Addiction Resources for American Communities

Substance Abuse and Addiction in the Elderly

The rate of addiction in adults over 50 has been rising for years. Experts estimate that nearly 7 million elderly Americans will have a substance use disorder (SUD) by 2020. Alcohol remains the most commonly abused substance, but other drugs such as opioids, prescription medications, and marijuana are widely abused by the elderly.

Addiction and Divorce

Substance abuse has been linked to higher divorce rates in the US. If one or both people in a marriage suffer from substance use disorders (SUD), it is likely to have serious adverse effects on their relationship. Addiction can also impact the legal proceedings of a divorce.

Addiction and Domestic Violence

Addiction is linked to domestic violence in multiple ways. It tends to occur more often and escalate faster if the abuser has a substance use disorder (SUD). Victims of domestic violence are also more likely to develop a drug or alcohol problem.

Addiction and Low-Income Americans

While addiction is a chronic disease that affects members of all socioeconomic statuses, rates of substance use disorders (SUD) and alcohol use disorders (AUD) are higher among low-income communities. Living in a lower-income community exposes people to more risk factors, making it harder to avoid and overcome drug or alcohol problems.

Addiction Treatment for College Students

Drug and alcohol abuse and addiction is a huge problem in American colleges. Students, faculty, and parents need to work together to educate each other and decrease risk factors on campuses.

College Drug Abuse vs. Addiction

The terms “abuse and addiction” are often used interchangeably. However, they actually mean very different things. Learn more about college drug abuse and addiction here.

Disability and Addiction

There is evidence that supports the connection between disability and addiction. However, the relationship is complex and nuanced. People who live with one or more disabilities face many challenges that may increase their risk of addiction.

Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders in College

The majority of food-related disorders happen between the ages of 18 and 21. College students face a tremendous amount of stress and pressure that often leads to mental and physical health disorders.

Homelessness and Addiction

Both homelessness and addiction affect alarming numbers of Americans. The two issues are deeply linked. Addiction can be either the cause or the effect of homelessness.

Pregnant Women and Alcohol

Prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol is the number one preventable cause of congenital disabilities (birth defects), abnormalities, and developmental disabilities in the U.S. There is no confirmed “safe” amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy.

Prescription Study Aid Abuse

In recent years there has been a trend in college and high school students to abuse prescription stimulants in an effort to gain an educational advantage. Common “study aids” include Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine.

Preventing Drug Addiction in Cancer Patients

Pain is one of the most common symptoms during and after cancer treatment. It takes careful monitoring and honest and open communication between patients and doctors to manage pain and avoid addiction.

Substance Abuse in Greek Life

Drug and alcohol abuse is a huge factor in fraternities and sororities in the U.S. Alcohol and date rape drugs are two of the most significant issues. Nearly half of all residential fraternity members report alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms by age 35.

Teen Drug Abuse and Addiction

Most teenagers are exposed to drugs and alcohol before they graduate high school. While most teenagers who experiment with drugs and alcohol won’t go on to develop an addiction, the risks are high and the consequences can be quite severe.

The LGBTQ+ Community and Addiction

Members of the LGBTQ+ community face a variety of serious challenges that their straight peers do not. Unfortunately, this often increases the risk factors that they are exposed to. This is likely part of the reason drug and alcohol use is higher among the queer community.

Veterans and Addiction

Rates of substance use disorders (SUD) and alcohol use disorders (AUD) are much higher among military veterans than their civilian counterparts. Many conflict veterans have PTSD, which is also linked to drug and alcohol problems.