Drug and alcohol addiction is a growing problem in the United States today. While addiction has existed since the beginning of modern man, the stresses placed on adults today is causing these numbers to skyrocket. Knowing these drug addiction statistics can help individuals understand exactly how dangerous addictive substances can be. If you or a loved one is battling addiction or substance use, you need to read this article.
Over 20 Million Americans Battle Addiction
First and foremost, if you’re dealing with addiction or know someone who is, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Nearly 20 million other individuals are in the same boat. While some will attempt to recover, millions of others will never seek treatment. Living with an addiction can feel overwhelming and isolating. Working through group therapy at an addiction treatment center or with a local 12 step group can help you see that you’re not alone.
Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction is Costly
Not only could prescription drug abuse cost someone his or her life, but in the meantime, it costs millions of dollars in healthcare each year. Americans shelled out over $26 million in healthcare costs as a result of opioid addiction and abuse in 2013 alone.
It’s unfortunately easy to overdose on prescription opioids. Taking too high of a dose, too many of these drugs, or mixing them with other substances can quickly lead to deadly consequences.
Polysubstance Abuse is a Serious Problem
Using two types of drugs or drugs and alcohol together can be dangerous. In particular, mixing two depressants together can cause your breathing to slow or stop, leading to brain damage or death. On the other hand, mixing stimulants and depressants together can make it so that you don’t feel the effects of one or the other, even when you’ve taken way too much. Over 18% of people who were admitted to addiction treatment centers in 2008 had a polysubstance use problem.
Co-Occurring Illnesses are Common
Did you know that nearly 7 million of the 20 million Americans with addictions also have another mental health disorder? These are known as co-occurring illnesses and require treatment together. Dual diagnosis treatment helps individuals overcome the addiction and manage the mental health disorder to avoid relapse after treatment.
Since addiction can feed mental health problems and vice versa, treating the two simultaneously is the best way to ensure overall health and well being.
Heroin Accounts for the Second Highest Number of Overdose Deaths
Unsurprisingly, heroin falls right behind prescription opioids for the number of overdose deaths in the US. Together, these opiate-based drugs make for the most dangerous substances in the country. In fact, nearly 15,500 people died of a heroin overdose in 2016. This number doesn’t include the individuals who overdosed but were able to be revived by emergency personnel.
Don’t Add to These Drug Addiction Statistics
If you or a loved one has an addiction or is headed in that direction, it’s never too early to reach out for help. Contact Crestview Recovery today at 866.262.0531 for more information on drug addiction statistics as well as our addiction programs.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
