Substance Abuse Problem in Connecticut
What toll is substance abuse problem taking on Connecticut?
Many of the answers lie in a new report called the “State of Connecticut Epidemiological Profile.” Recently released by the Department of Public Health (IDPH), the report was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse Treatment and Mental Health Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. “Collecting data on behaviors such as substance abuse is an important function of public health,” said the director of the IDPH Division of Behavioral Health. “This helps us prioritize our activities, especially in regard to drug prevention.”
The report isn’t just for public health or substance abuse treatment professionals, however. Policy makers, educators, social workers, community members and others can learn a lot just by looking at a short summary of the report, called Key Findings. This summary and the full report show that:
* Marijuana use by 6th, 8th, and 11th graders has decreased significantly between 1999 and 2005;
* Illicit drug use in Connecticut is at a lower level than the national average; and
* Youth tobacco use is declining, as fewer students report using tobacco before 13 years of age.
The report also indicates areas where more attention is required, including:
* Fifty-four percent of people in Connecticut over the age of 12 are current alcohol users;
* Approximately 20 percent of new Connecticut HIV/AIDS cases may be linked to illicit drug use; and
* Since 2002, the reported rate of mothers using tobacco during pregnancy in Connecticut has been between 15 percent and 17 percent of all pregnancies.
“It is in our state’s best interests to reduce substance abuse and dependence. “It is especially important that we take note of the results summarized in the Key Findings to ensure that we work as a state to prevent substance abuse.”
For those persons who have become addicted and are in need of substance abuse treatment, a Connecticut drug rehab can be found by calling the drug rehab helpline at 1-800-511-9225. If they can not find a Connecticut drug rehab that meets your needs, then you will be provided a referral to a drug rehab that can. Any drug rehab in Connecticut ( CT ) will be licensed by the State of CT and JCAHO accredited. These licenses insure a certain quality of care is being provided.
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