Dealing With Substance Abuse and Alcoholism

Drug abuse and alcoholism are on the rise in the country, with latest government stats revealing that nearly 23 million Americans—almost one in 10—are addicted to alcohol or other drugs. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) says that more than 50 percent of all adults in the U.S. have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking, and “more than 7 million children live in a household where at least one parent is dependent on or has abused alcohol.” This is not a very happy picture. There is always a rush of patients in drug abuse treatment centers receiving treatment for drug addiction and alcoholism. 

Addiction of any sort hijacks the brain and addicts become mere pawns at the hands of the addiction. Whether it is a substance abuse or alcoholism, addiction exerts a powerful influence on the brain. It increases the craving in addicts, leads to loss of self-control and continuing abuse, despite adverse effects. Eventually they have to end up in drug rehab centers for treatment. 

Addiction is not just an individual scourge; it also costs the nation dearly. It is estimated that substance abuse in the United States costs the country more than a whopping $600 billion annually. Approximately, $193 billion of this is for illicit drugs, $193 billion for tobacco, and $235 billion for alcohol. There is loss of productivity and crime-related costs induced by addiction. 

However, addiction is treatable and people can regain their lives with proper treatment. There is no dearth of reputed alcohol outpatient treatment centers where drug addicts and alcoholics get treated regularly.  

If a loved one in the family is a victim of drug addiction or alcoholism, call our 24/7 helpline number on (855) 441-4405. With round the clock assistance from members of 247 Recovery Helpline, treatment is just a call away.