February 21, 2022
Learn about the key statistics related to addiction therapy services and their role in improving the conditions of patients and the community.
With the growing number of substance abuse cases in the country, it is essential to provide addiction therapy services to people in need. Find out the surprising statistics related to addiction in this post and how treatment programs can help address this issue.
Addiction continues to be prevalent in U.S. society, especially during the pandemic. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that about 40.3 million people aged 12 and above had developed a substance use disorder in 2020. Among them, 28.3 million deal with alcohol use disorder, while 18.4 million have illicit drug use disorder.
The pervasive use of drugs and alcohol arises from several factors. It includes the pursuit of natural rewards, management of stress and chronic pain, and the easy availability of alcohol and other potent drug forms.
This presents a significant amount of problems to the community. In fact, around 95,000 people die from alcohol-related causes each year, while an estimated 100,000 people succumb to a drug overdose. Not to mention, addiction contributes to various social issues, such as violence and crimes.
Amidst the high numbers of illicit drug use in the United States, it is not enough to only have punitive policies in place. Patients must access addiction treatment services to lead healthy lives and curb this growing problem.
Addiction is a chronic mental health condition that manifests itself as the inability to quit harmful behaviors, such as substance use, despite adverse consequences. Various factors that can cause this disease include genetics, chemical imbalance in the brain, as well as the individual’s environment and life experiences.
Addiction therapy services aim to help individuals break the cycle of compulsive substance abuse. Although interventions may come in different forms and has different lengths, they all have the same goal – to address the underlying causes of addiction and teach patients how to cope with their cravings and triggers healthily.
Abusing drugs and alcohol can bring harm not only to the person doing it but to society as a whole. It impacts the public's health, safety, and socioeconomic state.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the annual cost of excessive alcohol use is $249 billion, while illicit drug abuse is $193 billion. A huge part of this money goes to workplace productivity losses, followed by the direct and indirect costs to the healthcare and justice system.
Loss of productivity in the workplace may be connected to incarceration, hospitalization, death, or the patient's participation in treatment programs. Meanwhile, the health burden attributed to addiction could be due to injuries involving road traffic crashes, violence, and suicides.
With the extensive effects of addiction, it is important that rehab centers not only focus on treating the patient's illness but also on helping them gain employment, improving relationships, and taking care of themselves.
The good news is that more than 14,500 specialized drug treatment facilities across the country can do the job. They deliver different behavioral and pharmacological approaches in inpatient or outpatient settings.
Inpatient or residential treatment requires people with moderate to severe addiction to live in the facility while undergoing medical detoxification, supervised therapy, and medication-assisted treatment.
On the other hand, outpatient treatment allows individuals to return home after each therapy session. The program consists of some type of counseling, such as individual or group therapy. It is an ideal option for people with milder addiction symptoms.
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether the addiction treatment is effective or not. Basically, you'll know that the program is working if it improves one's ability to function at home, at work, and in the community.
Most addiction therapy services have been shown to reduce drug use and improve one's health and social function. Additionally, they make meaningful contributions to the community, as shown in the following instances:
Substance abuse is one of the major problems in the country. In 2020, about 4 million people received addiction treatment services from self-help groups, rehabilitation facilities, private doctor's offices, hospitals, and prisons.
Although treatment is generally effective to help patients manage their condition, it is vital to recognize that treatment outcomes may be different for everyone. It depends on multiple factors, such as the individual's specific issues, the type of interventions they're receiving, and the quality of interactions between the patient and the treatment provider.
Besides that, the duration of care can also improve results. A study shows that people who received a standard 30-day addiction treatment have a success rate of about 55 percent, while those in programs lasting more than 30 days have an 84 percent success rate.
When it comes to treatment, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is most effective when people finish the entire course of therapy and follow up with aftercare programs.
The increasing rate of drug abuse has become the subject of public concern in recent years. It even worsens with the ongoing stress and uncertainty brought by COVID-19.
To protect the community from the impacts of addiction, patients should get the right level of care, a network of support, and evidence-based therapies from trusted providers.
Another Chance offers various addiction treatment services in Portland. We deliver an unsurpassed level of care to our patients, developing customized treatment plans that meet their exact needs. With the necessary tools and support, you can break free from addiction and regain control of your life.
Call us NOW to embark on your journey towards healing and recovery.
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