Frequently Asked Questions
Common Myths
1. Teenagers cannot be addicts or alcoholics
a. In 2009, an estimated 22.5 million persons aged 12 or older were classified with substance dependence or abuse in the past year (8.9 percent of the population aged 12 or older). Of these, 3.2 million were classified with dependence on or abuse of both alcohol and illicit drugs, 3.9 million were dependent on or abused illicit drugs but not alcohol, and 15.4 million were dependent on or abused alcohol but not illicit drugs. (SAMSHA, 2009)
b. http://oas.samhsa.gov/NSDUH/2k9NSDUH/2k9Results.htm#7.1
c. In 2009, among persons with substance dependence or abuse, the proportion with dependence on or abuse of illicit drugs also was associated with age: 61.0 percent of youths aged 12 to 17 were dependent on or abused illicit drugs compared with 38.4 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25 and 24.6 percent of adults aged 26 or older.
d. http://oas.samhsa.gov/NSDUH/2k9NSDUH/2k9Results.htm#7.1.2