Map & Chart
John Hoffman & Susan Froemke
Addiction Is a National Concern; Drugs and Alcohol at a Glance
The following pieces are from Addiction: Why Can’t They Just Stop? a companion book edited by John Hoffman and Susan Froemke for the HBO documentary series Addiction. The map “Addiction Is a National Concern” shows the prevalence of addictive behaviors, including binge drinking, and the use of methamphetamine, heroine, crack cocaine, and other drugs across the United States. “Drugs and Alcohol at a Glance” is a chart that describes the short- and long-term effects of ten popular drugs, including related dangers and withdrawal symptoms. (For more information, including current trends, visit the Web sites of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.)
“ Approximately 10% of North Dakota twelfth graders reported using methamphetamine at least once. ”
“ Heroin has equaled crack cocaine as the greatest drug threat in Connecticut. ”
“ Tennessee accounts for 75% of the meth lab seizures in the southeastern U.S. ”
“ [In Indiana] 7.3% of sixth graders reported using inhalants at least once. ”
“ Methamphetamine use was the lowest among young adults in New York. ”
What statistics on this map do you find most concerning? Why?
Is your state represented on this map? How does the information compare with your own understanding and experience?
Do you know any alcoholics or drug addicts? How has their addiction affected their health? Their appearance?
What do you know about treatment for addiction? How did you learn about it?
“ Ingesting cocaine can cause bowel gangrene. ”
“ ‘Meth Mouth’: Users tend to lose their teeth abnormally quickly. ”
“ Dangerous chemicals are often added to Ecstasy. ”
“ Ketamine can cause delirium and respiratory depression or arrest. ”
“ Heroin withdrawal: muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting. . . . ”