Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people and is getting worse every year. It can ruin lives, destroy families, and lead to death.
The United States is facing a crisis where an estimated 23.5 million people struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Overdose deaths from opioids have quadrupled since 19991, and alcohol-related deaths have increased by almost 50% since 20062. While these statistics are shocking, what’s even more surprising is that only 10% of those people receive treatment3.
Addiction rates are highest among young adults, and many people struggling with addiction are not getting the help they need. While many factors contribute to someone developing an addiction, the most important thing to remember is that addiction is a chronic disease that requires treatment. And while many treatment options are available, not all effectively solve this problem.
A Closer Look:
- There are over 14,000 drug & alcohol treatment centers in the US, yet overdose fatalities steadily increase.1
- 91% of patients in residential treatment for heroin ultimately relapse — 59% within a week of discharge2
- Across all substances, only 17% of detox patients and 18% of outpatient patients remain sober after five years.3
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a disease that affects people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is a “chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.” The term “addiction” is often used to refer to substance abuse and compulsive behaviors.
But, with the right treatment, people can recover and live happy, healthy lives.
This is why we’re here.
Looking for Help?
If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, now is the time to seek help. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit their website for more information: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
1. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html
2. https://www.shadac.org/news/us-alcohol-related-deaths-grew-nearly-50-two-decades
3. https://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov/key-findings/early-intervention
4. https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/202110260320
5. http://archive.imj.ie/ViewArticleDetails.aspx?ArticleID=5093 & https://drugabuse.com/drugs/heroin/relapse
6. https://www.theclearingnw.com/blog/6-reasons-drug-alcohol-rehab-success-rates-are-so-low