While we are all aware of how dangerous drug addiction and alcoholism truly are, you might not begin to understand how truly severe these problems can be until you take a look at the facts of the matter. For example, did you know that, in 2011 alone, 20.6 million people over 12 years of age suffered from some form of substance addiction (not including tobacco products)? Over the past 20 years, 100 people have died from drug-related overdoses in the United States, while 5 million emergency room visits stemmed from abuse/addiction. Add to that staggering amounts of people who suffer from a combination affliction (alcohol and drugs simultaneously), and you will realize that this is one of the most debilitating and severe mental illnesses on the planet. However, the good news is that it is also one of the most easily preventable. Let’s take a closer look at the statistics concerning addiction rates of alcohol and tobacco in the United States.
Alcohol
Simply put, alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs on the planet but, ironically, is 100% legal. In fact, you could easily consider booze to be one of the most widely dispersed and regulated addictive substances in the world. Although rates of addiction and abuse have fallen since 2011, alcohol is still a detrimental cause of death and destruction:
- 1% of men 12 years and older engage in heavy drinking (5 or more drinks), while 2.6% of women admitted to doing this.
- 11% of Americans have driven while under the influence of alcohol.
- 6 million people (out of 16.6 million alcoholics) also suffer from dependency on an illegal substance.
- 95% of people suffering from alcoholism do not believe they need help.
- Alcohol is the most common source of more drug treatment compared to other drugs.
Tobacco Products
Like alcohol, tobacco products are one of the most dangerous and widespread legal drugs, particularly the infamous “death sticks” called cigarettes. As you may have guessed, tobacco produces some of the most severe forms of chemical dependency. Here is a look at how this drug affects the United States:
- Our country spends an estimated $190 billion on tobacco-related costs.
- In 2011, the rate of drug abuse increased by 9.5 for teens who smoked cigarettes.
- Tobacco is the source of more deaths in the U.S. than the combination of all other drugs.
- Tobacco users have a propensity for alcohol and illegal drug use.
- Chain smokers have reduced by 13% among 18 to 25-year olds since 2002.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse, Alcohol Abuse, or Addiction
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
