1 in 4 U.S. Adults Don’t Recognize Addiction as a Health Condition

New Addiction Policy Forum and Gallup Study Released

Findings from a nationally representative study show that nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults (23%) either disagree or do not know that addiction is a health condition. Individuals who did not recognize addiction as a health condition were significantly less likely to believe substance use disorders (SUDs) are treatable by healthcare professionals, that early intervention works, or that medications are effective treatments to treat addiction. They were also less likely to indicate that they would help a loved one with addiction.

The Addiction Policy Forum and Gallup partnered to conduct this nationally representative study, with researchers from the University of Delaware supporting survey design and leading the analyses for publication in the Journal of Addiction Medicine. The study examined the percentage of Americans who do not recognize addiction as a health condition and how those beliefs relate to attitudes toward treatment and willingness to support loved ones. Gallup collected data from a nationally representative sample of 5,250 U.S. adults through its probability-based panel between May 9 and 15, 2025.

Survey participants were asked whether they believe drug or alcohol addiction is a health condition, as well as a series of knowledge-based questions about whether addiction is treatable by doctors or health care professionals, whether early intervention improves outcomes, and whether medications can be effective in treating addiction. Participants were also asked whether they would help a close friend or family member struggling with addiction.

The research team analyzed responses overall and by participants' views of addiction as a health condition, as well as according to their lived experience with addiction, including whether they identified as being in recovery, had struggled with addiction, or had no personal experience with addiction. Demographic information was collected through Gallup panel data.

“Addiction has only been recognized as a health condition by the American Medical Association for about 40 years—a relatively short time in our history,” shared Jessica Hulsey, Founder & Executive Director of Addiction Policy Forum and senior author on the study. “Our study shows that nearly one in four U.S. adults still either don’t believe addiction is a health condition or aren’t sure. That tells us we have more work to do.”

Results showed that people’s views on addiction also varied depending on their experiences and background. For example, people who say they have struggled with addiction but are not in recovery were more likely to disagree that addiction is a health condition compared to those who have never experienced addiction or those who are in recovery. In contrast, individuals in recovery may be more likely to view addiction through a healthcare lens due to greater engagement with treatment systems, recovery communities, or education about SUDs.

“When addiction is not recognized as a treatable health condition, it can exacerbate stigma, which is well-documented as one of the strongest barriers preventing individuals and families from seeking help,” said Dr. Valerie Earnshaw, Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware and lead author of the study. “By working with Gallup, we were able to gain critically important insight into the levels of addiction knowledge, stigma, and self-efficacy among U.S. adults.”

Differences also show up across demographics. Men were more likely than women to disagree that addiction is a health condition, while Hispanic individuals were more likely to disagree than non-Hispanic individuals. Black Americans and those identifying as other races were more likely to disagree or be unsure about addiction as a health condition compared to White and Asian Americans. Education, income, and where people live also played a role. In general, people with higher education and income levels—and those living in more densely populated areas—were more likely to recognize addiction as a health condition.

“We need to better understand how people view addiction and, more importantly, ensure they have accurate, science-based information,” explained Hulsey. “The medical community has a critical role to play here—patient education must be a priority. When people understand addiction as a health condition, they are more likely to seek and engage in effective, evidence-based treatment, and more likely to help a loved one struggling. Expanding education is not just about awareness—it’s a key step toward reducing the impact of untreated addiction across our country.”

Key Takeaways

Overall Sample Findings

• 23% of respondents either disagree or do not know that addiction is a health condition, including 5% who strongly disagree, 12% who disagree, and 6% who did not know. In contrast, 77% of respondents agree (44%) or strongly agree (33%) that addiction is a health condition.

• Men were more likely to disagree (20%) that addiction is a health condition compared to women (15%) and nonbinary individuals (12%).

• Overall beliefs about addiction treatment and behavioral intentions:

  • 71% of respondents agree that addiction is treatable by doctors

  • 74% of respondents agree that people who receive help early for addiction are more likely to stop using substances problematically

  • 62% of respondents agree that medications can be an effective treatment for addiction

  • 89% of respondents affirmed that they would take the initiative to help a close friend or family member struggling with addiction

Comparison Based on Lived Experience

• 22% of individuals who have struggled with addiction but are not in recovery disagreed that addiction is a health condition

• 16% of those with no experience with addiction disagreed that addiction is a health condition

• 13% of those in recovery from addiction disagreed that addiction is a health condition

How Beliefs About Addiction Affect Treatment and Support

• Individuals who disagreed that addiction is a health condition were:

  • 67% less likely to agree that addiction is treatable by doctors or health care professionals than individuals who agreed that addiction is a health condition

  • 43% less likely to agree that people who receive help early for addiction are more likely to stop using substances problematically

  • 53% less likely to agree that medications can be effective.

  • 50% less likely to indicate that they would take the initiative to help someone with addiction

• Individuals who did not know that addiction is a health condition were:

  • 72% less likely to agree that addiction is treatable by doctors or health care professionals than individuals who agreed that addiction is a health condition

  • 60% less likely to agree that people who receive help early for addiction are more likely to stop using substances

  • 72% less likely to agree that medications can be effective.

  • 35% less likely to indicate that they would take the initiative to help someone with addiction.

The findings underscore the critical role of education in changing how society views addiction. More broadly, and when considered alongside existing research on stigma and public attitudes toward SUDs, these findings suggest that improving addiction knowledge—especially in communities where stigma is more common—can help break down harmful misconceptions, build empathy, and reduce social exclusion. As more people come to understand addiction as a treatable medical condition, support for effective and inclusive policies is likely to grow. Closing these knowledge gaps is key to reducing bias and ensuring that people affected by substance use disorders are supported, not stigmatized.

The Article

Earnshaw, V. A., Davoodi, T., Fox, A. B., & Hulsey, J. (2026). Do US Adults View Drug and Alcohol Addiction as a Health Condition?. Journal of addiction medicine, 10.1097/ADM.0000000000001686. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0000000000001686