Key Drug Addiction Statistics

Drug addiction is often underestimated as being a single problem, when in fact drug addiction is a disease that often develops as a result of an underlying problem. Additionally, drug addiction can lead to more problems.

In 2004, 17% of State prisoners and 18% of Federal prison inmates admitted that they committed their current offense to obtain money for drugs. (Drug Use and Dependence, State and Federal Prisoners, 2004)

Drug addiction leads to a new social crowd with lower moral standards. When something becomes a norm, you won't think twice about it. While drug addiction is no excuse for committing a crime (such as robbing a house) it can lead to such a rash decision.

Depending on the drug you are addicted to, a portion of the drug addiction (the constant drug seeking behavior) includes an obsessive money seeking behavior.

Some drugs can be very expensive, and a drug addict will spend an obscene amount of money to obtain the drug. Acquiring this money is done in often unhealthy ways.

Drug addiction can lead to certain personality traits such as lying and stealing in order to obtain the money required to support a drug addiction. It almost becomes second nature. And, as mentioned in the previous statistic drug addiction and the developed behaviors, it can land you in prison!

Of course, there are even worse things that drug addiction can lead to.

(In 2003) 28,723 persons died of directly drug-induced causes in the United States. This excludes all non-direct causes, such as homicides, that were related to drug abuse. This also excludes all newborn deaths due to the mother's drug abuse. (drugwarfacts.org)

Drug addiction should be fought at the first warning signs, but it can be defeated at any stage. Don't wait until it's too late to seek treatment for your drug addiction!

There is a popular belief that marijuana is 'harmless', especially compared to other illegal drugs. Marijuana is the most common drug consumed, worldwide, but there are many misconceptions about marijuana.

More young people are now in treatment for marijuana dependency than for alcohol or for all other illegal drugs combined. (Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2000)

Marijuana is a drug, and it can be addicting. Drug addiction is a disease that should be treated.

(In 2003) Marijuana was involved in nearly 13% of all drug related emergency department visits. (2003 Drug Abuse Warning Network - D.A.W.N.)

You may not end up in federal prison or the hospital just for lighting a joint, but marijuana is still a drug that can lead to worse problems.

If you or someone you know is suffering drug addiction, you should seek help immediately!