Rise in Illicit Drug Use Findings

The SAMSHA website released Shocking News: Rise in Illicit Drug Use

Illicit Drug Use Increasing

The use of illicit drugs among Americans increased between 2008 and 2010, according to a national survey conducted by SAMHSA. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows that 22.6 million Americans age 12 or older (8.9 percent of the population) were current illicit drug users. The rate of use in 2010 was similar to the rate in 2009 (8.7 percent), but remained above the 2008 rate (8.0 percent). Another disturbing trend is the continuing rise in the rate of current illicit drug use among young adults age 18 to 25—from 19.6 percent in 2008 to 21.2 percent in 2009 and 21.5 percent in 2010. This increase was also driven in large part by a rise in the rate of current marijuana use among this population.

“We stand at a crossroads in our Nation’s efforts to prevent substance abuse and addiction,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. “These statistics represent real lives that are at risk from the harmful and sometimes devastating effects of illicit drug use. This nation cannot afford to risk losing more individuals, families, and communities to illicit drugs or from other types of substance abuse—instead, we must do everything we can to effectively promote prevention, treatment, and recovery programs across our country.”

The annual NSDUH survey, released by SAMHSA at the kickoff of the 22nd annual National Recovery Month observance, is a scientifically conducted annual survey of approximately 67,500 people throughout the country, age 12 and older. Because of its statistical power, NSDUH is the Nation’s premier source of statistical information on the scope and nature of many behavioral health issues.

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From Crisis to Opportunity - Changing Our View

Your Future Never Looked Brighter!

After the storm - a beautiful rainbow appear

Recently I attended a conference for caregivers.  Caregivers labor sacrificially in the rudimentary care of loved ones who are losing physical and mental capacity.  Caregivers are the unsung heroes living in the shadows of the chronically ill. This conference was designed as a reminder for the caregiver to take care of themselves so they can better care for their loved one.

A motivational speaker began the day with a story:

A young student came home with a failing grade on a final exam.  Entering her home, she went to her mother sobbing.  Her mother asked her what was the matter.  The student showed her mother the exam with the "F" written at the top of the page.  Without skipping a beat the mother told her daughter, "Honey, your future never looked brighter!"   Confused at her mother's response the daughter said, "Mama, I failed the class and I need this class to graduate."  Her mother looked at her with hope in her eyes and said, "Darling, when you take the course over, you will be more prepared and ahead of all the other students.  You will surely do well.  Your future never looked brighter." 

It was at that moment that the mother took a negative situation and instilled hope in her daughter.  She did take the class over and she passed going on to graduate. 

When you are faced with a crisis, how do you view your situation? 

The east coast experienced tumultuous flooding and devastation due to the recent attack of Hurricane Irene.  My niece had a tree collapse through the roof of her home.  The tree split the roof in half and demolished many possessions including her computer.  

Can I say to her, "Your future never looked brighter?"  

Let's consider that thought.  Her house was an older home.  With her faithful homeowner's insurance payments, she is now entitled to receive a new roof and replacement of her valuable possessions with newer possessions.  She has not won the lottery, however, she will have her home repaired and it will be nicer than it was before the hurricane.

Changing our view of a crisis or setback to see the opportunity and good fortune will instill hope and inspire new goals.  

It has been said that failure is an event which does not need to control the future.  Are you letting failures hold you back?  It may be time to reframe your view of the failed event and see it as an opportuity.  Afterall, your future never looked brighter.

www.stages2change.com