Majority of Drug Use Disorders Go Untreated

From our archives: Previous articles that have some relevance today

Original date: 08/2007

According to a study released in May 2007 by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a mere 8 percent of drug abusers, and only 40 percent of those diagnosed with drug dependency, have received intervention or treatment.  The research indicates that certain people have a higher risk for abuse and dependence and should be targeted earlier for intervention.  For instance, men are statistically more at risk than women.  Additionally, the study shows that drug dependence and abuse issues generally begin in late adolescence/early adulthood, with individuals between the ages of 18 and 44 at a higher risk.  Those who have never wed are also included in the high-risk group.

“We are concerned because treatment rates are this low despite the availability of effective interventions,” says NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow.  “We must encourage the public to view addiction as a brain disease that needs to be treated like any other chronic disease.”

Not surprisingly, the NIDA research revealed that those who received assistance often turned to self-help groups.  However, the survey also revealed that among those treated, the majority sought help from physicians and other health care professionals.  This highlights the important role that family doctors can play in the recovery process.  Based on its findings, NIDA recommends that future efforts center on providing resources for primary care physicians to identify and refer those in need of treatment. (It stands to reason, too, that workplaces can also increase the chances that an abuser/addict will get help. One of the major goals of effective drug-free workplace programs is to intervene in a problem situation, provide resources for assistance, and hold the person accountable to make changes!)

Treatment plans for substance abuse are part of a comprehensive drug-free workplace program that Working Partners will help research and implement in your organization.