National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week in 2022 is from March 21 to March 27. This time is set aside to recognize the critical nature of drug and alcohol use disorders and disseminate facts about addiction in every community and neighborhood, rural or urban, in every state in the US. The more people who understand the disease of addiction, the more we can break down the stigma that gets in the way of people seeking help at a drug or alcohol addiction treatment center. Professional rehab is the best option for positive recovery outcomes. Join us in spreading sound information.
Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) is deeply committed to supporting the addiction recovery of people of all ages. For more than 60 years, we have offered compassionate professional care, both in a faith-based model and a secular model, to ensure no one is left behind. Knowledge is power. If you want to learn more about the facts of addiction, you can always reach out to us directly by calling 888.546.2579 or using our online form.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Facts
Some key pieces of information about substance use disorders are listed below. Use them to start conversations during national drug and alcohol facts week.
- About two million people seek substance abuse treatment every year, but that is only about 10% of the over 20 million people who need it. The gap between need and treatment is significant, and sharing information about this crisis is one way to bridge it.
- Drug and alcohol addiction costs the economy more than $600 billion a year in lost wages, lost productivity, medical and mental healthcare costs, and more.
- Overdose deaths have more than tripled in the last three decades. We seem to be fighting an uphill battle, but as the need for rehab services grows, so does the commitment of addiction specialists, physicians, therapists, and other trained recovery professionals.
- Alcohol is still the leading addiction among those seeking treatment, followed closely by heroin and cocaine/crack, as well as prescription medications. The best paths to prevent experimentation and addiction are education and stigma-bashing.
- 90% of those with a substance use disorder began using before 18. Focusing on our youth is one way to reduce overall addiction rates and prevent countless citizens from struggling with the effects of addiction.
- Co-occurring addictions account for nearly one-fifth of all admissions. Furthermore, many of those receiving help for addiction also have a co-occurring mental health diagnosis. Addressing the importance of and need for mental health diagnosis and treatment impacts addiction outcomes.
Seeking accurate drug and alcohol prevention facts is one way you can make a difference in the landscape around addiction, the value of rehab treatment, and avoiding tragic outcomes.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the rate of new substance use disorders, with spikes in overdoses, increases in first-time use by people of all ages, and a decrease in access to treatment. Mental health challenges, stress, isolation, job insecurity, and many more pandemic-related factors all play into the notable increases in substance abuse.
This year, in 2022, take the drug and alcohol abuse facts you have learned. Then, use any platform at your disposal to normalize the conversation around these topics. Who knows if someone you reach with your words will hear you. You should also realize that help is available and they deserve to be well. Talk to your friends and colleagues and share accurate information and compassionate messaging on your social media. You can also participate in a local event in your area that honors drug and alcohol facts week.
Find Out More at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge
In Pennsylvania, PAATC offers top-quality addiction treatment. Spread the word that professional help is a mere phone call away. We offer numerous service lines in a range of care options, including outpatient and residential plans. Don’t wait. Find out more by reaching out today using our online form or dialing 888.546.2579.
