To fill this information gap, they analyzed data from 43,093 interviews with US adults on their alcohol and drug use conducted between 2001 and 2002.
Following the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which lists diagnostic criteria for mental health problems, the researchers defined drug dependence as compulsive use of a particular mind-altering substance with or without tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, and drug abuse involves the continual, but not compulsive, use of a substance despite social, legal or other problems related to its use.
Among those surveyed, 1.4 percent reported abusing drugs during the past 12 months, while 7.7 percent had abused drugs at some point in their lives. Less than 1 percent met criteria for drug dependence during the past year, while 2.6 percent had been drug dependent at some time.
Abuse and dependence were more common among men, Native Americans, people 18 to 44 years old, people with less education or lower income, and those living in the western US, the researchers found. People who had never married or been widowed, separated or divorced were also more likely to report drug use disorders.
The researchers found a strong association between generalized anxiety disorder and mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, and drug use or dependence.
And among those with drug dependence, 37.9 percent sought professional help, compared to 8.1 percent of those who abused drugs. This is well below the percentage of people who seek treatment for other psychiatric disorders, the researchers note; for example, 60 percent of people with major depression seek treatment, as do half of those with anxiety disorder.
Based on the findings, Compton and his colleagues conclude, "immediate action must be taken to educate physicians, the public, and policy makers about drug use disorders and their treatment and to develop programs to destigmatize the disorders, thereby reducing the personal suffering and adverse societal impact of drug use disorders in the United States."
SOURCE: Archives of General Psychiatry May, 2007.
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