Drug Rehab Statistics

Consider the following drug rehabilitation statistics:

According to the Center for Disease Control:

• Over 8% of every person over the age of 12 years old has engaged in illegal drug use in the past month.

• Over 6% of every person over the age of 12 years old has used marijuana at least once in the past month.

• Over 3% of every individual over the age of 12 years old has abused a prescription medication in the past month.

• As few as 3-5% of all those individuals who could be classified as having a drug addiction actually get the treatment they need in the form of a drug rehab program.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) adds more shocking statistics to the mix:

• Over half (51%) of all high-school seniors will have tried at least one illicit drug before they graduate their senior year.

• Over 14 million people in the United States are currently regular users of marijuana

• Over 17% of all 8th graders report having used inhalants to get high at least once in their life.

Finally, the United States Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMHSA) reports several disturbing trends regarding teen and adolescent alcohol and drug abuse:

• 66% of all high school seniors have used alcohol in the past month.

• 42% of all high school seniors have used marijuana or hashish at least once in their lives

• Prescription drug use in the fastest growing problem among youth substance abuse treatment centers, with 5% growth or more in each of the past three years. 

SAMHSA does report that overall drug use numbers are declining across most age groups.  However, as long as there are people who engage in substance abuse-related behavior and develop addictions, there will be a strong need for effective drug rehab programs.