Substance Abuse and Treatment Methods
Substance abuse and dependence are prevalent disorders. The term drug abuse most often refers to the use of a drug with such frequency that it causes physical or mental harm to the user or impairs social functioning. Although the term seems to imply that users abuse the drugs they take, in fact, it is themselves or others they abuse by using drugs. The most recent estimates for 2011 indicate than an estimated 20.6 million Americans aged twelve or older were classified with substance dependence or abuse in the past year (8.0 percent of the population aged twelve or older). Of these, 2.6 million were classified with dependence or abuse of both alcohol and illicit drugs, 3.9 million had dependence or abuse of illicit drugs but not alcohol, and 14.1 million had dependence or abuse of alcohol but not illicit drugs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012).
An estimated 3.8 million people aged 12 or older (1.5 percent of the population) received some kind of care for a problem related to the use of alcohol or illicit drugs in the twelve months prior to their interview date. More than half of those in treatment (2.0 million) received care at a self-help group. Approximately 2.2 million received services for alcohol problems during their most recent treatment. An estimated 974,000 people received treatment for marijuana, 796,000 for cocaine, 360,000 for pain relievers, and 277,000 for heroin (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2012). Only a small proportion of people with substance use disorders obtain treatment. Drug treatment centers and alcohol rehab programs are some of the few ways people can find help dealing with their addictions. Treatment centers can be a safe environment where people can deal with their addiction withdrawals as well as identifying core issues behind their drug use. People also find support in others dealing with similar issues....