Alcohol and Drug Abuse are ongoing issues, especially for those with emotional disabilities. When mental health issues and substances collide, it can result in death. It is important to educate ourselves on these issues, so that we can recognize the warning signs and get help when needed. September is National Alcohol and Drug Recovery Month, and in honor of this important month, here are some surprising statistics I recently read about Alcohol and Drug Abuse:
- More than 3 million people use Cocaine
- Nearly half of all drug-related emergency room visits involve cocaine abuse
- More than 10 million people abuse prescription medication
- More than 40 people per day drive from drunk driving accidents, approximately 16,000 people per year
- Alcohol is the leading risk factor in deaths of males 15-59
- Alcohol dependence and abuse costs $220 billion per year
- 17.6 million people, or about 1 in 12 adults, abuse alcohol or are alcohol dependent
According to National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2009, 51.9% of Americans age 12 and older had used alcohol at least once in the 30 days prior to being surveyed:
- 23.7% had binged (5+ drinks within 2 hours)
- 6.8% drank heavily (5+ drinks on 5+ occasions)
- In the 12-17 age range, 14.7% had consumed at least one drink in the 30 days prior to being surveyed, 8.8% had binged; and 2.1% drank heavily.
The NIDA-funded 2010 Monitoring the Future Study showed that:
- 13.8% of 8th graders, 28.9% of 10th graders, and 41.2% of 12th graders had consumed at least one drink in the 30 days prior to being surveyed
- 5.0% of 8th graders, 14.7% of 10th graders, and 26.8% of 12th graders had been drunk.
Related Articles to ‘Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Know the Facts’
Aspects of Behavioral Disorders
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Definitions and Challenges