Astonishing 2011 Illicit Drug Usage Numbers

You may be asking yourself what exactly illicit means— so to clear things up, the definition is “forbidden by laws, rules, or custom.” Obviously illicit drug abuse has been a serious worldwide problem over the years, and according to recent research it’s not getting any better. A research conducted by Dr. Louisa Degenhardt of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre in Sydney, Australia, shows that at least one in 20 people aged 15 to 64 used illicit drugs in the past year (2011). This includes an estimated 125-203 million cannabis users (marijuana); 56 million amphetamine users (speed, crystal meth); 12-21 million problem users of opioids (heroin, oxycodone); and 14-21 million cocaine users. The most startling fact about the research is that it did not include data on use of drugs like hallucinogens, inhalants, steroids, or prescription drugs.

People turn to drugs for many different reasons—whether drug use is a product of the environment/culture, or some might have been peer pressured into trying drugs and ended up getting hooked, or some people view drugs as an escape. Certainly in large metropolitan areas like New York (NY) and New Jersey (NJ), drugs are more easily accessible and widespread—but no matter what the reason may be that people are exposed to and use drugs, the common end result is a lack of help or desire to get clean. Drug addicts fall into this hole where they don’t feel like help is needed, and the people close to them who want to help are pushed away—but not all hope is lost for drug addicts. Even though the numbers suggest that drug abuse is on the rise, the other side of the coin reveals that more exclusive and successful help is available—and Seabrook is an excellent source of help.

Seabrook is an internationally recognized private and exclusive inpatient addiction rehab and alcoholism detoxification treatment center who has achieved an elite CARF accreditation status, ensuring that our rehab patients receive the highest quality treatment. Seabrook operates three facilities in the northeast. Our main rehab facility is located in rural Bridgeton, New Jersey (NJ), only a 90 minute drive from New York City (NYC). All Seabrook programs are grounded in the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The Seabrook Model® of treatment includes a multifaceted medical approach to alcohol and other drugs including opiate detoxification, gender-specific therapy with special emphasis on relapse prevention, and family intervention services. Don’t be a part of the drug abuse problem—be a part of the solution with the help of Seabrook!