The number of Americans negatively affected by drugs and alcohol is astounding. Millions of Americans struggle with the use, misuse, and abuse of drugs and alcohol. In addition, millions more are negatively affected by drugs and alcohol because of an addicted family member or friend. Incredibly, two-thirds of Americans say either they or a family member are victims of this national scourge.

Indeed, in the lives of too many Americans, the abuse of alcohol or drugs leads too often to addiction, homelessness, and overdoses. Moreover, 19% say they have been addicted to drugs or alcohol, had a drug overdose, or were homeless because of an addiction. Is it any surprise that almost everyone knows someone who is a victim in this ongoing tragedy?

Negatively Affected by Drugs and Alcohol

In an in-depth article in U.S. News & World Report, Ashley Kirzinger, the Director of Survey Methodology at KFF (formerly known as Kaiser Family Foundation), explains the significance of the latest findings. She is responsible for designing and implementing survey methodologies while ensuring survey data’s accuracy and reliability. In an interview with U.S. News & World Report, Kirzinger delves into the data:

“It’s pretty surprising to think about when we talk about addiction and issues with drugs and alcohol, we typically talk about them as isolated incidents. I think what we’re seeing in this is that it’s not isolated. It’s impacting almost a majority of American families, and when we ask about the impact that it’s had on them, a large share say that addiction issues have had an impact on their mental health and their family’s financial situation… There isn’t a typical person with addiction problems. It seems like it’s affecting families regardless of their race and ethnicity, regardless of their income and regardless of where they live.”

As a provider of SUD Treatment Services, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) is on the front lines of the conflict. With over fifty years of providing these services in Los Angeles County, the nonprofit organization understands the widespread impact. Moreover, not enough people are accessing the treatment they so desperately require.

Negatively Affected by Drugs and Alcohol = Treatment

Indeed, according to recent findings, too many people are not receiving the treatment they need. Too many people are unable to access professional help. 54% of those with SUD issues in their families received no treatment whatsoever. Only 35% of Black and Hispanic adults access any treatment options, compared with 51% of white adults.

Moreover, drugs and alcohol damage families. People in the survey say addiction has damaged family relationships (76%) and mental health (70%). For example, addiction places a significant stress on family finances (57%). The KFF poll includes over 1,300 U.S. adults. From July 11 to 19, these adults spoke to interviewers online or by telephone.

Tarzana Treatment Centers Ready to Help

TTC knows that support services for families are often lacking. Despite the sheer volume of families negatively affected by drugs and alcohol, there is a hole in the system. However, TTC provides affordable services, working with a vast majority of insurance providers to fill that hole. If we want to address the problem, we must help the needy.

Therefore, TTC offers SUD services to people most in need. To learn more about accessible SUD treatment services, please contact us today.