Alcohol/Substance Abuse Educational Information
Do you know someone who may have a problem with alcohol or drug use?
- In 2008, 18.3 million persons aged 12 or older were classified with dependence on or abuse of alcohol. This represents 7.3 percent of the population.
- In 2008, seven million persons aged 12 or older classified with dependence on or abuse of illicit drugs. Marijuana was the illicit drug with the highest rate of past year dependence or abuse in 2008, followed by pain relievers and cocaine.
Millions of Americans misuse or are dependent on alcohol or drugs. Most of them have families who suffer the consequences, often serious, of living with this illness. If there is alcohol or drug dependence in your family, remember you are not alone. Most individuals who abuse alcohol or drugs have jobs and are productive members of society creating a false hope in the family that “it’s not that bad.”
It Doesn’t Have to be That Way
Drug or alcohol dependence disorders are medical conditions that can be effectively treated. Millions of Americans and their families are in healthy recovery from this disease. If someone close to you misuses alcohol or drugs, the first step is to be honest about the problem and to seek help for yourself, your family, and your loved one. Treatment can occur in a variety of settings, in many different forms, and for different lengths of time. Stopping the alcohol or drug use is the first step to recovery, and most people need help to stop. Often a person with alcohol or drug dependence will need treatment provided by professionals just as with other diseases. Your doctor may be able to guide you.
Please review the following information on substance abuse and if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact your local EAP counselor.