Trends in the Prevalence and Severity of Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorders Among US Adults

This cross-sectional study found divergent age- and sex-specific patterns from 2021 through 2024, with moderate-to-severe CUD prevalence increasing and moderate-to-severe AUD prevalence remaining stable across males, females, and most subgroups. The increased prevalence underscores the importance of early detection, routine screening, timely access to evidence-based CUD treatment, and targeted strategies to counter increasing acceptance, availability, and potency of cannabis products. High prevalence of moderate-to-severe CUD among adults who use cannabis challenges the notion that cannabis has low addictive potential.

Corresponding Author: Nora D. Volkow, MD, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 3WFN Room 09D20, MSC 6025, 301 N Stonestreet Ave, Bethesda, MD 20892 (nvolkow@nida.nih.gov).

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