Survey: What Does America Think About Addiction Prevention and Treatment?

This national survey conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health assessed the public's opinions on addiction prevention and treatment.

Key points from the research include:

• 47% of Americans believe that addiction is a form of illness.
• 66% reported that addiction is something that individuals cannot solve on their own.
• 69% of a national sample reported knowing someone with a drug problem.
• Of those who know someone with a drug or alcohol problem, 59 percent reported that the individual received treatment for his or her problem. About two-thirds reported that treatment was either very successful (38%) or somewhat successful (28%).

This document is available at www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=18642.