Addiction is known as a complex brain disorder characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. An individual that struggles with substance abuse and/ or addiction prioritize his or her substance use above all else. This can wreck havoc on all areas of an individual’s life (i.e. relationships, work life, finances…etc.). According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), addiction is a relapsing disorder. When an individual who has consciously refrained from using drugs or alcohol for a period of time returns to using, this is known as a relapse. Hence, relapsing during treatment for substance abuse and/ or addiction, or anytime post treatment, is highly common. Recovery from substance abuse and addiction is a lifelong process.
Statistics
The statistical analyses related to substance abuse, addiction, and treatment in America is vast. There are several statistics that are both poignant and surprising regarding substance abuse and addiction treatment and recovery in America. Below are a variety of notable examples:
- Nearly 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, but only 10% receive treatment, as asserted by Addiction Center.
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse conducted research that found between forty and sixty percent of individuals recovering from substance abuse and/or drug addiction relapsed at least once.
- According to the National Library of Medicine, two out of three people return to drug use within weeks of beginning addiction treatment.
- Killing approximately 44,000 people every year, Medscape asserts that drug overdoses have reached the number one cause for injury-related death in the US.
- Overdose deaths in America have more than tripled since 1990.
- The US government spends over $15 billion on substance abuse services, according to The New York Times.
- As per The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, US society is responsible for drug and alcohol related costs that exceed $400 billion, annually.
- There are currently over 14,500 specialized substance abuse treatment facilities in America.
- According to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, addiction is considered to be a highly treatable disease, and recovery is attainable.
- In 2018, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration published a survey that indicated approximately 20.7 million people over the age of twelve needed treatment for substance use disorder. Of that 20.7 million people, 19 percent (approximately four million) received treatment.
- AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) has more than two million members, with over 120,000 groups in more than 175 countries around the world.
- There is no clear number indicating an exact percentage of addicts that successfully recover, but studies report a success rate anywhere from 30 to 50%.
- At least one third of individuals struggling with alcoholism successfully recover.
- Reports indicate that using prescription drugs to assist with recovery from alcohol dependency, in combination with treatment raises one’s success rate to 50 percent.
- There are over 700,000 Americans that seek treatment for substance abuse and/or addiction, daily.
It is important to note that while statistics can shed light on important information, they are also generalizations. Statistics regarding the various successes of treatment for substance abuse and addiction as well as recovery or lack thereof should never dissuade someone from seeking help. Every individual is different and will have differing combinations of recovery methods that work best. Fortunately, America has a plethora of different kinds of support available to individuals in need of substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to substance abuse and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one.
