0.06) 0.7 (0.09) 1.1 (0.26) 1.5 (0.40) 0.4 (0.05) 0.5 (0.09)

 Crack 0.0 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.08) 0.4 (0.18) 0.0 (0.01) 0.0 (0.01)

 Heroin 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.3 (0.14) 0.4 (0.21) 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03)

 Hallucinogens 1.9 (0.12) 1.7 (0.13) 4.2 (0.47) 3.8 (0.55) 1.6 (0.12) 1.4 (0.12)

 LSD 0.6* (0.06) 0.9 (0.10) 1.1 (0.26) 1.8 (0.43) 0.5* (0.06) 0.8 (0.10)

 PCP 0.1 (0.03) 0.1 (0.03) 0.2 (0.13) 0.4 (0.19) 0.1 (0.02) 0.1 (0.03)

 Ecstasy 0.9 (0.08) 0.7 (0.09) 2.0 (0.29) 2.0 (0.44) 0.8 (0.08) 0.6 (0.08)

 Inhalants 1.9 (0.12) 2.1 (0.14) 4.8 (0.55) 5.5 (0.70) 1.5 (0.11) 1.6 (0.14)

 Nonmedical Use of Psychotherapeutics2 5.8 (0.20) 6.2 (0.24) 12.8 (0.87) 14.8 (1.06) 4.8 (0.20) 5.0 (0.23)

 Pain Relievers 4.6 (0.18) 4.7 (0.21) 10.3 (0.80) 10.2 (0.93) 3.9 (0.18) 3.8 (0.20)

 Tranquilizers 1.4 (0.09) 1.7 (0.14) 4.2 (0.49) 4.9 (0.65) 1.0 (0.09) 1.3 (0.13)

 Stimulants2 1.1* (0.09) 1.5 (0.13) 3.1 (0.45) 4.5 (0.69) 0.8 (0.08) 1.0 (0.11)

 Methamphetamine2 0.3 (0.04) 0.4 (0.07) 0.7 (0.20) 0.7 (0.27) 0.2 (0.04) 0.4 (0.07)

 Sedatives 0.3* (0.04) 0.5 (0.07) 0.7* (0.19) 2.0 (0.51) 0.2 (0.04) 0.2 (0.05)

PAST MONTH USE

 Daily Cigarette Use 1.1 (0.08) 1.2 (0.11) 1.8 (0.27) 1.6 (0.40) 1.0 (0.09) 1.1 (0.11)

 Heavy Alcohol Use 1.2 (0.09) 1.0 (0.10) 1.2 (0.26) 1.8 (0.39) 1.2 (0.10) 0.9 (0.10)

LSD = lysergic acid diethylamide; MDE = major depressive episode; PCP = phencyclidine. 

NOTE: Estimates shown are percentages with standard errors included in parentheses.

* Difference between estimate and 2014 estimate is statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

1 Estimates in the Total column represent all youths aged 12 to 17, including those with unknown past year MDE information. 2 Estimates of Nonmedical Use of Psychotherapeutics, Stimulants, and Methamphetamine in the designated rows include data from new methamphetamine items added in 2005 and 2006 and are not 

comparable with estimates presented in NSDUH reports prior to the 2007 national findings report.

Source: SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2013 and 2014.
Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: 

Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health September 2015 | B-1

Appendix B: List of Contributors

This National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) report was prepared by the Center for Behavioral Health 

Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and by RTI International (a registered trademark and a trade 

name of Research Triangle Institute), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Work by RTI was performed under 

Contract No. HHSS283201300001C. 

This report was drafted by SAMHSA and reviewed at RTI. Production of the report at SAMHSA was managed 

by Rachel Lipari. SAMHSA contributors, listed alphabetically (section authorship noted in parentheses), include 

Rebecca Ahrnsbrak, Herman Alvarado, Jonaki Bose, Beth Han (Substance Use Disorders), Sarra L. Hedden 

(Mental Health Issues), Elizabeth Hoeffel, Art Hughes, Joel Kennet (Alcohol Use), Rachel Lipari, Grace Medley 

(Tobacco Use), Pradip Muhuri, Dicy Painter, Kathryn Piscopo, Neil Russell, Peter Tice (Project Officer) (Illicit 

Drug Use), and Matthew Williams.

Contributors and reviewers at RTI, listed alphabetically, include Stephanie N. Barnett, Elizabeth A. P. Copello, 

Misty S. Foster, Rebecca A. Granger, David Cunningham Hunter (Project Director), Larry A. Kroutil, Philip Lee, 

Lisa E. Packer, Michael R. Pemberton, Jeremy D. Porter, Jessica Roycroft, Ana Saravia, Kathryn Spagnola, Lauren 

Klein Warren, and Cherie J. Winder. 

Also at RTI, report and web production staff, listed alphabetically, include Teresa F. Bass, Debbie F. Bond, Wallace 

Campbell, Kimberly H. Cone, Valerie Garner, Anne E. Gering, Terry Hall, E. Andrew Jessup, Farrah Bullock 

Mann, Daniel Occoquan, Brenda K. Porter, Pamela Couch Prevatt, Crystal Smith, Margaret A. Smith, Roxanne 

Snaauw, Richard S. Straw, and Pamela Tuck.
[back cover]

HHS Publication No. SMA 15-4927

2015

U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services

Substance Abuse and Mental Health 

Services Administration

Center for Behavioral Health 

Statistics and Quality

www.samhsa.gov