Call 888-647-0579 to speak with an alcohol or drug abuse counselor.

Who Answers?

Drug and Alcohol Abuse is Now One of Top American Health Problems

If there was a disease suffered by one out of every ten Americans over twelve years of age, wouldn’t you agree that this disease was raging out of control? That’s exactly the situation that exists with drug abuse and dependence.

The government agency that monitors the statistics on drug abuse and dependence is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA). In 2006, SAMHSA estimated that more than twenty-two million Americans were suffering from drug or alcohol abuse or drug or alcohol dependence. This compares to the Centers for Disease Control’s estimate of 1.1 million Americans who are HIV positive and it’s twice the number of people who suffered from all types of cancer combined.

SAMHSA classifies a person as suffering from abuse or dependence when that person has health or emotional problems associated with substance use, unsuccessful attempts to cut down on usage, they have developed a tolerance (meaning more drugs must be taken to get the same effect), they experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to cut down or stop, or they have experienced one of a number of negative changes in their lives as a result of using the substance, such as damage to job, school or family. These are the people who need drug or alcohol rehabilitation treatment to be able to resume a productive, enjoyable life.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of these people did not receive treatment because they didn’t feel they needed it. According to SAMHSA, a full 95.5 percent of those who needed treatment did not feel it was needed.

“This is what we hear from families every day,” said Ryan Thorpe, Director of Admissions at Narconon Arrowhead, one of the country’s leading drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, located in Canadian, Oklahoma. “And it’s one of the most tragic aspects of addiction. Drug and alcohol abuse lowers a person’s awareness, including their awareness of needing to get help. We work with families every day who must convince their addicted loved one to get the help they so badly need.”
_____
source: PR Urgent

More Treatment & Detox Articles

Al-Anon 12-Step Recovery Program: Love It Or Leave It

For those who don’t know or have never heard of Al-anon, it is a 12-step recovery program that is the counter-part to the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step recovery program. It was initiated by Lois Wilson (the wife of Bill Wilson; one of the original founders of Alcoholics Anonymous) as a safe haven and support group for….

100 college presidents seek debate on drinking age

College presidents from about 100 of the nation’s best-known universities, including Duke, Dartmouth and Ohio State, are calling on lawmakers to consider lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18, saying current laws actually encourage dangerous binge drinking on campus. The movement called the Amethyst Initiative began quietly recruiting presidents more than a year ago….

Change Behaviors & Avoid Addiction

Certain behaviors put you at a greater risk of becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol and while you cannot change your past, you cannot change your genes and you cannot change your family, you can change your behaviors. By recognizing your behaviors and those that are placing you at an increased risk of addiction, you….

The Painful Truth about Heroin Detox

Thousands of heroin uses claim that they don’t get treatment for their addiction simply because they are too afraid of having to go through withdrawal during detox. In fact, many would rather use heroin and remain addicted to this deadly drug than actually deal with the pain and discomforts that come during withdrawal. The truth….

What to Look for in Residential Treatment Centers

Choosing to get help for your addiction is a difficult decision as it is and to make things even more difficult you are faced with having to decide which type of treatment will be best for you. For most addicts, residential treatment centers provide the most significant care and the best chance for a full….