Usage and Dependency Findings for First Year after Initial Drug Use

From our archives: Previous articles that have some relevance today (Original date: 05/2008)
 
Recent data analysis from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health finds two major trends in substance use patterns during the first twelve months after an individual tries a drug.  In most cases, over 50 percent of individuals stop using a substance within a year of his or her first experience with it.  The exceptions are alcohol and marijuana, which show a continued use pattern.
 
Heroin and crack cocaine show the highest dependency rates.  However, these drugs also show the highest rates of nonuse within a year after first trying the drug.  This indicates that, although only a fraction of individuals continue to use heroin and crack cocaine, they do risk a bigger chance of becoming dependent upon these substances.
 
Treatment plans for substance abuse are part of a comprehensive drug-free workplace programs that Working Partners will help research and implement in your organization.