Uncover the true cost of mental health and addiction in North America
It’s more than you think.
Mental health and addiction issues represent a silent crisis affecting millions across North America. This interactive graphic aims to shed light on the pervasive nature of these challenges in both the United States and Canada. By presenting key statistics on prevalence, treatment needs, and economic impact, we seek to illustrate the profound and often unseen toll these conditions take on individuals, families, and society at large. The data reveals striking similarities between the two nations, underscoring the universal nature of these struggles.
Through this visualization, we hope to foster awareness, promote understanding, and emphasize the critical importance of addressing mental health and addiction as fundamental public health priorities.
The staggering statistics presented in our interactive graphic only scratch the surface of the true societal impact.
In both nations, approximately one in every five adults experiences mental illness annually, with substance use disorders affecting a significant portion of the population. The economic burden is immense, with the U.S. facing an estimated $477 billion annual cost and Canada confronting a $50 billion yearly impact. These figures, however, likely underestimate the full societal cost.
The ripple effects of mental health and addiction issues extend far beyond individual suffering. They contribute to lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, strain on social services, and disrupted family dynamics. Moreover, these challenges often have roots in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), perpetuating cycles of trauma across generations.
Programs like Inner Immersion, which address the underlying causes of mental illness and substance abuse, have the potential to significantly impact these numbers over time. By providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care, such initiatives could:
Reduce healthcare costs associated with mental health and addiction-related conditions
Improve workforce productivity
Decrease the burden on child welfare and criminal justice systems
Enhance educational and employment outcomes
Break cycles of intergenerational trauma
While the exact impact is challenging to quantify, addressing these issues at their core could lead to substantial long-term cost savings and improved societal outcomes in both the U.S. and Canada. By investing in prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive treatment, we can work towards creating healthier, more resilient communities across North America. Given the projected escalation of costs and societal impacts if we fail to act, the message is clear: We can’t afford not to.
The Numbers:
Prevalence of Mental Health and Addiction
United States
In 2023, approximately 31.1% of Americans were affected by mental health issues and substance use disorders.
This figure breaks down as follows:
23.1% of U.S. adults
(59.3 million people) experienced any mental illness (AMI)
17.1% of the U.S. population aged 12 or older
(48.5 million individuals) met the criteria for substance use disorder (SUD)
7.9% of American adults
(20.4 million) suffered from co-occurring disorders
Canada
Mental health and addiction issues also significantly impact Canadians:
20% of Canadians
(approximately 6 million) experience a mental health problem or illness annually
50% of Canadians
will have experienced a mental illness by age 40
6% of Canadians
(about 2.25 million) are affected by substance use disorders
21% of Canadians
(about 6 million) will meet the criteria for addiction in their lifetime
Treatment Needs
United States
80% of people
struggling with mental health issues would benefit from professional help
50.6% of adults
with Any Mental Illness received treatment in 2022
23.8% of those
with anxiety or depression symptoms had unmet mental health needs in early
Canada
80% of Canadians
with mental health issues would benefit from professional help
36.6% of those
with mood, anxiety, or substance use disorders reported unmet or partially met health and mental health care needs in 2022
Only 48.8% of those
meeting criteria for mood, anxiety, or substance use disorders sought professional help in the previous year
Economic Impact
| Country | Annual Economic Burden | Per Capita Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
United States |
$477 billion |
$906.34 |
|
Canada |
$50 billion |
$1,315.79 |
These figures underscore the significant economic toll of mental health and addiction issues on communities in both nations
Long-Term Consequences
Mental health and addiction challenges extend beyond individual suffering, affecting:
- Productivity
- Healthcare costs
- Social services
- Family dynamics
- Intergenerational trauma through Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Potential for Change
Reduced healthcare costs
- Improved workforce productivity
- Decreased burden on child welfare and criminal justice systems
- Enhanced educational and employment outcomes
- Breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma
Investing in prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive treatment is crucial for creating healthier, more resilient communities across North America. The message is clear: We can’t afford not to address these issues.
US Sources:
Canada Sources:
Our evidence-based approaches to care
Charlie Health’s online individual counseling component supports a wide range of mental health conditions and mental health services. Here are some of the core areas our individual therapy program & virtual IOP covers:
