Millions of people suffer from addiction from all walks of life and all over the world, and there are dozens of reasons why people do not seek help. Addiction is both dangerous and expensive. Take a look below for 12 interesting and amazing facts about addiction.
1. Use of substances can rewire the way your brain works. Although a person can be prescribed drugs for medical conditions, continued use of these substances can have negative consequences.
2. The majority of people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs cannot simply quit. Substance abuse treatment is normally required to reduce their dependence on these substances.
3. It costs American society more than $740 billion annually due to drug abuse and addiction costs. These are attributed to healthcare expenses, lost workplace productivity and crime-related costs.
4. It is estimated that $1000 is paid by every American for the damages caused by addiction.
5. Excessive use of alcohol increases cancer risk in men. These include throat and mouth cancer, liver cancer, oesophagus cancer and more.
6. Addiction left untreated is believed to be more expensive than cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined.
7. It is estimated that almost half of all traffic-related deaths are alcohol-related.
8. Only around 11% of people who have substance abuse issues get the help they need according to SAMHSA. The primary reason for this is that they think that they don’t need it and that they’re fine.
9. Although it is known that men are more likely to battle addiction traditionally, the gap is narrowing. Women are now just as likely to become addicted, and they are even more vulnerable to cravings.
10. Researchers are gradually getting a better understanding of addiction and have said that environmental and genetic factors play a role in this.
11. Addiction and mental health disorders go hand in hand. It is estimated by SAMHSA that 8 million Americans had both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder in 2014.
12. Addiction is most common in young adults compared to older adults.
