Drug and alcohol abuse affects thousands of Indiana residents and their families. Some people may have trouble controlling their drinking, while others may worry if they’re addicted to prescription drugs. Even smokers aren’t left out of the study conducted by Purdue University, which notes the most abused drug in Indiana. Purdue prepared the study for Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) in 2016.
If looking at these statistics makes you worry about your drug or alcohol use, or that of a loved one, there is hope. Hickory Treatment Centers offers compassionate and evidence-backed treatment for addiction, and we’re just a phone call away.
The Three Most Abused Drugs in Indiana
#1: Alcohol
Not surprisingly, alcohol holds the number one spot. It’s also the most commonly abused drug in the country, with people 18-25 consuming the most. Nearly 6% of Indiana drinkers were classified as having an alcohol use disorder, with the highest rates of addiction in the 18-25 demographic. From 2000-2015, over 5,600 Indianians died due to alcohol-related causes.
#2: Tobacco
Almost 31% of Indiana residents aged 12 and up used a tobacco product in the past month, compared to just 24.6% of the U.S. population overall. Like alcohol, the highest rate of tobacco use was in the 18-25 age group. Indiana is the 12th highest state in the nation for tobacco use, at 20.1% of the adult population. The study notes an annual average of tobacco-related deaths is about 11,100 Indiana residents.
#3: Marijuana
Marijuana is the first illegal substance to appear on the list. Nearly 14% of Indiana residents aged 12 and up reported using marijuana in the past year. The 18-25 age group has the highest rate of cannabis use, and about 20% of college students report using pot. Although marijuana has long been considered a “gateway drug” to harder substances, this “soft” drug is still habit-forming and can contribute to both physical and mental health complications. About 21% of Indiana rehab clients report marijuana dependence in their intake interviews.
Other Drugs
Methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and prescription drug abuse are also on the list. Although these substances are highly addictive and dangerous, the use and abuse of legal drugs overshadow the abuse of illegal substances. Just because alcohol and tobacco are readily available for purchase legally doesn’t mean that they aren’t easily abused or aren’t highly addictive.
Alcohol and Tobacco Polyaddictions
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol and tobacco users are more likely to use these substances together. In fact, people addicted to alcohol are three times more likely than Indiana’s general population to use tobacco, and smokers are four times more likely than the population overall to abuse alcohol.
People who use alcohol and tobacco together have a higher risk of developing substance abuse complications and serious diseases.
Are You Worried About Yours or a Loved One’s Substance Use? We Can Help
Hickory Treatment Centers can help Indiana residents who are struggling with addiction start the path to sobriety. We offer comprehensive addiction therapy from licensed counselors who use proven methods to address addiction. Our treatment centers offer several levels of service, from Intensive Outpatient therapy to family counseling which can help you develop a better support system and mend relationships damaged by drug or alcohol use. Contact us today for a confidential conversation about your treatment options.
