Addiction Recovery - Drug and Alcohol
Facts About Addiction: The Major Facts and Figures About Drug & Alcohol Addiction
Facts About Addiction: Here's some basic facts about drug and alcohol addiction, from what it is to how it's treated. Learn more in our blog.
Written by
Brian MooreContent Writer
Reviewed by
Jeremy ArztChief Clinical Officer
Addiction Recovery
Drug and Alcohol
October 30, 2023
A growing problem that plagues millions of people in the US is drug and alcohol addiction.
It's a disease that does not discriminate and can destroy lives and families. There are many statistics about addiction to substances like drugs, which can be alarming. However, it is a very complex and multi-faceted issue.
Facts About Addiction: Where Do Drug Statistics Come From?
Many national organizations such as SAMSHA, FDA, CDC, and NIDA conduct periodic surveys and data collection to provide insights into drug addiction and its prevalence in society.
Some of the most staggering statistics come from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), which reports that over 70,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2017 alone. This is a significant increase from previous years, showing that drug addiction is still a major problem in our society.
Facts About Addiction: Drug & Alcohol Addiction By the Numbers
Addiction statistics never fail to be alarming.
SAMHSA (The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) reports that over 2 million people required substance abuse treatment in 2017. This number has also been increasing in recent years, indicating an increase in the number of people struggling with addiction.
According to the FDA, SAMHSA, and CDC, nearly 21 million people in the United States suffer from addiction. That's one in every twelve adults. And of those 21 million, only 10 percent will ever receive treatment.
The numbers are even higher for specific demographics. For example, the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) reports that Native Americans have the highest rate of drug addiction, followed by Caucasians and African Americans. Women are also more likely to develop a habit than men.
While these numbers may seem daunting, it is required to remember that many people are successfully recovering from addiction every day. With proper treatment and support, it might be possible to overcome this disease.
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Facts About Addiction: What Is Addiction to Drugs?
As drug addiction has multiple facets, most experts agree that it's a disorder with both psychological and physiological characteristics:
It is a disease of the brain that keeps coming back and one where an individual compulsively seeks drugs, despite harmful consequences.
It is a brain ailment because it causes alterations to the way the human brain functions. These alterations can last long and can end up in behaving harmfully.
People addicted to drugs compulsively seek out and use drugs, even when they know it is harmful. This is because drug addiction alters the brain in ways that make quitting difficult, despite the negative consequences.
Over time, drug addiction can end up in other major health issues, which include heart disease, liver disease, and mental health problems, or probably cause death.
Treatment for drug addiction usually includes counseling, support groups, and medication. However, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for drug addiction; what works for one person may not work for another.
Facts About Addiction: Is Drug Addiction a Disease?
The answer to this question is yes. It is a disease that relapses and compels an individual to seek and use drugs despite negative consequences. Addiction to drugs is also a progressive disease, meaning it can get worse over time when left untreated, which can cause disability or even death.
Several reasons contribute to the development of drug addiction. These include genetics, family history, mental health, and environmental factors. Drug addiction is not a choice; it is a disease that requires treatment.
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Facts About Addiction: How Does Addiction Develop?
Many factors can contribute to drug addiction. One of the most common is a person's environment. For example, someone growing up in an abusive or neglectful home may turn to drugs to endure the pain.
Other causes of drug addiction include trauma, mental illness, and poverty. People who have experienced trauma, such as abuse or witnessing violence, are more likely to become addicted to drugs. This is because they may use drugs to numb the pain of their memories. Mental illness paves the way to drug addiction, as people may self-medicate to relieve their symptoms.
Finally, poverty can also be a factor, as people may turn to drugs to escape the brutal realities of their lives.
No matter what the cause, it's always crucial to be mindful that being addicted to drugs is a disease and requires treatment.
Facts About Addiction: Six Signs of Drug Addiction
There are many red flags of addiction, but some are easier to see than others:
Feeling drug withdrawal symptoms when you’re not taking drugs.
Reliably using more drugs to feel the same effects.
Failed attempts to reduce or abstain from drug use.
The process of getting, consuming, and recouping from the effects of drug use.
Not being able to focus on anything but drug use.
Continuing to use drugs despite negative outcomes.
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How to Help Someone with a Drug Addiction
When an individual has to struggle with drug addiction, it's crucial to get immediate help. It is a major problem that may cause physical and mental health problems, job loss, financial problems, and social isolation.
There are many ways to get help for drug addiction. Here are some options:
Talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can help you understand your options and find the best treatment plan.
Join a support group. Support groups provide emotional and practical support for people dealing with addiction.
Go to therapy. Therapy can help you understand the root causes of your addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Enter a treatment program. Treatment programs provide structure and support while you detoxify and recover from addiction.
Get involved in community service or 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These programs can provide support and accountability as you recover from addiction.
