Understanding drug abuse statistics will give you an insight into addiction problems in society today. Additionally, the data gives you the opportunity to recognize trends, age groups, and specific drug abuse. Arming yourself with knowledge about drug abuse is one of the best ways to combat this issue. Using the facts you know, you can then better fight off temptation yourself and know what to look for in order to help others.
In fact, over 20 million Americans suffer from addiction. Surprisingly, these growing numbers don’t include tobacco addiction. As more and more people face addiction issues, the need for addiction treatment programs and rehab centers becomes essential.
Understanding the Magnitude of the Problem
Government drug addiction statistics from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism identify the prevalence of an alcohol use disorder. About 15.1 million American adults qualify as suffering from the condition. Moreover, only 6.7 percent of these individuals receive treatment. There are approximately 88,000 alcohol-related deaths each year.
However, alcohol isn’t the only drug that causes problems. The National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that 23.5 million Americans use drugs, which include alcohol and illegal substances. Additionally, this figure totals about 9.3 percent of the population. At the top of the list are alcohol, alcohol in combination with other drugs, marijuana, and heroin.
Statistics Behind Drug Addiction
In fact, what you don’t see in these figures are the lives of the people suffering from addiction. For example, there may be the professional with a cocaine addiction. The patient who received a prescription for opioid painkillers and developed a dependence. For others, it’s the gradual addition of more drugs to self-medicate in the case of underlying mental health conditions.
Specifically, everyone has a reason for using. However, far too few of those in need seek addiction treatment. In some cases, it might be a fear of the unknown. What happens at a rehab facility that helps people turn their lives around?
Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics
Prescriptions are some of the most widely abused drugs in the nation. Millions upon millions of Americans use prescription drugs for non-medical reasons each year. The numbers tell the story, including:
- The majority of prescription drug abusers receive drugs from friends or relatives
- Painkiller overdose is more common than cocaine and heroin overdose together
- Around three of every four prescription overdoses come from painkillers
- The sale of painkillers has grown by over 300 percent since 1999
- Lastly, the number of people receiving painkiller addiction treatment has doubled since 2002
Prescription drugs are a surprisingly common cause of abuse. They often make their way into the hands of abusers through friends or family who forget about their medications and do not properly dispose of them. This makes the entire cycle of prescription drug addiction difficult to tackle. They are prescribed medications with legitimate uses, but when people no longer need them they must be properly disposed of. Once a year many police departments around the country hold drug take-back days where they collect and dispose of any old or no longer needed medications.
Drug Abuse Treatment at Crest View Recovery Center in Asheville, NC
You work with therapists who customize their treatment approach to your needs. In addition, by living at the facility, you have the option of interacting with someone who can help you at all times. Examples of treatment and addiction therapy services include:
Of course, camaraderie with other program participants is a vital aspect of recovery and healing. For many, drug abuse results in self-imposed isolation. However, by interacting with peers, you have the opportunity to break out of your shell. This process is crucial for successful reintegration into households or work environments after rehab.
Do you need help with a substance abuse problem? If so, you don’t have to continue struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Get help today from the compassionate team at Crest View Recovery Center. Call 866-327-2505 now to connect with an intake counselor.
