You can find drug abuse statistics in all kinds of reports, magazine articles, and studies. All too often, however, those numbers don’t seem or feel real. Itโ€™s critical to see drug abuse statistics for what they are: insight into the drug epidemic in America.

How Many People Are Really Abusing Drugs?

Drug abuse isn’t something that only impacts city residents or young adults. Thatโ€™s a myth. The reality is that drug abuse and addiction targets all ages and all demographics.

Among teens and adults, more than 10% have used illicit drugs in the past month. This includes any illegal drug use as well as the inappropriate use of prescription drugs like opioid painkillers.

Is Substance Abuse a True Epidemic in America?

Sometimes, itโ€™s hard to understand the true scale of the drug addiction problem. It makes more sense when you take a look at the big picture: 200 million drug abusers. Far more people use drugs, but 200 million represents the number of people struggling with a drug abuse disorder. Sadly, many of these individuals will never receive appropriate treatment for recovery.

What’s Behind the Opioid Epidemic?

The factors leading to addiction are complex. However, thereโ€™s no denying that physicians are prescribing more opiates than ever before. In 2012, physicians and doctors in our country wrote over 300 million opioid prescriptions. That’s enough for every adult to receive their own bottle!

Clearly, the sheer number of prescriptions shows that many bottles are being abused or sold. Reducing the number of prescription might reduce the number of opioid users.

What Are the True Costs of Drug Addiction?

It’s no surprise that drug abuse and addiction are costly. Most people understand that drugs are expensive and that treatment can also cost money. However, thatโ€™s just a small part of the true cost.

By some estimates, drug addiction costs the American people more than $600 million. That represents nearly one-sixth of the total budget. This number includes paying for legal fees in drug cases, housing drug dealers in prison, and covering the healthcare for millions of drug users.

What Are the Consequences of Drug Abuse Statistics?

It would be impossible to list all of the consequences of drug abuse and addiction. It can cause health problems, bankruptcy, broken relationships, and mental illness. Sadly, it can also cost you your life.

In the United States alone, an average of 100 people each day die from a drug overdose. That number has been rising steadily for over 20 years, which shows that the war on drugs is far from over.

Drug abuse statistics can be helpful for research purposes, but they also mean something more. Interpreting them shows the scope of the problem, and highlights the need for a solution. At Ashley Addiction Treatment in Havre de Grace, Maryland, we offer substance abuse programs that can help you begin your road to recovery. End drug addiction once and for all, and start today by calling 866-313-6307.