Addiction is an insidious, “hidden” public health crisis, directly impacting over 45 million Americans. In truth, everyone knows someone who is or was afflicted by addiction. Yet, unlike every other major health issue in America, there is no comprehensive, well-funded national organization that exists to address the addiction crisis.
Something must be done…now. Addiction is the fourth most prevalent health problem in the United States, and is the third leading cause of death. Sadly, it has recently become the leading cause of preventable death – more than car accidents and homicides. Our youth are becoming involved with alcohol and other drugs at ever-younger ages, and the drugs they are using are more potent than ever. Someone – typically a young adult – dies every four minutes from alcohol or other drugs. Twenty-two million people are currently addicted in this country and another twenty-three million live in recovery. That is one in every three households in America. Yet, as a society, we have done very little to address this crisis.
Source: https://www.facingaddiction.org