A Comprehensive Review of Drug Abuse in the United States

Drug abuse in the United States represents a multifaceted public health crisis with profound socio- economic consequences. This review examines the epidemiological trends, contributing factors, and in- tervention strategies related to substance misuse, with a particular focus on the opioid epidemic, the resur- gence of stimulant use, and the evolving cannabis policy landscape. In 2023, approximately 21.5 million Americans were affected by substance use disorders, disproportionately impacting young and middle- aged adults. Contributing determinants span socioeconomic deprivation, mental health comorbidities, and genetic predispositions. The annual economic burden of drug abuse exceeds $700 billion,  driven  by healthcare expenditures, productivity losses, and public safety costs. Intervention strategies explored include public education campaigns, policy regulation, community-based programs, and evidence-based treatments, with particular emphasis on addressing illicit fentanyl proliferation, youth vaping trends, and stigma reduction. The review highlights the necessity of integrating harm reduction approaches, international cooperation, and adaptive policy frameworks to counteract rapidly evolving drug markets. Ultimately, a comprehensive, multifaceted strategy—grounded in public health, social equity, and law enforcement collaboration—is essential to mitigate the complex and dynamic challenges posed by drug abuse in the United States.