Substance abuse in the United States is an ongoing and growing concern. It isn’t a big city problem, a cultural problem, or a problem that can be explained by lack of finances, race, sex, or age. It’s a problem faced not only by the entire United States, but also by much of the world.
Do you need to know more about substance abuse treatment? If so, call us today at 833.551.2304 for more information.
Substance Use in the U.S.—the Big Picture
Substance use has become a major public health concern in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive alcohol use is responsible for more than 88,000 deaths each year, making it one of the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S.
Alcoholism and drug abuse are also associated with a wide range of social problems, including homelessness, crime, and family disruption. In addition to the health risks associated with substance use, drugs, and alcohol can lead to financial hardship due to lost wages or medical costs. Substance abuse is also linked to poor decision-making, which can put individuals at risk for injury or death from accidents.
Substance use can lead to addiction, which is a chronic and relapsing disease. Addiction can significantly reduce the quality of life by interfering with one’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and engage in activities that bring joy. Substance use disorders also tend to be associated with other mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety, making it even more difficult for people to seek treatment.
Substance Abuse in the States by the Numbers
Researchers recently delved into the substance abuse problem with a major research article, examining all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They found that while some states ranked much higher with substance abuse issues than others, those ratings could change as the data is examined in different ways.
Highest Drug Use
When their overall results were tallied for the highest drug use, the dubious honors went to the following, in this order:
- District of Columbia
- Michigan
- Missouri
- West Virginia
- Indiana
- Arkansas
- New Hampshire
- Kentucky
- Colorado
- New Mexico
Many of these states, and the District of Columbia ranked high in other ratings in the study. For example, the District of Columbia ranked 4th in the highest number of teenage users, 2nd in the highest number of adult users, and it tied for first place with West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio for the most overdose deaths per capita. It also came in 2nd for the fewest number of treatment facilities per 100,000 drug users.
With second place in overall results, Michigan ranked 3rd in drug use and addiction, 7th in drug health issues and rehab ranking, and only 14th in the law enforcement ranking.
Quality of Addiction Treatment
Ratings varied greatly as research results were calculated in a variety of ways. For the most people receiving substance abuse treatment per 100,000 drug users, the top five are:
- Maryland
- Connecticut
- New York
- Iowa
- Minnesota
In that same category, the bottom five are:
- Illinois
- Nevada
- West Virginia
- New Mexico
The highest number of adults whose drug treatment needs weren’t being met were:
- District of Columbia
- Vermont
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Washington
The fewest drug and alcohol treatment centers per 100,000 drug users were:
- Nevada
- The District of Columbia
- Texas
- California
- Oregon
Oddly enough, only the District of Columbia ranked in the top five in both categories. In fact, drug arrests don’t appear to be a major factor in changing overall statistics for substance abuse.
Arrests Per Capita
The states with the highest number of drug arrests per capita were as follows:
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
- South Carolina
- North Dakota
- Mississippi
The lowest number of drug arrests per capita:
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
- Massachusetts
- Alaska
None of those states with either the highest or lowest number of drug arrests per capita ranked in the top ten ranking for highest drug use.
Learn From the Statistics
The stats paint an alarming picture about substance abuse in the United States. Therefore, it’s important to take proactive steps to address addiction in the United States, including developing better access to treatment, increasing public awareness and understanding of substance use disorders, and supporting policies that reduce barriers to recovery. Together, we can make a difference in reducing substance abuse and its associated harms.
Do you or someone you care about have an ongoing history of substance use and/or relapse? If so, contact us at Gulf Breeze Recovery or call 833.551.2304 to speak to an addiction expert. Now is the time to learn more about our program that has helped so many people overcome their addiction and embrace life.
