The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)—the earliest release in the survey’s history. With four years of comparable data, this year's report offers critical insights into trends shaping America’s behavioral health landscape.

The report provides strong evidence supporting necessary, patient-centered interventions. It showed that adolescent mental health indicators improved between 2021 and 2024, including declines in major depressive episodes and suicide-related behaviors. Substance use measures such as tobacco, alcohol, and prescription opioid misuse also declined or held steady. Notably, 74% of adults who have ever faced a substance use issue and 67% of those with a mental health issue report being in recovery, a testament to the power of treatment and support.

However, the report also underscores emerging challenges. Illicit drug use and marijuana use among adults continue to rise, particularly among those 26 and older. Drug use disorders, especially marijuana use disorder, also increased, driven by broader access to high-potency cannabis and shifting attitudes. Vaping is now the dominant form of nicotine and marijuana use among youth.

Alarmingly, only 1 in 5 individuals with a substance use disorder received treatment in 2024, and co-treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use issues remains rare. These data signal a clear call to action for policymakers to expand integrated care, prevention, and recovery support.

To truly have the healthiest nation possible, healthcare authorities must ensure that behavioral health services are accessible, effective, and rooted in the lived experiences of those impacted.