 |
 |
|
|
July 2014
|
|
Overview
Substance abuse has a major impact on individuals, families, and communities. In 2012, an estimated 22.2 million Americans aged 12 years and over struggled with illicit drug or alcohol (i.e., substance) dependence or abuse.1
Substance abuse among youth continues to be a public health concern. In 2013, an estimated 27.8% of 8th graders and 68.2% of 12th graders had consumed alcohol in their lifetime.2 In addition, 20.3% of 8th graders and 50.4% of 12th graders had used illicit drugs.
Substance abuse, including illicit drug use, underage drinking, and the non-medical use of prescription and over-the-counter medications, significantly affects the health and well-being of youth and individuals of all ages.3 Substance abuse contributes to a number of negative health outcomes and public health problems, including: cardiovascular disease, domestic violence, sexually transmitted diseases, and suicide.4
|
|
Substance Abuse and the Affordable Care Act
Health insurance plans available in the Marketplace must cover 10 categories of essential health benefits. One of these categories is mental health and substance abuse services.
These services include behavioral health treatment, such as psychotherapy and counseling. They also include mental and behavioral health inpatient services and substance use disorder treatment. To learn more about essential benefits related to substance abuse available through the Affordable Care Act, please visit healthcare.gov.
|
|
Leading Health Indicators
Leading Health Indicators (LHIs) are critical health issues that – if tackled appropriately – will dramatically reduce the leading causes of death and preventable illnesses. The Substance Abuse LHIs are:
|
|
Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going
Over the past decade, the percentage of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years who used alcohol or illicit drugs during the past 30 days decreased by 21.6%, from 22.2% in 2002 to 17.4% in 2012. Past-month use of alcohol or illicit drugs by adolescents varies by age, race and ethnicity, and country of birth.
The percentage of adults aged 18 years and over who engaged in binge drinking during the past 30 days was 27.1% in 2008 and in 2012. However, binge drinking by adults varies by sex, age, race and ethnicity, educational attainment, country of birth, marital status, and veteran status.
|
|
Who’s Leading the Leading Health Indicators?
Marathon County AOD Partnership engages the community in the Pushback Against Drug Abuse initiative
|
 Youth substance abuse remains a public health concern in states across the Nation. In Wisconsin, an estimated 9% of youth aged 12–17 years used illicit drugs during the past 30 days and 14% used alcohol during the past 30 days in 2010–2011.5 Recognizing the need to take action against the growing threat in their county, the Marathon County Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) Partnership launched the Pushback Against Drug Abuse initiative in May 2013.
The Marathon County AOD Partnership is a substance abuse prevention coalition with a membership of more than 250 individuals and organizations. The AOD Partnership includes schools, law enforcement, local government, health care professionals, and community organizations. The AOD Partnership is funded by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Drug Free Communities (DFC) Program, which supports community-based coalitions that address local youth substance use and its related consequences. DFC community coalitions use evidence-informed strategies that have been shown to be effective in reducing substance use.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
