Facts About Substance Abuse
Addiction is considered a chronic, relapsing disease that is often progressive and fatal.
Impaired control, preoccupation, and use despite adverse consequences characterize substance dependence.
Substance abuse /dependence is a major public health problem in the U.S. with an estimated annual total cost to society of $245 billion.
In 1997, of 90,000 cases arrested through Central Booking in Baltimore City, over 80% had a positive drug screen.
The misuse of alcohol and drugs interferes with all areas of an individual's life, including physical and mental health, family, occupational, and social.
Young men are at greatest risk for developing substance use disorders.
Genetics influence an individual's risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. If one has a parent who is an alcoholic, he/she has a three times greater risk of being alcoholic.
Individuals with substance use disorders are at high risk for developing co-morbid medical and psychiatric syndromes.
Substance abusers are much more likely to attempt and successfully complete suicide.
Effective treatments exist for individuals with substance use disorders.
Compliance and treatment success rates are as good for addiction treatment as for other chronic illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
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