Patterns of Drug Use Differ Among States

From our archives: Previous articles that have some relevance today (Original date: 09/2009)
 
A recent study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports a wide variance in the amount of illegal drug use—and in drugs of choice—when examined state by state. In fact, the statistics are all over the board. For example, 12.5 percent of Rhode Island’s residents were found to use illicit drugs, while Iowa was on the low end with 5.2 percent. Iowa’s alcohol dependence rates, however, ranked among the highest in the nation. Vermont’s population topped the list of marijuana use at 2.5 percent, while Utah reported the least amount of marijuana use (1.6 percent).
 
“This report shows that while every state faces its own unique pattern of public health problems—these problems confront every state,” explains SAMHSA acting administrator Eric Broderick. “By highlighting the exact nature and scope of the problems in each state we can help state public-health authorities better determine the most effective ways of addressing them.”
 
If your business is seeing signs of drug abuse, learn how a drug-free workplace program can identify the signs of abuse, and address the use of drugs in the workplace.