Washington State Drug Demographics

Substance abuse centers have had an increase of nearly 30% in admission rates over the past nine years. In 2000, 30,723 people were admitted to treatment for drug or alcohol abuse opposed to 39,704 people in 2008. Over this time each of the major substance groups (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, meth) have all had an increase in admissions. While this is somewhat indicative of Washington’s growing population, there has definitely been an upward trend of drug use in the past decade.

In line with national demographics and drug trends, more men are usually admitted into treatment centers for substance abuse in the state of Washington.  In 2008, 62.4% of the people admitted for treatment were male in comparison to the national average of approximately 67%. Alcohol, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana all had a majority of males being checked into treatment, whereas the only major drug to have a majority of females was meth, in which 53.1% of those admitted for amphetamines were female.

Not surprisingly, marijuana is by far the most abused drug by less than 18 age groups. What is surprising is that nearly half (44.9%) of the 8,338 people checked into facilities for marijuana addiction were in the age group between 12 and 17. In nationwide surveys conducted in 2006, 43.1% of 12^th graders in Washington admitted to using marijuana at one point in their life, while 21.6% admitted to using the drug within the past month.

Besides marijuana, the less than 18 age group also abuses alcohol, tranquilizers, sedatives, inhalants and hallucinogens more heavily than the adult group.

If you are someone who is addicted or concerned about a loved one you can find more about drug abuse in this weebly page on drugs in Washington article. For treatment centers located in Washington you can find a list at Washington Treatment Centers.