Health & Fit Nearly 1 in 2 Families Are Struggling With Addiction

As news of the opioid epidemic is on front pages around the country, that and other substance abuse problems, which include alcohol, plague almost half of America's families. Portions of the trouble continue to rise year after year, according to new research.

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Gallup has released a poll that shows that 46% of American adults have dealt with substance abuse in their families. Most of that centers around alcohol, either on its own or mixed with other substances. Gallup totaled the figures, "18% have had just alcohol problems and 10% have had just drug problems, while 18% have experienced both." The measurements cover the period of people's lifetimes.

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G. In 1887, two other cotton industrialists from Lancashire, Clement and Harry Charnock, moved to work at a cotton factory in Orekhovo-Zuevo, near Moscow. They were both great football fans and decided to introduce this game to the workers of the factory.

Its survey is the latest indication of American families struggling to balance mobile devices in an age of It also underscores the ongoing debate over Internet addiction and its consequences. U.S. children between ages 8 and 12 report spending nearly six hours a day using media, while those

Thirty-five percent of those surveyed mentioned alcohol as a problem. This was relatively even across all age groups polled. Drug problems alone were reported by younger people who described their families. Among people under 55, 35% said drug abuse had or is a problem with their families. The figure was 24% among people 55 and older. Notably, education was a factor among those who reported problems. The issue was lower among college graduates (32% drinking-related and 26% drug abuse). Among people with less than a college education, the problems were more pronounced (39% drinking, 30% drug abuse).

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A short series about various problems that teenagers are facing. This series consists of real stories and dramatic re portrayals. The Good, the Bad & the

The non- addicted partner may inadvertently enable the addiction , and when both partners are addicted , it may be more difficult for either to quit. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction , contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Drinking as a cause of family trouble has surged over the decades. At 36%, it is near its highest level since Gallup began to measure the issue in 1947, when the number was 17%. It reached current levels two decades ago.

The financial cost of alcohol abuse on society is staggering. The last complete study by the CDC used 2010 figures. "Excessive alcohol consumption" cost the U.S. $249 billion that year. The major contributors to the problem were lost work productivity (72%) and health care expenses (11%). The Health Policy Group made estimates based on a slightly different scale. It reported that substance abuse has cost America $532 billion a year. This included drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

A recent 24/7 Wall St. story on America's 25 most dangerous drugs showed alcohol among them.

Although the Gallup trend cannot be an indicator of the future, recent information shows the problem is not getting any better.

Google Honors Pioneering Psychiatrist Herb Kleber, Who Treated Addiction as a Disease

Using "evidence-based treatment," Dr. Kleber revolutionized the way addiction is treated. He is honored Tuesday with a Google Doodle.The Doodle, illustrated by Massachusetts-based artist and author Jarrett J. Krosoczka, celebrates Kleber, who throughout his 50-year career was recognized as a pioneer in the field of addiction research who revolutionized the way addiction is treated and viewed in the medical community.

"For families struggling to make ends meet, the expenses can pose a real challenge." Even in states with appropriate provisions for families seeking The program has served more than 2 ,500 patients in the last two years and continues to expand. Robles-Ramamurthy sees this as a sign of progress but

8. Are there people in your family who you suspect may have developed any type of addiction ? 1 . Given a scenario that one of your close family members has an addiction , what steps would you take to fix this and 2 . What do you think would be indications that a person is struggling with addiction ?

Summary of Americans' Experience With Drinking and Drug Abuse as Family Problems

Gallery: The most serious public health issues America faces today