Drug Addiction Facts
Working in Utah substance abuse treatment, therapists and other professionals must keep abreast of the latest statistics and trends in drug abuse. What many people do not know, however, is that a lot of these facts apply to people who aren’t even involved in drug abuse in any way.
Some of the most unpleasant facts about drug addiction may be surprising to most readers. One of these facts is that in the United States, everyone pays the price for addiction and drug abuse. Because 1 out of 10 individuals is an addict, the healthcare, occupational, legal, accident, and life costs affect the rest of the population as well.
How much exactly does this cost? Americans spend approximately $484 billion every year on health costs, lost wages, traffic accidents, crime, and court expenses all due to the abuse of drugs. While some may argue that not very many traffic accidents are caused by those using drugs, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration actually reports that 10 to 22% of car accidents involve drivers on drugs.
Referring to the crimes related to drug use, again not all are connected. But the number of them that are is truly shocking. At least half of suspects arrested for violent crimes are under the influence at the time of arrest.
Another statistic on violence, child abuse is a major contributing factor leading to drug abuse and addiction. Almost 2/3rds of all people in drug rehab treatment report that they were physically or sexually abused as children.
Another key factor in drug abuse is stress. Many addicts and alcoholics struggle with the healthy expression of feelings, mainly sadness and anger, and are nearly inept at managing stress. Most people who are related to or close to an addict are impacted by this unmanaged stress and anger.
Each month, 7 million people abuse prescription drugs, meaning that they use them in a way that is not prescribed or for a purpose, or person, that the drugs were not prescribed for. Pain pills are the most common, with 5.2 million abusing prescription painkillers. The rest mainly abuse benzodiazepines, like Xanax, and stimulant drugs, like Ritalin. Almost no one’s medicine cabinet is completely safe.
For those who would like to believe that these facts of drug abuse do not affect them, it may be alarming to note that every year, in the United States, about 10.2 million drivers are driving under the influence of illicit drugs. That doesn’t even count alcohol or mind-altering prescription drugs. So, next time you’re out on the road, drive aware.
For more information contact a Utah Drug Rehab center near you. Utah Drug Rehab centers are great at answering questions and helping those who might be struggling with any form of drug abuse.
