Relevant Statistical Data: |
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When alcoholism and drug abuse are treated as long term illnesses, chronic and relapsing, success rates are comparable to those realized with other chronic health problems. |
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Most individuals who use alcohol stop at the "experimental or recreational" stage. For a variety of complex reasons, some users progress to dependency. Without intervention that use becomes habitual and evolves into physical and psychological addiction. |
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The cost of untreated drug and alcohol abuse in the U.S. in a year is estimated at $276 Billion in lost productivity, law enforcement costs, health care and welfare programs. Savings from treatment programs is incalculable! |
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Treatment for alcoholism has been shown to reduce criminal activity up to 80% among chronic offenders, has increased their rate of employment, decreases homelessness and reduces all health care costs. |
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Research has shown that long-term drug and alcohol abuse costs business and industry an estimated $100 billion annually. Alcoholism alone causing 500 million lost work days a year. |
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Up to 40% of industrial fatalities and 47% of injuries in the workplace are linked to alcohol consumption and alcoholism. |
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Non-alcoholic members of alcoholic's families use 10 times as much sick leave as families where alcohol is not a problem. 80% of these family members report their ability to perform work is impaired as a result of living with an alcohol abuser. |
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According to current statistics about 12.4 million Americans were considered heavy drinkers or abusers of alcohol. |
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One estimate holds that untreated addiction in the U.S. carries a price tag of $276 billion or the equivalent of $1, 000 per year for every man, woman and child in the nation. |
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Individuals with alcoholism and drug abusers are at increased risk for HIV/AIDS, as well as other infectious diseases like hepatitis and tuberculosis. |
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Most physicians fail to screen for drug or alcohol dependence in routine examinations and many consider screening efforts a waste of time. |
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Males are more likely to be dependent on illicit drugs and alcohol than females. The opposite is true of dependency on prescription medication. All Statistical data obtained through: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Columbia, MD |
