Substance Abuse Fact Sheet

Addiction to substances is a major national problem that creates impaired health, harmful behaviors and major economic and social burdens. Addiction is a chronic illness.

Definition: Use of any drug for purposes other than those for which it is normally intended, or in a manner or in quantities other than directed; drug dependence is the compulsion to continue taking a drug to produce desired effects, or to prevent the onset of ill effects that occur when it is not taken.

Drug abuse and dependence occurs with both legal prescription and non-prescription medications, as well as illegal substances. Drug abuse can lead to drug dependence or addiction. This may occur through the progression from experimentation with drugs to their occasional use and then to the development of tolerance and physical dependence. The exact cause of drug abuse and dependence is not known; however, the make-up of the individual, the addictiveness of the drug, peer pressure, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and environmental stress are all factors that may play a causative role.

Risk factors that predispose people to drug abuse are a lack of mental or emotional resources against stress, a low tolerance for frustration and the need for immediate relief of tension or distress.

Commonly abused substances include: alcohol, opioids or narcotics (i.e., heroin, opium), central nervous system stimulants (i.e., amphetamines, cocaine), central nervous system depressants (i.e., barbiturates), cannabis (i.e., marijuana) and hallucinogens, (i.e., LSD).

The major, false stereotype is that all substance abusers are social misfits and outcasts even though drug and alcohol use is common through all segments of society. In reality, the “typical” American family is greatly impacted by addiction, and those family members can have their lives turned around by entering treatment. Unfortunately, stigma is a barrier to those who would otherwise seek treatment.

Is addiction a treatable medical illness? Yes. Alcohol and other drug dependence meets the criteria for a treatable, chronic, medical condition and is as consistently diagnosable as other illnesses. As important, addiction treatment has outcomes comparable to other chronic conditions.

Treatment for the person with drug dependence begins with the recognition of the problem. Drug dependence is associated with denial, allowing the person to believe there is no need for treatment. Treatment of drug dependency involves detoxification, long-term rehabilitation and a lifetime of abstinence.

Not only is treatment highly effective, so are prevention and intervention programs. For every dollar spent on drug use prevention, communities can save $4 to $5 in costs for drug abuse treatment and counseling.

Substance abuse treatment is also an effective anti-crime measure and less costly than prison. In fact, every dollar spent on substance abuse treatment leads to a $7.64 reduction in crime-related spending and lost productivity.

The incidence of drug abuse and dependence is widespread and affects all levels of society, causing a major public health problem.

There are an estimated 922,000 adult Texans or 6.8% of the population who could be considered dependent on alcohol or drugs.

About 16.8% of adult Texans experienced at least one alcohol-related problem during the past year, and 4.1% reported problems because of drug abuse.

70% of people who abuse illicit substances are employed.

42% of Texans ages 18 – 24 and 52% of Texans ages 25 – 34 have used an illicit substance at some point in their lifetime.