ABOUT ADDICTION

Contrary to common belief, addiction is an illness, not a choice. According to the American Psychiatric Association, it is “a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life. They keep using alcohol or a drug even when they know it will cause problems.”

THE
STIGMA
SURROUNDING
ADDICTION

Texas Health and Human Services explains what stigma is, and how to navigate it:

TEXAS DRUG USE STATISTICS

The following statistics were shared by  Texas Health And Human Services Agency (THHSA) Action Plan to Address Substance Use for 2020-2022, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and Jane Carlisle Maxwell, Ph.D. State of Texas Drug Use Patterns and Trends, 2019. Addiction Research Institute

  • Methamphetamine is the top drug threat reported by the three DEA Field Divisions that cover Texas.
  • Methamphetamine and cocaine problems continue to increase, with no FDA-approved Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) available
  • 12 Month-ending Count of Drug Overdose Deaths in Texas:
    December 2020 to December 2021 is up 15.86% from 4,154 to 4,813.
  • 12 Month-ending Count of Drug Overdose Deaths in Texas:
    December 2020 to December 2021 is up 15.86% from 4,154 to 4,813.
  • The State’s response to the opioid epidemic has resulted in additional outreach and training to prevent overdoses, but changes in use patterns will require monitoring. Of the drugs used in Medication Assisted Treatment in Texas, the amount of methadone dosage per 100,000 used has dropped while the amount of buprenorphine has increased, although there is increased need for MAT.
  • The percentage of adolescents reporting substance use decreased significantly in 2021, representing the largest one-year decrease in overall illicit drug use reported since the survey began in 1975. Down 12th graders are down 4.8%, 11th graders are down 11.7%, and 10th graders are down 5.4% YOY.
  • 47 percent of Texans aged 12 and older report alcohol use in the last month. Also, 18 percent of Texas adults report binge drinking in the last month
  • 17 percent of Texas high school students report marijuana use in the last month. In addition, 2.4 million Texans aged 12 and older are estimated to be using marijuana in the last year
  • In Texas, 19% of middle and high school students say they have used prescription drugs not prescribed to them at some point in their lifetime; 7% say they have done so in the past month
  • 17 percent of teens in high school report having their first drink of alcohol before the age of 13

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recovery is “a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. There are four major dimensions that support recovery:

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Health

Overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms and making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being.

Home

Having a stable and safe place to live.

Purpose

Conducting meaningful daily activities and having the independence, income, and resources to participate in society.

Community

Having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.”

It can be overwhelming to sift through the different kinds of treatment for substance use disorders. This simple, non-comprehensive guide is meant to serve as an overview, which can make the options less intimidating.

RECOMMENDED READING LIST

Upon discovering substance misuse, it might be tough to know where to begin the path toward healing. Here are some recommended reading links, which we’ve curated to help you.

Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide (From the National Institute on Drug Abuse)
How to identify addiction and begin to search for treatment (American Addiction Centers)
How to do an intervention (From Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation)

RESOURCE LIST