HHS released the annual survey of approximately 70,000 people aged 12 and older as part of the kick-off for the 13th annual National Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Month observance. It is important to note that because of the year-to-year variations in Household Survey data, conclusions about trends are best made by looking at estimates from three or more years. The Household Survey is conducted by HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
“As the new school year begins, it’s yet another opportunity for parents to talk to their children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and smoking. And it’s important that parents, educators and students work together to keep drugs out of their schools and prevent young people from engaging in drug use,” HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. “When young people do not perceive the risk, use increases. This is harmful to youth, harmful to families and harmful to communities. Nothing less than our children’s futures – and their lives – are at stake.”
“We have a large and growing denial gap when it comes to drug abuse and dependency in this country,” said John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy. “We have a responsibility—as family members, employers, physicians, educators, religious leaders, neighbors, colleagues, and friends—to reach out to help these people. We must find ways to lead them back to drug free lives. And the earlier we reach them, the greater will be our likelihood of success.”
SAMHSA Administrator Charles G. Curie noted that “Behind these numbers are real children and adults impacted by drug use. Drug use continues to be a serious public health crisis that affects every aspect of our society. We must refuse to give up on people who have handed over their aspirations and their futures to drug use. People need to know help is available, treatment is effective and recovery is possible. This is the message of our Recovery Month observance.”
