Millions of Americans are addicted to drugs or alcohol, and millions more struggle with an addicted family member or friend, a new poll finds.
"It's pretty surprising to think about when we talk about addiction and issues with drugs and alcohol, we typically talk about them as isolated incidents," said Ashley Kirzinger, director of survey methodology at KFF .
"I think what we're seeing in this is that it's not isolated," she said. "It's impacting almost a majority of American families and when we ask about the impact that it's had on them, a large share say that addiction issues have had an impact on theirand their family's financial situation. It's pretty surprising to think about how pervasive of a problem it is in the U.S.
It's affecting everyone, regardless of where they live, regardless of their household income, she noted. "There isn't a typical person with addiction problems. It seems like it's affecting families regardless of their race and ethnicity, regardless of their income and regardless of where they live," Kirzinger said.
Addiction has been seen in 42% of people in rural areas and 33% of white adults, she added. Yet, many people aren't getting help. Only 46% of those with addiction in their families say that person got treatment. Among white adults, 51% got treatment, compared with only 35% of Black and Hispanic adults., while it stresses family finances .
Many families are also worried that their addicted loved one will overdose or unintentionally use the dangerous and potent drugOn the positive side, Kirzinger said more people polled said their doctor talked to them about the pitfalls of prescription opioids, including the danger of addiction.
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