Addiction is endemic in American families. A USA TODAY/HBO nationwide poll of adults April 27-May 31 found that one in five said they had an immediate relative who at some point had been addicted to alcohol or drugs. That translates into roughly 40 million American adults with a spouse, parent, sibling or child battling addiction. And that doesn't count the millions of children living with an addicted parent.
Many Americans might find these numbers shocking. But H. Westley Clark, who directs the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, says he's not surprised that 20% of poll respondents said they have an immediate relative who has been addicted to alcohol or drugs.
Is it this bad and do the results/figures honestly underscore the problem of addiction ?
Were you/are you affected in some way by a spouse or close relative, by alcohol/drug addiction ?
2006-07-26 21:45:43 · 12 answers · asked by marnefirstinfantry 5 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
Yes my family has been seperated for 6 months now because of alcohol and the things that come with it. lying, cheating, spending outrageous amounts of money.. Not going to work. staying ouy late.. all due to an addiction that wasnt his wife and children. Now hes recovering trying to make it right.. I DONT KNOW HOW TO REGAIN WHAT WE HAD. WE HAVE 19 YEARS TOGETHER AND I REALLY DONT WANNA LET IT ALL GO FOR GOOD..
2006-07-26 21:50:38 · answer #1 · answered by igotbuuurnd 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think these percentages have been the same for about the past 40 years, they are just more publicly acknowledged and talked about now. I think almost everyone in the U.S. has been affected in some way by addiction, either by themselves being addicted, a crime done to them by an addict, a drunk driver, family members who are addicts, etc. I have heard statistics that approximately 85% of the prison population committed the crime while under the influence. So, yes it is a big problem with no real answer. The real question is why do people like alcohol/drugs so much in the first place? Something about releasing endorphins in the brain, and who can stop people from wanting more endorphins, which is the basis of all addiction? Our brain wants them, and it does not tell us out loud about this. When a person realizes this endorphin quest is having a bad effect on their life, it is very hard to control their brain to stop the quest, but it can be done. The best programs for anyone to get help from are AA or NA. However, not all addictions have to do with alcohol/drugs, there are many more addictions, i.e., food, gambling, sex, shopping,on and on...
2006-07-26 22:03:38 · answer #2 · answered by 420Linda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not taking a position of advocacy right here. However an historical buddy of mine mentioned, "certain. Legalize all the stuff. Hell, most of it's relatively low cost in its legal kind. Give it to them! Be certain they take plenty. And broaden their doses regularly. Make 'em elevate 'Junkie' cards and if they are caught riding or running heavy machinery, good, there'd be a loss of life penalty. Identical in the event that they commit any violent crime. And get 'em together in colonies, where they are able to do the entire medicines they need! Free! Hell, those who need could even devour slightly once in a while." that is a formulation for encouraging what amounts to suicide, but here is what I think: Nothing we've got tried WORKS. NOTHING. I think my pal was tossing out a crazy conception, however in the end, probably it might be more cost-effective and it could aid smooth up our cities. I suppose he mentioned they'd all have got to be sterilized by means of contract to get their free medicinal drugs. Knowing what I do about drug addicts, that'd be first-rate with most of them.
2016-08-09 05:07:04 · answer #3 · answered by bungay 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My grandfather on my dad's side was an alcoholic. He died in 2002 when his liver just gave out. My dad gave up drinking in 1999 because he realized he was one step away from turning into his dad. I dont' even like the taste of alcohol now. My grandpa and dad ruined it for me!! But I guess I'm better off sober anyways. And as for the drug addiction part. Nicotine is a drug and my grandfather was also a chain smoker. Three plus packs a day. He had so many types of cancer related to it too. I hate the smell of cigarette smoke too. Haha..I'm lame!
2006-07-26 21:50:56 · answer #4 · answered by mlove1307 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely! I have 1 year 2 months clean now from being an IV meth user! Now that I'm clean and not so self absorbed I see that most of my family has fallen deep into their own drug addictions! It kinda feels like there's no hope for the world. Very sad!
2006-07-26 21:50:56 · answer #5 · answered by Candy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Addiction has affected me and I was not the drinker. I have been scarred mentally by addiction. Addiction is an ongoing problem with many people because they don't know they are addicted. An addicted family member keeps me in fear daily. I am really scared for my life.
2006-07-26 21:52:16 · answer #6 · answered by Teacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The numbers are higher than that. There are so many functional users out there that go unreported or polled. I know I just got out of treatment Monday. The war on drugs is a joke.
2006-07-26 21:53:24 · answer #7 · answered by ltexasfootballer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have been and the sad thing is i'm only 16...i had to give it all up or otherwise i was going to have to go to JDC it sucked i was pretty much addicted to everything...one of the hardest moments in my life so far...but i had great support from my sober friends, and my family...
2006-07-26 21:49:06 · answer #8 · answered by pshh =] 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes my brother was on prescribed depression medication and also taking illegal drugs. One night he tripped out and tried to stab my mom. She was stabbed in the hand while blocking her head, and managed to get out. My brother still tripping out threatened to stab the cops while their guns were drawn. He's in jail waiting for his court date.
2006-07-26 21:50:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, in time, it will physically, mentally and emotionally destroy a person. No Joke!
2006-07-26 21:49:05 · answer #10 · answered by healingman2911 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