Knowing the facts and figures surrounding addiction is such an important aspect of changing peoples opinions and perspectives about addiction and addicts.
So many people still innocently believe that old myths, stigmas and misinformation is still valid and acceptable in today’s world.
We all need to do our part to change this, whether you are the addict or a family member, friend or healthcare professional who interact with addicts, having correct, current and useful facts, figures and statistics will help strengthen your position and will help to get your point across to others which will hopefully cause a “domino effect” so that we can all help as many people as possible and ultimately, save lives!
Facts, Figures & Statistics
For every £1 spent on treatment, results in a £2.50 benefit to society
Public Health England
Prescription Drugs Kill More People Than Illegal Drugs
You’d think that cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth, with all the horror stories attached to them, are the deadliest substances in existence. The truth is, however, prescription drugs trump them all in terms of body count. In 2012, prescription drug overdose has caused more than 16,000 deaths in the United States alone. Even though you need a prescription for these drugs, the fact that they are easier to get a hold of than heroin remains.
Growing Number Of Older Drug Users
The drug problem is often labelled as an issue facing our youth, but there is growing evidence that there is a rise in drug use among people in their fifties and sixties, in the United States at least. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the increase can be attributed to ageing members of the Flower Power generation, who were deep into drug use during the 1960’s and 70’s as part of the swelling counterculture movement.
Approximately £749 million saved by addicts remaining and sustaining their recovery
Public Health England
Crystal Meth Was Originally Invented In Japan
The critically acclaimed and widely popular American TV drama series Breaking Bad may have popularised crystal meth everywhere, but the drug that was a focal point of the show is hardly an American creation. Crystal meth was originally invented in Japan. First synthesised in 1893 by Japanese chemist Nagai Nagayoshi, the drug reached its current state or form when pharmacologist Akira Ogata reduced its ephedrine content in 1919. It is called shabu in Japan and in other Asian countries.
Some Spices Can Give People A High
For many years now, much has been said about the high that the innocent-seeming nutmeg provides. There have been countless reports of the nutmeg causing a certain type of high and in some cases, hallucinations. Using nutmeg as a substitute for alcohol and other drugs was prevalent in the 1960’s and the 1970’s, but it is said that the practice of using nutmeg as a recreational drug dates back to the time of the Crusades.
Volume Of Drug Use In Teenagers
The United States represents 5% of the world’s population and 75% of prescription drugs taken. 60% of teens who abuse prescription drugs get them free from friends and relatives.
Learning The Right Way
Teens who consistently learn about the risks of drugs from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t.
Teenagers & Pot
1/3 of teenagers who live in states with medical marijuana laws get their pot from other people’s prescriptions.
Heroin & Cocaine Use In Teenagers
About 50% of high school seniors do not think it’s harmful to try crack or cocaine once or twice and 40% believe it’s not harmful to use heroin once or twice.
70% of substance abusers are in full time employment
Public Health England
Addiction Changes The Structure Of Your brain
Repeated use of addicting substances has been shown to change the way the human brain is structured. The reward system and the area that manages willpower and impulse control become damaged overtime. Most addicting substances cause a rush of dopamine, one of the brain’s feel-good chemicals, each time the substance is used. However, the effect the drug has on dopamine lessens each time, resulting in the desire for more of the substance. Eventually, the reward system will no longer function properly, leaving the user feeling dull or listless. Also, areas of the brain that manage self-control begin to wear way as the substance continues to be introduced into the nervous system, making it harder for those already addicted to quit.
Many Species Of Animals Seek Out Intoxicating Substances
Humans are not the only ones who seek out mind-altering drugs. Several species purposefully seek out intoxicating substances. Some animals use rotting fermented fruit as a form of alcohol while others look for naturally hallucinogenic plants and animals to ingest simply for the mental effect they produce. From monkeys to butterflies to domesticated dogs and cats, many animals look to become intoxicated in one way or another.
If you or someone you know needs help with an addiction or you are a family member or friend of an addict and need support for yourself? You can find contact information for organisations, groups and charities that can help on our help & support page here.
Drink ‘n’ Drugs 