National Trends
The pandemic has coincided with an increase in substance use and increased death rates due to substances. In 2021, there were over 106,600 deaths due to drug overdose in the U.S.– the highest on record. This marks a 51% increase in drug overdose deaths from prior to the pandemic (there were over 70,630 deaths in 2019). The uptick in substance use and deaths disproportionately affects many people of color. (Source)
Tennessee Trends
In 2021, there were 3,038 opioid overdose deaths in Tennessee, which accounted for 80% of all drug overdose deaths in the state. (Source)
Tennessee is ranked third in the country for prescription drug abuse across demographics. (Source)
Tennessee Alcohol Use Statistics Overview 47.38% of people over 18 in Tennessee reported alcohol use in the last 30 days. 21.02% of people over 18 in Tennessee reported binge alcohol use (5 or more drinks for males and 4 or more drinks for females in 1 session) in the last 30 days. (Source)
Ongoing Research in the Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research
VCAR is making a difference in the struggle against drug addiction. In addition to cutting edge and fundamental research in systems neuroscience, VCAR scientists are actively engaged in the community. By educating the public and raising awareness that addiction is a brain disorder, we are removing the stigma that addiction is a reflection on a person’s character or uncurable. VCAR research is primarily focused on addiction to alcohol, opioids, and stimulants. We also study addiction to food and general disorders of motivation. By understanding how the brain controls behavior, we can understand how this goes wrong in addiction to treat and cure it.