Drug treatment admission rates, as well as types of drugs involved during the period of 1998 to 2008 shows dramatic shifts says a new study out by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, (SAMHSA).
The study is from the State Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services, and the data derived from SAMHSA's Treatment Episode Data Set, (TEDS) 1998 - 2008. This is a system where drug treatment centers nationwide report their information.
Drug treatment admissions rates have basically remained static from 1998 to 2008 at about 770 admissions per 100,000 persons. However, these admission rates demonstrate striking variations by region. "For example, the rate of admissions for alcohol as the primary drug has declined by 15 percent nationally. However admission rates for alcohol in West North Central states (Ark., Iowa, Kan., Minn., Mo., N.D., Neb. and S.D.) remained the same," reports newswise.com.
The problem is that while admission rates for alcohol as the primary drug have been declining, or remained stable, illicit drug use treatment admissions were rising, and continue to do so.
One interesting piece of information is there was a consistent pattern in every region of admission rates for "...marijuana use which rose 30 percent nationally. From 1998 through 2008, marijuana treatment admission rates were highest in the West North Central and Middle Atlantic states (N.J., N.Y. and Pa.), reported newswise.com.
Many of these marijuana treatment admissions, however, are likely originating from the criminal justice system.
An alarming piece of info during this 11 year period is the opiate treatment admission rates, other than heroin, (and mostly from prescription narcotic pain relievers), that blasted off to an astonishing 345 percent increase nationwide.
According to newswise.com, "The new study shows that increased admissions for pain reliever abuse occurred in every region of the nation and were highest in the New England (Conn., Mass., Maine, N.H., R.I. and Vt.) and the East South Central states (Ala., Ky., Miss. and Tenn.)."
All across the country the rate of illicit drug use, (mostly from prescription drugs) has been rising, and being reported on as well, so this does not come as any surprise.
Treatment admissions for heroin actually declined by about 3 percent during 1998 to 2008, but don't let that fool you. In many states heroin admission rates have risen, especially in the Middle Atlantic states and New England.
Facts about drug and alcohol use amongst teenagers alone:
- The average age of first use is 13 years old
- Every day 4,000 teens try an illicit drug for the first time
- Every day 2,500 teens abuse a prescription drug for the first time (source: Parents Universal Resource Experts and Sue Scheff taken from The Partnership at Drugfree.org)
Now those statistics are alarming, and a sad commentary on the mostly ineffective drug education efforts taking place. That's not to take anything away from the fine folks who are in the trenches trying to make a difference in these figures, but there is obviously a huge problem out there still, and it appears to be getting worse, especially with tweens, and teens.
Cocaine admissions, on the other hand, have declined nationally by 23 percent. The Middle Atlantic states still have the highest rates of cocaine treatment admission through the period of 1998 to 2008.
These studies have major implications for concentrating resources. As SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. stated, “This study provides insight into the regional nature of substance abuse by highlighting the shifting trends in the reasons for admission to substance abuse treatment,” reported newswise.com.
There has been a dramatic rise in illicit drug treatment admissions, particularly for marijuana, and prescription drugs. This study highlights the problems, and continued needs for treatment, earlier intervention, and recovery support services.
According to Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy, “Drug addiction is a disease that requires the same kind of evidence-based, public health remedies called for with any chronic disease,”reported newswise.com.
Whatever your thoughts are regarding whether drug addiction is a disease, or not, the fact remains that not enough is being done for those already addicted, those thinking about, or already experimenting with drugs, as well as the children who someday may step into their shoes. Funding cuts in many states, and communities have impacted treatment services, and educational efforts those areas.
The Obama Administration, however, has "...requested an increase of $137 million for FY 2011 to expand access for drug treatment programs across the United States,” according to newswise.com. It is a paltry sum, especially when you factor in about 23 million people who have a substance abuse problem in this country.
It is a start though.
Full TEDS report: http://wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/teds08/teds2k8sweb.pdf
Related publications and information from SAMHSA: http://www.samhsa.gov/
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