Where can I find information about trends in opioid misuse?

NSDUH began reporting on national opioid misuse beginning in 2015. Opioid misuse estimates from 2020 should not be compared to earlier estimates due to the methodological changes in the survey. Similarly, 2021 numbers are not comparable to 2020 or earlier for similar reasons.

The 2019 annual report on Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators includes national trends in opioid misuse from 2015 to 2019 (figure 25, page 25) and opioid use disorder (figure 44, page 40) by age. In the 2019 detailed tables, a number of trend tables of opioid use and opioid use disorder from 2015 to 2019 are available in section 7.

Additionally, the 2023 Companion Infographic Report compares national estimates of opioid and Fentanyl misuse, including illegally made fentanyl (IMF), between 2021, 2022, and 2023 (page 8). Note that IMF is sometimes present in products that are sold as heroin or in counterfeit prescription drugs. People who use IMF are often not aware they are doing so. Because of this, estimates of IMF use are likely underestimates. The 2023 Detailed tables also include information on opioid use disorder for 2022 and 2023. 

Estimates of opioid misuse and opioid use disorder in the past year by state in 2021-2022 are available in the Interactive NSDUH State Estimates tool, as well as trends in pain reliever misuse and pain reliever use disorder for states and substates. These data can also be found in the form of tables and maps in the state estimates and substate region estimates.