5 Million People a Year Use Self-Help Addiction Programs
Nov. 25 -- MONDAY, Nov. 24 (HealthDay News) -- An estimated five million Americans over the age of 12 participate in self-help groups for alcohol and drug abuse each year, including 2.3 million who currently abstain from use of these substance.
That's the finding of a report released Monday by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
The report, which includes data from 2006 and 2007 nationwide surveys of 67,500 people each year, also found that:
"This report adds to the substantial body of research indicating that participation in self-help groups can help support people battling substance abuse problems. Self-help groups often are used in conjunction with specialty treatment and to support individuals seeking help or sustaining their recovery," Dr. Eric Broderick, SAMHSA acting administrator, said in a government news release.
More information
SAMSHA has more about drug and alcohol abuse treatment.
SOURCE: U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, news release, Nov. 24, 2008