In recent years, substance abuse has risen to epidemic proportions and it is one of the deadliest epidemics to plague our society. The cost of substance abuse has also become astronomical. According to DrugAbuse.gov, “Abuse of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs is costly to our Nation, exacting over $600 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and healthcare.”
In the United States, 23 million people over the age of 12 suffer from alcohol and drug addiction. Alcohol overdose is a major problem with 50,000 cases reported each year. Even with the stricter drinking and driving laws, 30.2 million people still drive under the influence of alcohol annually and 23% of American adults admit to consuming five or more drinks every single day.
Prescription drug abuse is also becoming a major concern and one that can happen to anyone regardless of hereditary factors. The unfortunate thing is the addiction is often the result of a physical accident so the victim suffers twice. Today, 6.1 million people have fallen victim to prescription drug abuse. Medical costs and expenditures due to prescription drug abuse are quite alarming at $53.4 billion dollars per year. More alarming still is the fact that 45% of overdose deaths are attributed to prescription drugs.
Street drugs are probably the most terrifying forms of addiction for a society and one that is responsible for a large proportion of violent crimes. Nineteen million people currently admit to using cocaine in America and 4% of ER admissions are due to methamphetamine abuse. Although the figure is growing due to the relative cheapness of the drug and its growing acceptance in the middle and upper classes, it is estimated that there are 153,000 heroin addicts in America.
In an effort to combat this growing epidemic, many communities are resorting to substance abuse counseling. PrincetonReview.com writes, “Substance abuse counseling is a demanding form of community outreach that requires patience, compassion, and a keen desire to help others who are in crisis.” If you think you may have a substance abuse problem or want more information about becoming a councilor, see the Substance Abuse Infographic and visit Substance Abuse Counselor.
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Company Name:Substance Abuse Counselor
Contact Person: Benjamin Wrights
Email:media@vytalnet.com
Phone: 4157669098
City: San Francisco
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: http://www.substanceabusecounselor.us/
