There are three types of lies: Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics. Mark Twain
Statistics can be utilized and spun to make a point or prove a position in the favor of an author or professional’s opinion or position. However, in the world of addiction, the numbers just don’t lie. In December 2010 the Department Of Health And Human Services, Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration, (SAMHSA), Center For Behavioral Health Statistics And Quality released the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS). This report looks at each State’s admissions to substance abuse treatment services.
The report looks at admissions from the years 1998 through 2008 and presents the data for treatment episodes and the trends of abuse characteristics for treatment admissions of individuals aged 12 and up. In 2008 there were a total of 1,893,640 substance abuse treatment admissions in the country, excluding Alaska and Georgia because they did not report their admissions. The numbers are staggering nearly two million people treated for alcoholism or addiction.
Approximately 25% of all admissions came from New England and the Mid-Atlantic States.
During the decade all admissions increased by 11%.
The treatment rate for alcohol only decreased by 15%.
Alcohol admissions did not decrease in the West North Central States.
Alcohol treatment rates were highest in New England, Middle Atlantic and the West North Central States.
Marijuana treatment admissions 31% higher in 2008 compared to 1998.
Heroin treatment rate was at a high in 2002 but 3% lower than 1998 in 2008.
Heroin admissions were higher in 5 of the 9 areas even though the overall rate declined, with New England and the Mid Atlantic States highest.
Opiates other than heroin increased a staggering 400% increasing every year from 1998 to 2008.
Cocaine treatment admissions were 23% lower.
Methamphetamine/amphetamine was 53% higher in 2008 however 2005 they peaked at a 70% increase.
However Alcohol treatment was higher than illicit drugs with alcohol treatment at 318 per 100,000 and 141 per 100,000 for illicit drugs.
