Drug abuse is nothing new. While the nation recognizes it as an epidemic, many people don’t realize just how much drug abuse and addiction impacts society. Take a closer look at the problem by highlighting these five drug abuse facts that might shock you.
1. Drug Abuse Costs Billions
When most people think of the cost of drug abuse, they imagine that the majority of the money goes to buying these drugs. However, the true cost of drug abuse is far, far bigger. In the United States alone, prescription opioid abuse costs the country more than $78 billion. That includes the cost of healthcare, legal expenses, and criminal expenses.
2. Heroin Abuse Kills Thousands Every Year
It’s important to recognize that drug abuse symptoms are anything but mild. They can be incredibly severe, and they can even lead to death. Drugs like heroin, as one example, can frequently lead to overdoses.
When you overdose on a drug like heroin, it can shut down the respiratory or circulatory systems. As a result, users can die. Heroin abuse alone kills more than 13,000 people each and every year. Prescription drug abuse is responsible for a similar number of deaths annually.
3. Drug Abuse is Rampant Among Teens
Drug use and abuse can happen at any age, and addiction is a risk among every single demographic. Teen drug use is on the rise, especially when it comes to marijuana. More than 4 of every 10 high school students tries marijuana by senior year. Many of these teens report drug use on a daily or weekly basis.
4. Drug Abuse Often Leads to Drug Addiction
Drug abuse can cause a wealth of problems. One of the biggest of these problems is addiction. Trying to overcome drug addiction is challenging, especially when it comes to some of the more addictive drugs on the market.
Heroin, as one example, is incredibly addictive. Nearly one-quarter of those who abuse heroin will go on to develop an addiction to the drug in their lifetime.
5. Millions Abuse Drugs But Don’t Seek the Treatment They Need
Drug abuse is devastating, but help is available. Unfortunately, the majority of men and women struggling with substance use disorders won’t seek or find the right professional support. These roughly seven million individuals fall into the treatment gap, which is a very dangerous situation to be in.
Together We Can Change These Drug Abuse Facts
These five drug abuse facts showcase the severity of the drug addiction epidemic in the United States. If you or someone you care about is abusing drugs, then be sure to seek help right away. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery in Scottsdale, Arizona, you can fight back against drug addiction. Call 866-377-4761 to learn more about leading a life of sobriety, health, and happiness.
