Recognizing the Most Common Addictions

Addiction casts a long shadow, impacting millions of people in the U.S. each year.

According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 16.8% of Americans aged 12 or older—nearly 48.4 million people—met the criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year¹. Behind those numbers are the faces of friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members whose health and relationships are at risk.

These are five of the most common addictions in the United States, according to the NSDUH survey, along with warning signs that can help individuals, family members, and counseling professionals identify SUDs.

1. Alcohol

The NSDUH survey reported that 27.9 million people met the criteria for having an alcohol use disorder in the past year¹. Signs of alcohol addiction include:

• Frequent episodes of binge or heavy drinking, often alone
• Inability to control or limit drinking
• Continued alcohol use despite negative consequences
• Frequent blackouts or memory lapses
   

2. Opiods

Opioid addiction has been a major public health crisis, driven by the overprescription of pain medications and the availability of illicit drugs like heroin. The survey found that 4.8 million people aged 12 or older had an opioid use disorder in the past year¹. Signs of opioid addiction include:

• Taking higher doses of an opioid, and for longer than prescribed
• Trying to get prescriptions from more than one doctor
• Drowsiness, confusion, constipation, and a decline in personal hygiene
• Financial problems
   

3. Nicotine

Nicotine, most often consumed through smoking and vaping, is another widespread issue. While there were 3.6 million fewer cigarette users between 2022 (41.4 million) and 2024 (37.8 million), the number of people 12 and older vaping nicotine grew to 27.7 million in 2024¹. Signs of nicotine addiction include:

• Difficulty quitting
• Needing to smoke or use tobacco more frequently to achieve the same effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or anxiety
• Continuing to smoke even when health problems arise
   

4. Marijuana

Marijuana (cannabis) is becoming more legally accessible—24 states allow recreational use²—and the number of people reporting a marijuana use disorder (MUD) is climbing, too. Among people aged 12 or older, the incidence of MUDs increased from 6% (16.7 million people) in 2021 to 7.1% (20.6 million people) in 2024¹. Signs of misuse include:

• Lack of motivation
• Negative effects on work, school, or relationships
• Increased tolerance and dependency
• Confusion, difficulty learning, and memory issues
   

5. Stimulants

Illegal stimulants (cocaine and methamphetamine) and prescription stimulants create a euphoric rush that can lead to rapid addiction. The number of people who had a central nervous system stimulant use disorder held steady from 2021 to 2024, at about 4.3 million¹. According to the survey, the most widely misused stimulants in the past year were prescription medications, cocaine, and methamphetamine¹. Signs of stimulant misuse include:

• Increased energy and alertness followed by exhaustion
• Hyperactivity, paranoia, and erratic behavior
• Risky behaviors
• Becoming more isolated, experiencing financial difficulties, and having trouble maintaining stable relationships
   

Recognizing these and other addictions is the first step toward addressing them. By understanding these disorders and their symptoms, addiction counselors can intervene earlier and more effectively, helping to reduce the devastating toll of substance misuse.

Paths to Becoming an Addiction Counselor

According to the NSDUH survey, among people aged 12 or older in 2024 who were classified as needing substance use treatment in the past year, just 1 in 5 received it¹. This indicates a growing need for mental health counselors who can effectively counsel people with SUDs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors to grow 17% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

If you’re drawn to helping others navigate substance abuse challenges, a counseling degree might be the perfect next step for you. Whether your goal is to help people facing SUDs or other addictions, earning a degree from Walden University can give you the knowledge and skills you need to make a meaningful impact.

The HLC-accredited university’s online psychology and counseling degree options include:

• MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This online degree program focuses on developing the skills needed to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with a variety of mental health issues, and it offers an Addiction Counseling specialization.
• MS in Psychology: In the Health Psychology specialization, you’ll develop knowledge and skills you can use to address health, illness, prevention, and health promotion. These areas apply to addiction as well, since education and prevention are key to helping clients build healthier lives.
• MS in School Counseling: If you want to make a difference in the lives of students whose family members are experiencing addiction, then this online counseling program may be the right choice for you. The Addiction Counseling specialization can provide you with knowledge and skills you can use to help students cope with the emotional challenges of living with loved ones with addictive behaviors.
• MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling: This unique program lets you earn two counseling master’s degrees at the same time. This online dual degree counseling program offers a number of relevant specializations, including Addiction Counseling.
• BS in Psychology: This online psychology bachelor’s degree program can be an excellent starting point if you’re interested in building educational expertise in the field of addiction. The Addiction concentration offers six courses dedicated to topics like screening and assessment, treatment, and prevention.
   

Walden also offers flexible continuing education opportunities through its School of Lifelong Learning. There, you’ll find a collection of online addiction counseling options designed to fit your schedule and career goals. There are professional development opportunities including the Addiction Counseling Professional Certificate, individual courses on psychopharmacology and other relevant topics, and micro-courses such as At Risk: Adolescence and Addiction.

Earning a degree online offers the flexibility and convenience to balance your studies with work, family, and other commitments. At Walden, you’ll have access to a wide range of student support services, from financial aid and career planning to technical assistance, academic skills development, and research support.

To learn more about Walden’s addiction counseling programs, request information online or contact an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286. Find the program that aligns with your career goals and start building the skills and knowledge necessary to transform lives.

Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering certificate programs and bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt56287/2024-nsduh-annual-national-report.pdf
²Source: www.cbsnews.com/news/legal-weed-map-states
³Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
 

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education..