Facts About Addiction

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Facts About Addiction

What Is An Addiction?

 

An addiction is the condition of being enslaved to a habit, practice, or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming. Addiction can have physical, psychological, emotional, and fatal effects.

 

The following are facts and percentages given about some of the most prevalent drugs in America.

 

Alcohol

·         According to a survey done by the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 75,000 deaths are attributed to alcohol consumption every year.

·         Approximately $184 billion is spent on alcohol related problems annually.

·         More than one-third of Americans say that alcohol has caused problems in their family.

·         A survey done by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) found that nearly 8 million people in the U.S. had the criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse.

·         Types of alcoholics fall into the following five subtypes according to the NIAAA:

1)      Young adult subtype accounts for approximately 32% of U.S. alcoholics beginning at age 24. They often binge drink on a regular basis, but drink less frequently.

2)      Young antisocial subtype accounts for 21% of U.S. alcoholics beginning at age 26. This group generally starts drinking around age 15 and become alcoholics around the age of 18. Over half of this group has antisocial personality disorder.

3)      Functional subtype comprises 19% of U.S. alcoholics that are typically middle-aged. This group is defined by how they typically consume 5 drinks or more throughout the day. A functioning alcoholic implies that these adults have an education, steady income, and stable relationships.

4)      Intermediate familial subtype claims approximately 19% of U.S. alcoholics. This group is defined by their relationships with close relatives that are also alcoholics.

5)      Chronic severe subtype claims around 9% of U.S alcoholics. Research shows that those in this subtype are middle-aged men that drink regularly, have few stable relationships, and are the most likely to also use illicit drugs.

 

Top Street Drugs

 

·         Marijuana is derived from the cannabis plant. The leaves are typically dried and then smoked or eaten to get a euphoric effect.

·         Methamphetamine (Meth) is most popularly used in the form of a crystalline hydrochloride to stimulate the nervous system. This drug can be attained medically and illicitly. Meth is commonly snorted, eaten or injected.

·         Alcohol is most popularly consumed in the form of beer, wine and liquor. (See above for more facts).

·         Prescription pills come in several forms. They are taken to attain different affects according to the type of drug. Some of these types include opioid pain relievers, barbiturates, codeine, morphine, methadone, amphetamines and methyl amphetamines. These drugs are used medically and illicitly.

·         Cocaine is derived from coca leaves and is used illicitly for its euphoric affects. Different forms of cocaine can be snorted, eaten or injected.

 

Statistics Regarding Drug Addiction/Alcoholism in the United States

 

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, drug addiction effects close to 12.8 million people in the United States. Research shows that starting from the age of twelve, 6% of the household population abuse the use of illegal substances regularly. The Journal of American Medical Association reported that 900,000 Americans die every year from substance abuse. 

 

What Causes An Addiction?

 

Causes of addiction are different for everyone. Some people choose to abuse a substance to cope with mental and emotional issues, others may be using a substance for medical reasons only to find that they need the substance even after their medical ordeal has finished. The important thing is to realize when you are dependent on a substance and take steps to rid your body of that dependency.

 

Common Co-Occurring Disorders

 

·         Depression is most commonly recognized by an intense feeling of sadness and dejection.

·         Anxiety is a physiological or physiological state that can create feelings of uncontrollable levels of fear, dread and worry.

·         Chronic pains afflict many different areas of the body as a result of substance abuse. Regular, reoccurring muscle pains, joint pain and head-aches are amongst the most typical forms of chronic pain caused by substance abuse.

 

Substance abuse and addiction has devastating effects on the user, as well as friends and family members that are involved in their life. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction and you know that it is time to get help, then a simple call to our 24-hour hotline can get you the answers that you are looking for.

 

CALL NOW and get the help that will change your life at 1-888-814-1881