STATISTICS

MORE THAN AN EPIDEMIC

Every year, new statistics come out reflecting the effects of drugs and alcohol. I’m constantly shocked by all the new data that comes out from various sources. From the number of affected individuals, to the rises in prescriptions, to the deaths. The worst part, it’s getting worse.

This is no longer an epidemic, this is a massacre.

Here are some statistics from credible sources that reflect the nightmare that is a reality for so many people.

Drug and Addiction Use Data

• Approximately 172 people a day die from a  drug-overdose related cause. If people dying from alcohol addiction related-causes was included this number, it would be over 400 people per day in the U.S. (NIDA)
• The opioid addiction crisis costs the US approximately $78.5 billion annually. (NIDA)
• Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them. (NIDA)
• An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin. (NIDA)
• In 2017, 76% (18.7 Million) people ages 18 and older has a substance use disorder (SAMHSA NSDUH, 2018)
• In 2017, Marijuana was the most used drug, with 40.9 Million users… (SAMHSA)
• In 2017,  there were 11.4 million people with opioid misuse, which is 4.2% of the total population! (SAMHSA)
• Meanwhile, while we are focusing on the opioid crisis, there were increases in the prevalence of use in 2017 of methamphetamine, marijuana, and LSD.
• SAMHSA DATA: PAST YEAR, 2017, 18+ (age) (below)

Among those with a substance use disorder:

• 3 IN 8 (36.4%) struggled with illicit drugs
• 3 IN 4 (75.2%) struggled with alcohol use
• 1 IN 9 (11.5%) struggled with illicit drugs and

*All data is sourced from the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) at NIH and SAMHSA (HHS).