National Drug and Alcohol Fact Week (March 16-22) educates and empowers youth to make informed decisions about substance use and their health. The week is used to dispel myths associated with both drug and alcohol use, while also highlighting the risks involved.
At Monarch, we are committed to helping individuals battling substance use disorders through personalized treatment plans, counseling and the use of medication to support recovery, when appropriate.
Key Findings
- According to research from the Centers for Disease Control, two-thirds of U.S. students have tried alcohol by 12th grade.
- Drug abuse and substance disorders are more likely to affect young males
- 38.6% of illegal drug users have a drug disorder.
- Signs of a substance use disorder include but are not limited to a change in behavior, mood, appearance, weight, hygiene, sleep patterns
Substance Use in College
- College students have an increasing risk for an alcohol use disorder as they near the legal drinking age. While 104,000 of 18-year-old college students met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder in 2019, that number more than doubled to 231,000 by age 21.
- High blood alcohol concentrations and impairment levels associated with binge drinking place those who binge drink and those around them at a substantially elevated risk for negative consequences, such as traffic accidents, injury-related deaths, sexual assault, violent crimes and reduced academic performance.
- Alcohol contributes to an estimated 1,519 deaths per year among college students
Each year, among college students ages 18 to 24:
- 3,360,000 drive under the influence of alcohol
- 696,000 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking
- 599,000 who are under the influence of alcohol are unintentionally injured
- 22,219 are hospitalized for an alcohol overdose
- 1,519 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor-vehicle crashes
Provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)
Substance Abuse Statistics
- Among Americans aged 12 years and older, 47.7 million were current illegal drug users (used within the last 30 days) as of 2023.
- 70.5 million or 24.9% of people 12 and over have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last year.
- 145.1 million people aged 12 and over have illicitly used drugs in their lifetime.
- Usage among people aged 12 and over was up 0.3% YoY.
- 134.7 million Americans 12 and have consumed alcohol in the past month.
- 28.9 million or 21.5% of Americans who have consumed alcohol in the past month have an alcohol use disorder.
- 64.4 million people have used tobacco or nicotine vaping products within the past month.
- 38.6% of illegal drug users have a drug disorder.
- 21.6% of those with drug disorders have an opioid disorder; this includes prescription pain relievers or “painkillers”.
Provided by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics
Drug Abuse Demographics
- Drug abuse and substance disorders are more likely to affect young males
- On average, 19.1% of males and 14.6% of females used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs over the last month.
- 22.4% of people in non-metropolitan, rural counties used illegal drugs compared to 25.3% of people in larger metropolitan counties.
- Drug use is highest among persons between the ages of 18-25 at 39% compared to persons aged 26 and older, at 23.9%.
- Users who try an illegal drug before age 15 are 6.5 times more likely to develop a substance use disorder than those who wait until age 21 or later.
- 36.8% of young people use an illegal drug by the time they reach 12th grade; other users within the last 30 days include:
- 5.4% of 8th graders
- 10.0% of 10th graders
- 16.5% of 12th graders
Provided by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics
Signs and Symptoms of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
- Signs include a change in behavior, mood, appearance, weight, hygiene, sleep patterns
- Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home, including neglecting one’s children
- Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts and hobbies
- Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal money. Abandoning enjoyable activities (hobbies, sports and socializing) to use drugs Unexplained change in personality or attitude. Sudden mood swings, increased irritability or angry outbursts
- Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits
- Poor work performance, being chronically late to work, appearing tired and disinterested in work duties and receiving poor performance reviews
- Changes in physical appearance, such as wearing inappropriate or dirty clothing and a lack of interest in grooming
- Issues with financial management, such as not paying bills on time
How We Can Help:
- Open Access for New Patients
- Outpatient Therapy & Mental Health Services
- Medication Management
- Substance Use Disorder & Addiction Services
- Tailored Care Management
- Community-Based Services
- Mental Health Crisis Services
To learn more about Monarch’s commitment to treating substance use disorders, click here.