Substance Abuse Affects An Estimated 25 Million Americans

Substance abuse affects an estimated 25 million Americans. This includes the individual abusing the substance, as well as others that are indirectly affected by the substance abuse, such as: friends and family of the abuser as well as people injured or killed in accidents related to substance abuse impairment. There are 16 million adults that are considered alcoholics (heavy drinkers) and almost 300,000 people under the age 18 (Mental Health America, 2015). Alcoholism relapses are common. After completing a treatment program more than 60% of alcoholics drink within the first 90 days after treatment and on average only 1 or 2 remain abstinent 1 year after treatment (Maurer Smith, 2009). The use of resources such as Alcoholics Anonymous support, along with a supportive social network, and adequate socioeconomic support has a positive correlation with lasting abstinence and decreased numbers of reoccurrence for alcoholics. With these statistics it is evident that the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse, in general are in high demand today. Substance abuse treatment facilities are funded primarily by federal block grants to individual states, along with state and federal taxes. The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) inpatient facilities has decreased significantly and now is primarily in outpatient services. Hospitals have closed their specialty detoxification units, leaving the options for alcoholics of social service agencies, self-help groups, jails, someShow MoreRelatedThe Abuse Affects An Estimated 25 Million Americans844 Words   |  4 PageslSubstance abuse affects an estimated 25 million Americans. This includes the individual abusing the substance as well as others that are indirectly affected by the substance abuse, such as: friends and family of the abuser as well as people injured or killed in accidents related to substance abuse impairment. There are 16 million adults who are considered alcoholics (heavy drinkers) and almost 300,000 people under the age 18 (Mental Health America, 2015). Alcoholism relapse is common. After completingRead MoreDrug Abuse On The United States Essay1344 Words   |  6 PagesDrug Abuse on the Rise in the Community â€Å"In 2014, nearly two million Americans either abused or were dependent on prescription opioid pain relievers (â€Å"Injury Prevention and Control: Opioid Overdose,† 2016.)† The CDC is now saying that the United States is in an epidemic. The purpose of this paper is to explore the increasing drug use in the United States over the last decade. 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