Facts About Addiction: Drug Addiction Treatment
There are many drug addiction treatment options available today. Treatment for drug addiction can be customized to fit the needs of the individual. Drug addiction treatment may include behavioral therapy, medication, and other support services.
Behavioral therapy is one of the most common types of drug addiction treatment. This therapy helps patients identify and change the behaviors that lead to drug use. Behavioral therapy may also help patients cope with withdrawal symptoms and triggers that may cause relapse.
Medication may also be used as part of drug addiction treatment. Medication can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Working with a medical professional to find the right medication for each patient is important. Some medications used to treat drug addiction include:
Antabuse (disulfiram)
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Facts About Addiction: What Is Drug Rehab?
Drug rehab is a place where people with addiction problems can go to get help. There are many different types of drug rehabs, but they all have one goal: to help people stop using drugs and get their lives back on track.
Drug rehabs offer various services, including counseling, group therapy, and medical care. Most programs last for 30 days, but some may last longer. During treatment, people in rehab learn how to manage their addiction and make lifestyle changes that will help them stay sober after they leave rehab.
What Services Do Drug Rehabs Offer?
Drug rehab can offer various services to help you overcome your addiction and get on the road to recovery. These services may include detoxification, counseling, and therapy. Detoxification can help you rid your body of the toxins associated with drug use. Counseling can assist drug users in identifying the underlying causes of their addiction and developing coping mechanisms to deal with them.
Finally, therapy can help you work through the emotions associated with addiction and learn healthy ways of stress management.
Who Can Benefit From Drug Rehab?
The struggle with drug addiction is real, and attending a drug rehab can be an extremely beneficial decision. Drug rehab can provide you with the resources and support needed to overcome your addiction and get your life back on track.
There are a variety of different programs and services that drug rehabs offer, so there is sure to be a good fit for you. Drug rehab can provide counseling, group support, medical care, and more. Therefore, it is essential to find
When you are ready to take control of your life and get sober, attending a drug rehab is a significant first step. It is essential to remember that recovery is a process that takes time and effort. But when you are willing to put in the work, then drug rehab can help you achieve your goals.
Facts About Addiction: What Are the Success Rates of Drug Rehabs?
The success rates of drug rehabs can vary depending on the type of facility and the program offered. For example, some outpatient programs may have a higher success rate than inpatient programs. In addition, some facilities may also provide detoxification services, which can help to reduce the chances of relapse.
It is crucial to remember that there is no universally applicable method for treating addiction. What helps one individual may not help another. It would help if you looked for a center that can provide you with a program specifically designed for your situation.
How to Choose a Drug Rehab
It is important to know that there are options for treatment while trying to manage your struggle with addiction. Drug rehab can provide the structure and support necessary to recover from addiction. But how do you choose a drug rehab?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a drug rehab.
The Type of Program
First, you need to decide what type of program you want. There are inpatient and outpatient programs available. Inpatient programs require the person struggling with addiction to live at the facility during treatment. Outpatient programs allow the person to live at home and come to the facility for treatments and sessions.
The Length of the Program
Second, you need to consider the length of the program. Drug rehab programs can last 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, or longer. The treatment length depends on the severity of the addiction and other factors, such as mental health issues or co-occurring disorders.
Remember, better outcomes are associated with longer stays in rehab.
Cost of the Program
Third, you need to consider the cost of the program. Drug rehab programs can be covered by insurance, but not all plans cover all types of treatment. Some programs may require private pay. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see what coverage they offer and research different payment options before deciding.
Location of the Program
Fourth, you need to consider the location of the program. Some people prefer staying close to home during treatment, while others may want to escape their current environment. There are drug rehab programs located across the country, so it is easy to find one that suits your needs.
Drug rehab can be an effective way to help you overcome addiction and get your life back on track. While being addicted to drugs, consider reaching out to a drug rehab center to see what they can do for you. You can start recovering from addiction and build a better future with the right treatment plan.
How to Stop Drug Addiction
Stopping drug addiction can be difficult, but it is possible. You can do several things to increase your chances of success.
The first step is to admit that you have a problem. This can be challenging, but it is essential. Once you have acknowledged that you have a problem, you can seek help.
There are several different treatment options available. You will need to find one that best suits your needs. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and rehabilitation programs.
You will also need to make lifestyle changes. This includes changing your diet, exercising more, and avoiding triggers that may cause you to use drugs again.
The Edge Treatment Center Provides Expert Care for Drug & Alcohol Addiction
Family-owned, The Edge Treatment Center has deep insights and experience in treating drug & alcohol addiction. We’ve carefully curated the ideal place to recover, providing a welcoming, trauma-informed space where the emotional roots of addiction can be explored carefully and safely.
We place special focus on community connections at The Edge, helping our clients foster friendships and social networks that will aid them in recovery for the rest of their lives. If you’d like to learn more about The Edge Treatment Center, just reach out today.
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If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.