Substance abuse in office-based practice. Preface.

摘要

The prevalence of substance use disorders in primary care outpatients varies from 7 to 28%. Drug use, including alcohol and tobacco, continues to be the greatest threat to our nation's health, causing well over 600,000 deaths yearly in the United States. Although the prevalence of drug use varies within populations, it remains significant for all groups seen in primary care medical practices.Fifty percent of Americans currently drink alcohol. Twenty-three percent binge drink, defined as five or more drinks on at least one occasion in the 30 days prior to the survey. Seven percent are heavy drinkers, defined as binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past month. Twenty-four percent of Americans over 18 are current users of tobacco and 20.6% smoke cigarettes. Men (23.5%) were more likely than women (17.9%) to be current smokers. The prevalence of smoking was 31.1 % among persons below the federal poverty level. For adults aged >25 years, the prevalence of smoking was 28.5% among persons with less than a high school diploma, compared with 5.6% among those with a graduate degree. Eight percent of the population aged 12 or older are current illicit drug users. Current drug use means use of an illicit drug during the month prior to the survey interview. Six percent are using marijuana, 1 % using cocaine, and <1 % using hallucinogens and heroin. Six percent of Americans abuse prescription medications.