Policy course. Topic = Abandoned infants How Widespread is it? (NATIONALLY—PRESENT statistics) One page and half (1½) Academic source Cite= APA formal Double space, font 12

How Widespread is it?

Illicit drug use impacts a vast portion of the American population. Nationwide statistics show that approximately 46% of individuals 12 years of age and older have used illicit drugs at least once in their lives. During the past year, statistics reveal that more than 15% of the American population has used illicit drugs. Furthermore, more than 8% have used illicit drugs within the last month alone. Substance abuse is certainly not limited to illicit drugs. Concerning alcohol, nationwide statistics show 23% of individuals 12 years of age and older have binge drank awkward at least once in the last month (SAMHSA, 2008a).

Considering the prevalence of illicit drug use and binge drinking behavior in the United States, there are numerous individuals requiring substance abuse treatment services. In 2007, 7.5% of individuals 12 years of age and older were identified as either substance dependent or substance abusers. According to the SAMHSA, only 1% of this population sought treatment for their substance use (SAMHSA 2008b),

When looking specifically at North Dakota, illicit drug use rates are considerably lower than the national average while binge drinking behavior is more prevalent. During the last year only 6% of North Dakota residents reported using illicit drugs compared to the nationwide average of 15%. However, 30% of North Dakota residents have reportedly engaged in at least one binge drinking episode within the last month, a statistic considerably higher than the national average of 23% (SAMSHA, 2008c). Despite thorough efforts, specific percentages of North Dakota residents defined as substance dependent or abusers could not be located. Any suggestion why that is the case? Where did you look? Sometimes numbers are not available, but you still need to discuss the issue.

Chemical dependency and the need for treatment is an important issue both nationally and in North Dakota. Involuntary commitment is one treatment option frequently used at the state and federal level. In 2007, North Dakota admitted 765 patients to the State Hospital. Of these 765 patients, more than 85% were involuntarily committed through avenues such as emergency, 72-hour detox, and orders by agencies such as the Department of Corrections. (D. Eissinger, personal communication, February 17, 2009 Eissinger was not able to give you ANY stats regarding percentages of North Dakota residents defined as substance dependent or abusers?). Currently, all commitment petitions need to be signed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician.