SIZING UP AMERICA'S DRUG PROBLEM:
60% of the world's illegal drug market is in the U.S.A. (with 6% of the world's population);
Over 20 million Americans use Marijuana;
An estimated 6 million Americans use Cocaine;
An estimated half a million Americans use Heroin;
An estimated 13 million Americans are alcoholics;
Almost 1/3 of Americans between ages 20 and 40 have used an illicit drug once in the past year
Almost 1/2 of Americans entering the work force have used an illicit drug once in the past year.
Many of these drug users are prominent citizens in our communities.
They are business owners, doctors, civic leaders, parents and neighbors.
Consider the profile of a regular cocaine user:
WHO "DOES DRUGS" IN AMERICA?
2/3 of drug abusers are employed!!
Of these, 3/4 are full time.
Forget the old stereotype of the UNEMPLOYED drug abuser!!
18-25 is peak age.
In 18-25 y.o. group, 15% of males & 10% of females abuse drugs.
There are more high income drug abusers than low income.
More drug abusers are employed full time than part time.
THE OVERALL RATE of drug abuse in America (both sexes & all ages) = FIVE PERCENT!
For more complete statistics on drug abuse, click here to see the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse
Well educated [average of 14 years of education]
Employed [77%] and well-paid [37% earn over 25K]
56% engage in illegal activity other than drug possession to support the habit.
[Source: National Drug Task Force Journal]