A 2006 national study revealed some disconcerting facts about drug and alcohol abuse - Four million people across the United States sought help for alcohol and drug use. While this may seem like a large number, consider that another 18 million people who need alcohol or drug rehab don’t realize they need help.

According to the survey, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, of the 18 million or so who did not make their way into a drug or alcohol rehab center, only one million felt that they actually needed help. This leaves the vast majority not realizing that they have a problem. This isn’t surprising really when you look at the life of someone who has an alcohol or drug problem – their impaired judgment often makes them the last to know. In fact, it often it takes the help of friends and family members staging an intervention to help the addict see the reality of the situation. Other times, it takes a trip to the emergency room from an overdose, to jail for driving while intoxicated, or being arrested for possession. Details aside, realize that those 18 million people have an addiction that is ruining their lives and, often the lives of those around them. And it will continue to do so until they get into an effective alcohol or drug rehab program.

A majority of the 22.6 million who were categorized as addicts were alcohol abusers (15.6 million). As alcohol is a legal drug, easier to come by, and socially acceptable, it’s often overlooked as a source of addiction and it’s more difficult for people to realize they have a problem. However, talk to the many loved ones whose lives are affected by the addiction and it is plain to see the signs.

Probably the most shocking statistics in the survey were the comparison with earlier years: The 2006 statistics show no significant change from 2005, or from as far back as 2002. Seven years of no improvement despite the billions being spent on the war on drugs and the initiatives on educating people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

An addiction problem won’t improve on its own. Unless the addicts are guided into an effective alcohol or drug rehab programs, the chances of them getting off drugs or alcohol and turning their lives around are slim. Don’t let someone you care about go without getting the help they need. Get yourself educated about drugs and alcohol, know the signs to look for, and contact a drug rehab program counselor to help you find the treatment model and facility that’s best for your situation.