Preventing Trends In Drug and Alcohol Abuse from Reemerging

Recent statistics from the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicate that drug and alcohol abuse in America is only getting worse. Prescription medications are a major problem according to current trends, with 90.8% of those drugs obtained with intent for recreational use from family, friends or doctors. According to the NIDA, alcohol abuse is also a continuing problem in the US. Such abuse is currently costing taxpayers $224 billion per year. The National Prevention Strategy, says the Surgeon General of the United States, is an effort of reversing these current trends of drug and alcohol abuse. As part of this strategy, the Surgeon General calls upon all facets of society to work together to cure the disease of addiction.

What the National Prevention Strategy Proclaims

According to the National Prevention Strategy, prevention of drug abuse and excessive alcohol consumption provides a multitude of benefits, including:

• Improved quality of life
• Better academic performance
• Improved workplace productivity
• Enhanced military preparedness
• Reduction in criminal justice costs
• Reduction in accidents
• Reduced healthcare costs

Government's Pledge Toward Reduction in Drug and Alcohol Abuse

For its part, the government pledges to participate in active reduction of the prevalence of substance abuse. The government promises to:  

• Engage all levels of government and community in prevention systems
• Enhance links between agencies toward prevention
• Educate healthcare professionals for improvements in care and monitoring
• Educate consumers about risks of abuse and regulation benefits
• Ensure compliance in advertising
• Promote interstate prescription monitoring
• Develop programs of medication disposal
• Improve insurance coverage for treatment of substance abuse problems
• Increase attention and knowledge regarding DUI issues

Non-Government Participation in the National Prevention Strategy

For civilians and entities outside of federal government, the Surgeon General's office asks for committed participation in the National Prevention Strategy. For each group, specific guidelines are presented to enable a cohesive and logical pathway to reversing current trends of substance abuse in America. Specific groups presented with directives by the National Prevention Strategy include:

• Citizens
• Community and Faith-Based Organizations
• Schools and Universities
• Healthcare Providers and Insurers
• Businesses
• Civic and Community Leaders

Shame-Free Treatment

Individuals stuck in the cycle of drug and alcohol abuse often feel shameful and isolated by their addiction. However, the Surgeon General's multi-level approach to reversing current trends in drug and alcohol abuse nationwide proves that all of society is supportive of gaining freedom from addiction. Because that freedom is gained one person at a time and requires the support of government, health care providers, community organizations and others, those suffering from abuse should know that taking the first step through treatment is not a step taken alone. Freedom From Addiction can help you in your quest towards addiction recovery. Call us for more information.