Drug Addiction Facts & Statistics
Drug addict statistics show that illicit drug use and addiction have generally been increasing in the United States since the 1990s. In 2013, a SAMHSA survey showed that around 24 million Americans over age 12 had used an illicit drug in the previous month. In 2014, drug addiction facts from a Centers for Disease Control survey showed that 10% of the population over age 12 had used an illicit drug in the past month.
Among the youth population, drug addiction facts and statistics indicate that alcohol is the most commonly abused substance. Drug use tends to be highest among people in their 20s and late teens, but it has been increasing among people in their 50s and 60s. Marijuana has the highest rates of dependence after alcohol. Drug abuse facts and statistics show that 4.2 million Americans had a clinical dependence in 2013. But perhaps the most concerning drug addiction statistics are the ones that indicate a treatment gap. In 2013, around 22 million Americans needed treatment for substance abuse or addiction, but only 2.5 million received treatment at a rehab facility.
Treating addiction at a rehab facility is by far the safest and most successful option for drug addiction recovery. Detoxing with medical assistance and learning how to change negative behaviors with professional help can save a great deal of pain and time.
Preventing Drug Addiction
Addiction and drug abuse often start at a young age, but there are a few prevention methods that have been proven successful at keeping youth from becoming part of the drug addiction statistics. The three most common youth drug use prevention methods are education, entertainment, and mentoring. The more teens learn about drug addiction facts, the more opportunities they have to understand these substances’ life-changing effects. Education can empower teens to make good choices and seek help more quickly.
Many teens begin using drugs because they are bored or wander the streets after school, where they are influenced by peers to buy drugs. Recreational centers and entertainment programs can offer teens positive and healthy ways to spend their time. And mentoring programs offer teens a supportive person to act as a role model. Mentors can help kids deal with major life events in positive ways and prevent loneliness.
Find Drug Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, contact BetterAddictionCare for assistance finding the best drug addiction program for you. Our client care specialists will help you create an individualized plan for recovery at an accredited, cost-effective rehab center. We can find inpatient or outpatient treatment at a facility near you. Call now or fill out our contact form. BetterAddictionCare will help you get sober and start healing.
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