Dependence on alcohol and drugs is one of our most serious national public health problems. Addiction is prevalent among rich and poor and all ethnic and social groups.
Millions of Americans misuse or are dependent on alcohol or drugs. Most of them have families who suffer the consequences, often serious, of living with this illness.
Most people who abuse alcohol or drugs have jobs and are productive members of society creating a false hope in the family that “it’s not that bad.”
The problem is that addiction tends to worsen over time, hurting both the addicted person and all the family members. It is especially damaging to young children and adolescents.
People with this illness really may believe that they drink normally or that “everyone” takes drugs. These false beliefs are called denial; this denial is a part of the illness.
-SAMSA
• Information on E-cigarettes (vaping, juules, etc.) U. S. Surgeon General’s website for information on E-cigarettes: https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov