|
Based on a 1999 study conducted by the Department of Social
and Health Services, Research and Data Analysis, 407,057
adults living in households in Washington State were
estimated to be currently in need of substance abuse
treatment in 1998, representing 10.0% of the total adult
population. (The definition of need is provided on the
following page.) It was also estimated that 585,586
adults living in households had experienced an alcohol or
drug use problem at some time in their life.
The largest number of adults in need of treatment experienced
an alcohol-related disorder. Among adults, 6.8%
(276,722) experienced an alcohol use disorder in the past 18
months, while 1.6% (66,818) experienced a drug use disorder
during the same period.
Adult use rates for individual substances were as follows:
|
Adult Use Rates |
Lifetime Use |
Past 12-Month Use |
Past 30-Day Use |
| Alcohol |
92.3% |
71.6%* |
55.6% |
| Any Drug |
40.2% |
9.8% |
4.9% |
| Marijuana |
38.6% |
9.0% |
4.7% |
|
Stimulants** |
16.3% |
1.9% |
0.8% |
| Cocaine |
12.5% |
1.6% |
0.5% |
* past 18-month use measure utilized for
alcohol only
** Includes amphetamine, methamphetamines, and other
stimulants.
Top
Current Need for Treatment Among Population Subgroups in
Washington State
Current estimated need for treatment in 1998 varied across
subgroups.
Compared with the overall rate of 10.0% for the total adult
population living in households in need of treatment, some
subgroups had lower estimated rates of treatment need.
These included: those ages 45-64 (4.9%) and 65+ (2.0%);
females (6.4%); Blacks (7.5%), Asian-Pacific Islanders
(2.1%), and Hispanics (7.5%); those who are married (6.2%);
and non-high school graduates (9.3%).
Other subgroups had higher estimated treatment needs.
These included: those ages 18-24 (24.8%) and 25-44 (12.5%);
males (13.8%); Native Americans (American Indians or Alaskan
Natives) (17.5%); and those never married (22.0).
Need for substance abuse treatment is not highly correlated
with income. Among all adult household residents in
1998, 10.0% had a current need for treatment, compared with
11.2% of adults in households with incomes at or below 200%
of the federal poverty line.
Top
*Those defined as currently in need of treatment met one of
the following four conditions:
1. Individuals who had a substance use disorder in the past
18 months.
2. Individuals who did not meet the first condition but who
reported that they have "had a problem or felt addicted to
alcohol or drugs" AND reported drinking or using "regularly"
during the past 18 months. "Regular" use means
drinking three or more drinks per drinking day at least one
or two times a week, OR using marijuana 50 times or more, OR
using any other illicit drug 10 times or more.
3. Individuals who did not meet the first two conditions
but received licensed residential or outpatient treatment
services (excluding detoxification or assessment) during the
past 12 months.
4. Individuals who did not meet the first three conditions
but used drugs or alcohol "heavily" during the past 18
months. "Heavy" use means drinking an average of four
drinks per drinking day at least three to four times per
week OR using any illicit drug 50 times during the past 18
months.
|
