What starts as social use can become drug and alcohol abuse, and abuse can progress to dependence and addiction. Researchers are increasing their understanding of how drugs and alcohol affect the brain and the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to addiction. Drug and alcohol treatment options have come a long way in the last few decades, and help is available. Getting help early can mean that people and their families don’t have to pay such a heavy toll to addiction.
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) vision as an agency of the Federal Government is "A Life in the Community for Everyone." This vision is based on the premise that people of all ages, with or at risk for mental or substance use disorders, should have the opportunity for a fulfilling life that includes a job/education, a home, and meaningful personal relationships with friends and family. -
National Association of Social Workers
The National Association of Social Workers created the Web site www.HelpStartsHere.org as a source for professional advice, inspiring stories, and even a social worker directory. The site has articles on more than 30 topics, including adoptions and foster care, early childhood development, cancer, death and dying, living with illness, advanced care planning, vital aging, addictions, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, obsessions and compulsions, and relationships. -
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous® (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Eight things you should know about Addiction
More than 23 million Americans from all walks of life have a drug or alcohol problem
The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that the costs to society of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco exceed $500 billion, including healthcare, criminal justice, and lost productivity
According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 8% of adults in America suffer from alcohol dependence, and another 5% have problems with alcohol abuse
Annual healthcare expenditures for alcohol-related problems amount to $22.5 billion
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults in the United States admit to about 159 million episodes of driving under the influence of alcohol a year
In 2006, 13,470 people died in alcohol-related crashes, accounting for about one-third of all traffic-related fatalities
Exposure to drugs during pregnancy, including alcohol and tobacco, can cause low birth weight, a higher risk of complications and birth defects, and serious developmental problems
Injection drug use contributes to the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, and drug use in general interferes with judgment and increases the likelihood of risky sexual behaviors, which contributes to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases
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