Drug and alcohol abuse affects men and women of all colors, religions, backgrounds and ages in every corner of our country. We will cover the statistics on drug and alcohol addictions and how certain drugs affect a person. Additionally, we will discuss how drug addiction affects a person's family and community. Most importantly, we'll cover drug treatment and prevention.Drug and Alcoholism StatisticsIn the United States, 2,500 young people ages 12 to 17 will try a prescription medication for the first time. More than 15 million people in the United States abuse prescription drugs, more than the total number of people who report abusing cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, and heroin. Prescription drug abuse accounts for the largest percentage of drug overdose deaths. Opioid painkillers were the most common drug, accounting for 38.2% of overdose deaths. (World, 2006-2013)According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 23.5 million people aged 12 and older required treatment for a problem with illicit drug or alcohol abuse in 2009. During 2009, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's national survey found that the rate of illicit drug abuse had reached its highest level highest over the past eight years in the United States. (Centers, 2013)In America, since 1980, the number of drug overdose deaths has increased by more than 540 percent. Baltimore, Maryland has more people per capita living with heroin addiction than any other state in the United States. Since 1990, the number of people taking prescription drugs illegally has reportedly increased by more than 50...... middle of paper ...... also designed to meet the needs of women who are pregnant or have children. . The primary goal of therapeutic communities is to focus on resocializing the patient toward a drug- and crime-free lifestyle. in treatment. The appropriate time varies depending on the severity of the addiction. The stages of recovery are a long-term process and may require several attempts to seek help. As part of a treatment program, successful clinicians can establish a positive therapeutic relationship with their patients. The clinician must ensure that a treatment plan is developed in cooperation with the person seeking treatment, that this plan is followed, and that treatment expectations are clearly understood..