Fact Sheets

The Impact of Substance Use Disorder

The addiction crisis confronting the United States deeply affects all of us. Every day, we see news headlines about the destruction of our communities, both urban and rural, from the opioid crisis. But the damage caused by substance use disorder isn’t limited to the where we live. It is just as destructive in the workplace and the executive suite. Addiction does not discriminate based on age, employment status or income level.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health more than 21.5 million Americans aged 12 years of age and older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse problem, but only 11 percent of those needing help get help. Most of those needing help are employed.

Individuals struggling with an addiction personally or within their family or workplace, need tools. The resources provided here have been gathered from a variety of sources and provide some of the information you may need for yourself, your family, your organization or your colleagues.

For additional information or to meet with an addiction professional, please contact Kelli Grant, 678-543-5721 or KGrant@caron.org.