Treatment Admissions Show Dramatic Shift

A dramatic shift in substance abuse treatment admissions has taken place in the last decade with fewer people seeking treatment for alcoholism and an increase in admissions for illicit drug and prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse.

The increase in treatment for illicit drug use is sparked by a 30% increase in treatment for marijuana from 1998 to 2008.

The annual survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is based on data from the agency's Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) study. The survey indicates that overall the rates of treatment admissions has remained stable of the period - about 770 per every 100,000 people in the U.S. - but there have been significant changes in the substances for which people are seeking treatment.

A previous study showed that a large percentage of treatment admissions for marijuana abuse were court-ordered treatment.

Alcohol-Only Treatment Declines

Some of the highlights of the survey include:

• Treatment for alcohol as the primary drug declined 15%.

• Admissions for prescription pain killers increased 345%.

• Methamphetamine admissions increased 53%, but down from the peak in 2005.

• Overall heroin admissions were down 3% but higher in New England and the Middle Atlantic states.

• Admissions for cocaine use were down 23% and in every region of the U.S.

A Focus Of Resources

The survey also showed significant shifts in treatment admissions from region to region around the nation. Officials hope to use the information to focus treatment and prevention resources.

"This study provides insight into the regional nature of substance abuse by highlighting the shifting trends in the reasons for admission to substance abuse treatment," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. in a news release. "By carefully analyzing these data, policy makers, public health experts and behavioral health service providers can better direct limited resources and meet the treatment needs of people living in states and communities."

The full report, "State Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services: TEDS 1998 - 2008 is available online in PDF form.

Related Information:

• Getting Help for Drinking Problems
  
• Finding the Right Treatment Program
  
• Does Treatment Work?

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