The issue of substance abuse can be overwhelming, yet you might also feel that you know everything about it. Following up on addiction statistics, studies, and new data is a great way to stay informed. For someone currently in recovery, it is imperative to have an understanding of the current statistics on drug addiction. This can help the patient determine where they are in their journey. In this post, we’ll go over 7 surprising addiction statistics and point out what can be learned from them.
7. Substance abuse disorder is common and undertreated.
Of the over twenty million people in the United States diagnosed with substance abuse disorder in 2019, only 10.3% received any treatment. But this statistic is not straightforward, there is a disparity in resources. Some treatment centers benefit from a greater abundance of resources to offer clients, while others struggle with a lack of options.
Worrying about whether or not they can find treatment is normal, but it is important to look for help anyway. The best thing one can do is help to raise that 10.3% and continue on the recovery process.
6. Mixed drugs are still a problem.
From 2011 to 2021, the rate of drug overdose deaths involving both cocaine and opioids increased more quickly than the rate of overdose deaths involving cocaine without opioids. What this means is as time passed, more people have been mixing drugs. Combining cocaine and opioids, also known as speedballing, can increase the risk of death from a stroke, heart attack, aneurysm, or respiratory failure.
Recovering from substance abuse disorder is very difficult, and will take time and effort. Statistics like this can help us remember why it is important to focus on recovery.
5. Opioids are still a big problem.
24.7% of people with a drug disorder have an opioid disorder, including both prescription pain relievers and heroin. The Opioid Crisis is an ongoing problem, negatively impacting many lives. Sadly, the issue of opioid addiction is common, however, there are resources that can help. Recently, there have been educational efforts to prepare the public, clinicians, and first responders to safely confront opioid use. With increasing public awareness and efforts made to address the ongoing problem, there is hope for the future.
4. Illicit drugs are not an adult-only problem.
The 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 61.2 million people as young as 12 had used illicit drugs that year. 21.9%of the population at the time. Not only is illicit drug use common, these dangerous substances are easily accessible. For some, their struggle with substance abuse disorder can start pretty early.
Conversely, this means that some people will start their recovery pretty early, too.
“A lower likelihood of substance abuse does not necessarily make you safe from addiction.”
3. Young men are more susceptible to substance abuse disorder.
In the last year, 22% of males and 17% of females used illicit substances or misused prescriptions. Furthermore, drug use is highest among people between the ages of 18-25, at 39%. In other words, younger men are more likely to use and therefore make up more of the population struggling with substance abuse disorder.
If you are a young man, it is important to be aware of this risk. If you are a young woman, it is also important to be aware that a lower likelihood of substance abuse does not make you safe from addiction.
2. Prescription drugs aren’t safer just because they’re also medicine.
While amphetamines may be used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy, they also have a history of being abused. For example, 614,000 teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 have admitted to abusing Adderall. and this isn’t safe. If you have been using prescription drugs in a way they aren’t supposed to be used, you are putting yourself in danger. This practice is very common and like with any drug, treatment is available for you.
1. Addiction won’t always be the only thing you have to deal with.
3.8 % of adults over the age of 18 experience both a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness. That is 9.5 million adults. For example, an addict may struggle with both depression and alcohol addiction. The experience is so common that healthcare professionals have begun to expect them to co-occur. In this case, recovering from addiction will be more than treating the addiction. The patient will also have to treat their mental illness as well. This process is known as Dual Diagnosis and involves addressing both afflictions at the same time. While this may seem complicated, it is quite effective and helpful on the road to recovery.
Understand the Path to Sobriety with Purposes Recovery
Understanding addiction statistics can help you figure out where you are on your own personal recovery journey. There are many different experiences of addiction. Whatever yours may be, it’s important to remember that there are different paths to recovery as well.
There is no shame in seeking help. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, Purposes Recovery has the resources to help. If you’re looking for an LA-based medical detox, call our toll-free number today to see what options are available for you.
