Drug Addiction Statistics: Get the Facts

The United States is in the midst of an opioid epidemic. And the statistics on drug addiction are staggering. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), data from 2018 revealed that each day about 128 people die from overdosing on opioids. These opioids include both legal opioids such as pain killers as well as illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl.

Opioid misuse and addiction are taking a heavy toll on our nation. From economic impacts and deaths to the serious health issues faced by those abusing opioids and the children who lose one or both parents to this crisis, the statistics about drug addiction are sobering.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the economic burden from opioid misuse in the United States is upwards of $78 billion a year. This U.S. drug addiction statistics include the cost of addiction treatment, criminal justice involvement, healthcare costs, and lost productivity.

If you or someone you love is living with a drug addiction to an opioid or another substance you are not alone—as these statistics of drug addiction clearly show. It’s important to know that there is hope. And while the drug addiction facts and statistics are bleak, help is only a phone call away.

Every day, people who represent one of the drug and alcohol addiction statistics take the first brave step toward recovery and seek help. You can too. At Pinnacle Treatment Centers, we know that the road to recovery can be challenging. But we want you to know that when you enter treatment at one of our locations, we are with you every step of the way.

The drug addiction treatment statistics reflect this – according to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 2.3 million Americans over the age of 12 received treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD). There are many more who need treatment but many are getting the help they need and discovering vibrant lives in recovery.

Signs of a Substance Use Disorder or Drug Addiction

When it comes to a SUD or drug addiction and the related signs, there are both physical and behavioral symptoms to watch for if you’re concerned. Here are some of the most common drug addiction symptoms:

Behavioral

• Moodiness such as agitation, irritability, and aggression
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Criminal activity
• Lack of motivation, lethargy
• Loss of interest in hobbies, work/school, family, friends
• Priority and interest changes

Physical

• Weight changes that are sudden
• Pupil changes such as very dilated or constricted
• Sleeping pattern changes
• Poor appearance or lack of attention to hygiene and personal appearance
• Physical coordination issues
• Eyes that appear bloodshot or glazed over

These are general signs of drug use or a problem with drug addiction. There are more specific symptoms for different substance abuse issues. However, if you observe these changes, it’s time to look closer at yourself or your loved one.

When you are ready to learn more about drug addiction or take the first step towards a vibrant life in recovery, Pinnacle Treatment Centers is here for you. Visit us online to learn more or call us at 1-800-782-1520.

Headquartered in New Jersey, Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a recognized leader in comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment serving more than 29,000 patients daily in California, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. With more than 110 community-based locations, Pinnacle provides a full continuum of quality care for adult men and women which includes medically-monitored detoxification/withdrawal management, inpatient/residential treatment, partial hospitalization/care, sober living, intensive and general outpatient programming, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.

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