22.5 million Americans 12+ were using illicit drugs in the last month
According to information collected by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 22.5 million Americans over the age of 12 were using illicit drugs in the last month. This equates to roughly 8.7 percent of people over the age of 12. Of those who admitted to have used illicit drugs in the last month, approximately 18.1 million used marijuana, 6.1 million used psychotherapeutics, 1.4 million used cocaine, 1 million used hallucinogens, 0.6 million used inhalants and 0.3 million used heroin.
A majority of those surveyed used drugs recreationally or for non-medical reasons, but many others used them because they were dependent on the substance or were struggling with addiction. When substance abuse begins to take over your life, the best course of action is to seek help from a professional rehab facility. If you are worried about your drug use or that of a loved one, we can help you make the change. Call the National Drug Helpline now to take the first step.
Addiction is Complicated.
Addiction is complicated, and some people are even more susceptible to addiction and dependence. The following factors may increase your likelihood of having a drug or alcohol addiction:
- Family members who have struggled with addiction
- An abusive or neglectful childhood
- Mental health issues, including depression
- The use of drugs at a relatively young age
All kinds of people can struggle with addiction regardless of whether or not these risk factors are prevalent in their lives. Calling a substance abuse hotline for yourself or for a loved one can be a difficult decision to make. It’s not always easy admitting that you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction. Just know that addiction can happen to anyone at any point in life. Some substances have a risk of being addictive, including commonly prescribed medications and painkillers. The opiate and opioid epidemic our nation is facing is due in part to the medications and painkillers that are being prescribed to everyday people.
Also, substances such as alcohol are legal and are constantly marketed to adults. Alcohol is commonly abused due to the easy access and the lack of stigma around binge drinking and partaking in social events such as happy hours. Alcohol may be the most difficult substance addiction to diagnose due to the close ties it has to social events. Alcoholism is actually very common and over consumption could have serious adverse effects on health. If you feel that you or someone may be struggling with addiction, call our substance abuse hotline.
