 For the 18th year, September commemorates National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. In essence, it is the celebration of the valiant efforts of people who are in recovery from substance use disorders, as well as their supporters.
This year's theme of "Saving Lives, Saving Dollars" asks that we take notice of the human costs of substance abuse, both financial and emotional. Substance abuse disorders can resonate quite deeply. The core of human society remains the family. Its fragmentation is well documented, as demonstrated in our own Maricopa County drug and DUI courts, the former of which I am a team member.
Substance abuse disorders affect society on multiple levels. They cost our nation more than $484 billion yearly in health care expenditures, lost earnings and cost associated with crime and accidents. In 2005, 23.2 million people aged 12 or older needed treatment for a drug or alcohol problem. Of these, only 2.3 million received treatment, leaving 20.9 million still in need, as reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (see www.samhsa.gov).
Personal stories abound. Gabrielle Antolovich, executive director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, describes herself as a "multi-addicted speed lover from the '60s." She states having to quit alcohol, speed, now used in the form of metamphetamine), sugar and chocolate, and has previously quit nicotine and caffeine. She stated that one substance led her to crave another, which is usually the case. Antolovich is a shining example of courage and determination in the face of doubt and depression.
Awareness is crucial in terms of access to treatment, so that people may find successful paths to sustaining recovery. Knowledge of daily stressors and individual relapse triggers are taught in treatment programs. In addition to appropriate coping skills. These are entities that facilitate other areas of our lives, including relationships.
In the good news department, millions of lives have been improved through treatment and recovery support systems like Alcoholic Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, etc.
America has seen great progress in reducing drug and alcohol addiction. Rates of current alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use among youth aged 12 to 17 have steadily declined from 2002, according to SAMHSA. "Something important is happening with American teens. They are getting the message that using drugs limits their futures, and they are beginning to turn away from the destructive patterns and cruelly misinformed perceptions about substance abuse that has so damaged previous generations." Again, this is the beginning of what we hope will continue to become a long-term trend.
The post popular drug of choice remains alcohol. According to SAMHSA, as many as 18.7 million people were classified with dependence in 2005, in addition to increased binge use among those aged 21 to 23. Most binge and heavier drinkers were reportedly employed either full-time or part-time. Also among the 16 million heavy drinkers aged 12 or older, 32 percent were also current illicit drug users.
Consumption of alcohol is well known to have physically emotionally and spiritually damaging effects. In addition, alcoholism is estimated to cost 500 million lost workdays annually. Treatment addresses the underlying issues regarding use, such as physical, emotional and spiritual trauma, current or past. Trauma surfaces eventually, and is quite often coped with by alcohol or drug use, until treatment breaks the cycle, allowing the addict to internalize new, appropriate coping skills.
As previously mentioned, it appears our society is beginning to make gains in the ongoing battle against addiction. For more information, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at www.samhsa.gov or contact your local behavioral health treatment provider.
D.J. Diebold, CAC, LISAC is a state licensed substance abuse therapist and behavioral health provider. |
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