Many individuals within the United States live with and suffer from some type of addiction. In some instances, this situation may have developed due to becoming dependent on prescription painkillers. Other circumstances may lead someone to become dependent on a substance. This is because they are self-medicating to mask symptoms of depression or another type of mental or emotional condition. It is also not unusual for someone that has undergone a trauma to deal with this by taking some type of opioid or another substance.
In 2015, there were 20.5 million people within the United States with a substance use disorder. It’s important to note that this includes Americans as young as 12 years of age. While two million of these individuals’ experienced issues due to prescription pain relievers, there were 591,000 whose substance use disorders involved heroin. According to the International Narcotics Control Board, Americans also consumed more hydrocodone than any other country. This amount represented 99.7% of the world’s hydrocodone consumptions in 2015.
During 2016, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration determined that a large percent of Americans misused pain medication. This amounted to approximately 11.5 million Americans 12 years and older. During this year, a significant number of overdose deaths occurred within the United States. Data indicated that the number of deaths associated with overdoses exceeded 63,600. This included 42,249 deaths that involved some type of opioid, with a daily average of 115 deaths.
Studies have shown that many individuals that misuse prescription painkillers may begin using heroin as a substitute. This applies to four out of every five new heroin users. It has also been estimated that 23% of the individuals that begin to use heroin will eventually develop an addiction to opioids.
Some individuals may realize when they need help and seek out drug treatment at a drug rehabilitation center. Others, however, may be unaware that they have a serious issue and will often resist drug abuse treatment. Given that drug addiction is a significant problem in this country, it’s important to recognize the signs of addiction. While some people may admit they need drug treatment to their family, friends, therapists, and physicians, others refrain from or avoid doing so. This is just one of the many reasons why there are so many deaths attributed to substance abuse disorders within this country.
If you know someone that would benefit from spending time in a drug treatment facility, it’s important to show them that you care by broaching the topic. Remember to discuss this with them in a supportive and compassionate fashion. In addition to having a possible substance abuse issue, it is quite likely that they are also experiencing underlying emotional and mental issues or traumas that led to this situation.
