While the use of drugs is a common, well-known fact in the United States, it’s important to actually take a look at some of the actual statistics tied with such abuse. It will give you a better idea of the severity of the issue of drug abuse and will help re-emphasize the importance of tackling this problem as best we can.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health’s annual survey indicates some startling facts about drug use in the United States. Marijuana is the most popular illicit drug. This is not so much a surprise, as it is seemingly easily accessible, not to mention legal in some states. However, it is used by 14.8 million people, which is around 6%.
Following marijuana use is the abuse of cocaine. This powerful and highly addictive stimulant is used by 2.4 million people. Hallucinogens, such as Ecstasy, fall into the next slot. These dangerous and mind altering drugs are used by nearly 1 million people, while methamphetamine is the choice of about 731,000 users.
Prescription drugs, which are having a noticeably growing presence in the world of drug abuse, were used by 7 million non-medical users. This statistic is startling, as access to these drugs is not as difficult as one would think. Consider the ease with which some doctors write prescriptions. Many are getting into the wrong hands, hence contributing to the improper distribution of these prescription drugs.
Another unsettling series of facts revolves around who is actually abusing these different drugs. According to the survey, most of these illegal drug users, around 13.4 million, are fully employed. They carry on their positions in a business setting while abusing. And out of the unemployed adults, 18.5 million are illicit drug users. Also, take note that 8.8 % of full time employees are drug users.
As if those statistics aren’t disturbing enough, it is stated that 10.2 million people drive under the influence of drugs, not only endangering their own lives, but the lives of innocent bystanders.
Drug abuse in the United States sadly continues to grow. With such abuse running rampant in our cities and towns, it is imperative that we work together to lower these statistics.
