Drug Addiction Statistics in Southern California
Substance use disorders (SUDs) and drug addiction represent significant challenges in Southern California and throughout the state. In 2022, nine percent of California’s population met the criteria for a SUD. The impact of drug addiction on adolescents is especially concerning, as 74 percent of adults in treatment programs reported that they encountered drugs before the age of 17.
Despite the widespread prevalence of SUDs, access to treatment remains inadequate, with only 10 percent of the estimated 2.7 million Californians who qualify for SUD treatment receiving any form of help in 2022. In Los Angeles County, the statistics surrounding drug addiction are especially alarming, with approximately 1.5 million individuals currently facing SUDs. In response to the rising demand for treatment, California has expanded its treatment infrastructure, achieving a 68 percent increase in residential treatment facilities and doubling hospital inpatient care options between 2017 and 2019. It’s clear that access to addiction support is an urgent need for Southern California.