Many Americans Report Drug Problems in Family

Drug use is a common family problem. Nearly one-third of Americans (32 percent) report having had a drug problem in their family, according to a Gallup survey. This figure is up from 23 percent who reported family issues with drugs in the early 2000s. 

The percentage who report having had a drug problem in their family has grown in every demographic segment over the past two decades. One of the biggest increases occurred in small towns and rural areas. In the early 2000s, only 17 percent of residents in small towns/rural areas reported having had a drug problem in their family. By 2018–21, fully 28 percent of rural residents reported a family drug problem—an 11 percentage point increase. Consequently, urban and rural residents are now about equally likely to report a drug problem in their family. 

Percent who say drug abuse has been a cause of trouble in their family 

(and percentage point change, 2000–05 to 2018–21)

City residents: 29% (+5)

Suburban residents: 32% (+8)

Small town/rural residents: 28% (+11)

Source: Gallup, Drugs Have Been a Problem in Family for 32% of Americans