When it comes to Drug addiction rates in young adults, the numbers are not getting any better. In fact, they are definitely getting worse. It has been estimated by medical experts that the number of people who are addicted to drugs on a global scale has reached 247 million. Just in America, statistics show that over 10% of the population who are over the age of 12 have tried an illegal drug within the past 30 days. Removing the legal drugs of alcohol and tobacco, the most-used drugs in the country were as follows: marijuana, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, and opioid medications. One of the scariest statistics is that of that 10 % who had used drugs within the past 30 days, 10% of those had purchased their drugs from the “dark web.” Coinciding with the rise of prescriptions to opioid medications, the overdose rate has also sharply risen. Between the years of 1999 and 2015, there were approximately 183,000 overdose deaths related to prescribed opioid medications.
While marijuana has become legal in some states, its long-term effects on users are still relatively unknown. In those states where it is not legal, there has been an increase in synthetic marijuana, which has proved to be even more dangerous than the natural variety and which has been attributed to many emergency-room visits and even deaths.
While cocaine continues to be more popular in overseas countries such as Brazil and Scotland, there is still about 5% of the population between the ages of 18 and 25 who have used the drug within the past year. This is in addition to the approximately 16% of the population who have used the drug ever in their lifetime.
When it comes to heroin, the numbers are even worse. The epidemic of heroin use is hitting the mid-Atlantic region very hard and has led to Baltimore Maryland being dubbed the heroin capital of the United States. Since 2005, there has been a 99% increase in emergency room visits related to the use of heroin. This is why drug rehab for young adults is such an important thing for those who have fallen prey to this insidious drug.
One of the worst offenders on the list of drugs being abused is those of the prescription painkiller status. With the wide availability of them and the false assumption that they are safe because a doctor has prescribed, they account for an alarming number of overdose deaths. There are an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States who are clinically diagnosed as being addicted to painkillers. The United States also accounts for almost 100% of all of the Vicodin used in the world as well as over 80% of all of the Percocet used and abused.
What has taken experts by surprise is the growing use of hallucinogens and “party” stimulants such as poppers. Long since considered a relic of the 60s and 70s, the party drugs have experienced a resurgence as of late. Statistics show that over 20% of high school students have tried some form of inhalants before their graduation date. Statistics also show that approximately 7% of high school students have tried LSD at one or another.
While all of these statistics certainly show the personal choices that are made by people of their own volition, they also show the need for a strong rehab program in or around every area in the United States. There are many factors which can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, both internal and external. However, this does not take away the need for help that so many people desperately need and want. While the argument can be made that they made the decision themselves and must suffer the consequences, it also cannot be denied that they deserve help to disengage from the harmful lifestyle. Only by enrolling themselves in a strong rehab treatment program that is operated by those with experience can the addict hope to achieve their goals of staying and remaining clean. Families and friends of those who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol need to exhibit some compassion so that the addict has a better chance to remain sober.