Globally, the negative of impacts of d rug and substance abuse are unprecedented . For instance, a lcohol and marijuana today are considered mild substances since individuals have embraced stronger drugs and more sophisticated methods of us ing various harmful substances. Although alcohol has been the most popularly abused substance, young people have recently ventured into the use of prescribed drugs . Physicians have been blamed for being part of the problem given that prescriptions are readily available to addicts. Against this backdrop, the menace of drug and substance abuse in the United States (U.S) cannot be ignored .
The National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health (NSDUH) has been at the forefront of documenting drug and substance use in the U.S. In the 2015 survey on drug use and health, the sample population comprised of 68,073 randomly selected individuals. The representative sample was made up of individuals aged 12 years and above ( Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2016 ). These respondents were mainly civilians and non-institutionalized citizens all living in the U.S. The study did not incorporate citizens with no fixed residential address, those in nursing homes, correctional facilities and long-term hospitalization. Moreover, those engaged in active military service were also excluded .
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The study was state-based in which case the states were divided into equal population stratification areas. Further divisions were carried out resulting in census tracts, followed by census block groups and finally area segments. In the segments, dwelling units were identified in which two persons above 12 years were interviewed ( Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2016). With in these divisions, data was collected through in-person interviews and use of questionnaires . Before the exercise, i ntroductory letters were mailed to the respondents to inform them of the exercise and to seek their consent.
The study sho w ed significant effects of drug abuse on health. It also re vealed that prevalence of drug and substance abuse is rampant amongst the youth and the trend has been rising in recent years ( Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2016). The results also showed significant impacts of addiction on c oncentration and time spent at work. The study also revealed that alcohol is the most abused substance and comprised of 25% of the cases reported . T he study also confirmed that almost two m illion people have admitted to substance use annually and have experienced mental problems as a result ( Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2016) .
References
Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2016). 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Methodological summary and definitions. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from