There is Hope

Scary Statistics Substance MalesFemales Any Drug Cocaine Marijuana Opiates Methamp hetamine PCP 0.0 Multiple Drugs YearHeroinCocaineMarijuanaAmpheta mines Possess Narcotic Equipmen All Others % 20.6%46.2% 2.9% 16.5% 7.3% % 25.2%36.7% 4.7% 24.4% 7.1% % 21.2%37.8% 4.7% 24.4% 7.1% % 30.0%32.8% 2.8% 22.8% 8.9% % 33.6%32.7% 1.2% 26.5% 4.0% % 34.7%29.1% 1.3% 26.4% 4.9% % 36.6%23.2% 2.3% 30.2% 2.3% % 31.1%21.4% 2.2% 37.2% 1.8% % 31.4%15.6% 1.8% 43.0% 2.0% % 30.7%19.9% 2.9% 35.3% 4.6% % 35.6%18.4% 3.4% 32.3% 3.8%

The Horrors of Meth

The unfortunate reality of it  In 2004, approximately 22.5 million Americans aged 12 or older needed treatment for substance abuse  71% percent of illegal drug users are employed  Alcoholism causes 500 million lost workdays each year.  Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. In 2003, more than 25 million Americans (over 10% of the population) used marijuana

Illegal Drugs

Various options available  Private owned rehabs  Outpatient programs  Private one on one counseling sessions  12 Step meetings  Government funded institutions  Drug court/ probation  Jail  Death

Recovery and Relapse Statistics Relapse rates for addictive diseases usually are in the range of 50% to 90% Alcohol/drug addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder. Studies show that women in treatment relapse less frequently than men Precipitants to relapse can include anger, frustration, stress, positive emotional states, overconfidence, severity of addiction, and social pressures in environment. In recovery from addiction, it is important to change one's lifestyle involving oneself in healthy relationships getting good nutrition, rest and exercise working to resolve one's personal problems In a study of over 1,800 alcohol-dependent men and women, those who were less likely to relapse received treatment and to have attended Alcoholics, Narcotics, or Cocaine Anonymous meetings. A major study with 10,000 patients in both in-patient and outpatient treatment found that 90% of patients attending AA meetings at least weekly and participating in aftercare were able to abstain from the use of any alcohol at all Addiction need not be a life sentence. Like other chronic diseases, it can be managed successfully. Treatment enables people to counteract addiction's powerful effects on the brain and behavior and regain control of their lives.

We can be free!