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Drug Addiction Facts & Statistics

The news has never been more saturated with America’s growing drug addiction pandemic. Its root system is not singular but complex, and the devastation of its impact on individuals, families, communities, the legal system and other facets of society can only begin to be measured.

What we do know is that addiction is disease in which the brain’s chemistry becomes altered — and over time, less and less capable of controlling their consumption of their drug of choice. Addiction is often fueled by individuals’ untreated mental health conditions. And as such, it should be treated as any physical disease would be treated: with compassionate, accessible health care.

To understand the reality of addiction in America, one need only look at the most recent facts and statistics gathered by various government agencies and professional organizations.

 

Consider the following:

  • Over 10 percent of individuals 12 years of age and over have used an illicit drug in the past month in the United States.1
  • Nearly 21 million Americans ages 12 and older had a substance use problem in 2015.2
  • Since 1999 the rate of drug overdose deaths in the United States has gone up two and a half times to 16.3 per 100,000.3
  • The number of fatal drug overdoses involving heroin skyrocketed from 8% in 2010 to 25% in 2015.4
  • Among 100 million Americans with health insurance, the number of individuals with an opioid use disorder diagnosis quadrupled from 2010 to 2014.5

Money And Form IllustrationDrug addiction affects millions of people and their families. Not only does it affect those individuals, it actually impacts the entire economy. According to the National Council On Alcohol and Drug Dependence, the estimated cost of drug abuse exceeds $190 billion dollars. This amount includes the following costs:

  • $130 Billion in lost productivity
  • $20 Billion in healthcare costs
  • $40 Billion in legal costs including efforts to stem the flow of drugs6

As you can see, the financial impact of drug addiction is staggering. Even these figures do not address the real impact of drug addiction. Each individual struggling with a drug problem impacts the lives of many others — parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, sons or daughters.

>>> READ THIS NEXT:Start with Detox

 

Despite these facts above, drug experimentation is still quite common.

  • Marijuana remains the most commonly abused drug in the nation, with over 52 percent of Americans over age 18 trying marijuana at some point in their lives.7
  • 24.6 million people have used illicit drugs in the past month.
  • 6.5 million people have used prescription drugs in the past month (for non-medical uses)8

Effective Treatment Is Available

Skywood signThankfully, there is good news for anyone who struggles with a drug problem. Here at Skywood we offer the highest quality treatment available to help you live a life without drugs. You no longer have to continue to abuse drugs. You can get the help you need today. It all starts with a simple phone call.

If you are concerned about the costs or insurance details, please call 269.280.4673 now, and one of our caring admissions coordinators will answer all of your questions. He or she will provide you with the information you need to help you move forward. This simple phone call could change your life forever. Please call today.


Sources

1 Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 17 July 2018.

2 Miller, Sara G. “Drug Use in America: What the Numbers Say.” LiveScience. Web. 2 Aug. 2017.

3 Drug Overdose Deaths in the Untied States, 1999-2015.” Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 17 July 2018.

4 Brodwin, Erin. “Deaths From Opioid Overdoses Have Jumped — And One Age Group Is Being Affected At Stark Rates.” Business Insider. Accessed 17 July 2018.

5 Sarlin, Eric. “As Opioid Use Disorders Increased, Prescriptions for Treatment Did Not Keep Pace.” National Institute On Drug Abuse. Accessed 17 July 2018.

6 Facts About Drugs.” National Council On Alcoholism And Drug Dependence, Inc. Accessed 17 July 2018.

7 O’Hara, Mary Emily. “New Poll Finds Majority of Americans Have Smoked Marijuana.” NBC News. Accessed 17 July 2018.

8 Nationwide Trends.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. Accessed 17 July 2018.