FACTS AND FIGURES
Learn about statistics, trends, and other relevant insights for behavioral health practitioners working to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for people in underserved communities.
Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders in America among African American Adults
In 2019, 6.5 million African Americans 18 and older reported having a mental and/or substance use disorder, a 10% increase from 2018. Three percent (3.2%) reported having co-occurring mental
and substance use disorders, with those 18-25 reporting the highest rates at 5.4%. When examining the most commonly used substance, illicit drugs had higher rates of use in the past year for
those experiencing any mental disorder (39.2%) and serious mental illness (46.2%) following by marijuana at 33.5% and 34.5% respectively. To address these issues, SAMHSA continues to provide
prevention programs to include their
Technology Transfer Centers (TTC) and
Clinical Support System for Serious Mental Illness (SMI Adviser).
The TTC develops and strengthens the specialized behavioral healthcare and primary healthcare workforce that provides prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for substance use
disorders and mental illness. The SMI Adviser initiative supports the use and implementation of evidence-based screening and treatment for
serious mental illness (SMI) through education and consultation.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: African Americans.