SAM HSA

The current alcohol use rate for blacks aged 18 and older is significantly lower than the national adult average according to a new study based on a national survey. The study also reveals that black adults have a lower rate of current binge drinking. But the rate of binge drinking among pregnant black women aged 18 to 44 is higher, and black adults have a higher rate of current illicit drug use.

Only 40.0 percent of adolescents perceived great risk from having five or more drinks of alcohol once or twice a week, and just over one third (34.2 percent) perceived great risk from smoking marijuana once a month. Females were more likely than males to perceive great risk from smoking one or more packs of cigarettes per day, from having five or more drinks of alcohol once or twice a week, and from smoking marijuana once a month; males were more likely than females to perceive great risk from trying heroin once or twice.

A new study done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates that the aging of the baby boom generation is resulting in a dramatic increase in levels of illicit drug use among adults 50 and older. These increases may require the doubling of substance abuse treatment services needed for this population by 2020, according to the report.

A study shows that among 22 major occupational categories, the highest rate of past month cigarette use was found in the food preparation and serving-related occupations. Unemployed people ages 18 to 64 had a higher percentage of past month cigarette use than those employed full-time, employed part-time or with other employment status.

Alcohol dependence or abuse among fathers living with adolescents (youths aged 12 to 17) may increase the risk of alcohol or illicit substance use among their children according to a new national study.

Parental substance dependence and abuse can have profound effects on children, including child abuse and neglect, injuries and deaths related to motor vehicle accidents, and increased odds that the children will become substance dependent or abusers themselves.

This manual for Brief Marijuana Dependence Counseling (BMDC) is based on the research protocol used by counselors in the Marijuana Treatment Project (MTP). The manual provides guidelines for counselors, social workers, and psychologists in both public and private settings who treat adults dependent on marijuana.

New data indicate that 2.3 million people who participate in self-help groups for alcohol or illicit drug use currently abstain from use of these substances. Based on a nationwide survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the report offers other data highlighting the use and benefits of these groups.

Mutual support (also called self-help) groups are an important part of recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). Groups exist both for persons with an SUD and for their families or significant others. This issue of Substance Abuse in Brief Fact Sheet will help healthcare and social service providers understand the effect of mutual support groups on recovery, become familiar with the different types of mutual support groups available, and make informed referrals to such groups.

A first-of-its-kind national report reveals that 15.1 percent of the nation’s drivers age 18 and older drove under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year. The report says that in some states the levels are far higher – about one in four drivers.