Substance Abuse

Photo by FixersUK, Creative Commons license.

Substance Abuse - the use and misuse of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs - is a major health issue.  The costs and consequences of alcoholism and other drug dependence place an enormous burden on families and society. As one of the nation’s top health problems, addiction strains the health care system, the economy, harms family life and threatens public safety.

Substance abuse crosses all societal boundaries, affects both genders, every ethnic group, and people in every tax bracket. Scientific documentation defines alcoholism and drug dependence as a disease that has roots in both genetic susceptibility and personal behavior.

Like other diseases, addiction can be overcome with proper treatment and prevention efforts.  By increasing access to care, the costly toll on society and the burden it places on families can be reduced. Research shows conclusively that successful prevention and treatment leads to reductions in traffic fatalities, crime, unwanted pregnancy, child abuse, HIV, cancer and heart disease. Treatment reduces drug use, improves health, improves job performance, reduces involvement with the criminal justice system, reduces family dysfunction and improves quality of life.

If you or someone you know is suffering with an addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs, seek help.