These statistics come directly from the 2014 and 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This is a nationwide study done every four years and I want you to evaluate the significant numbers that these disorders represent in terms of demographic populations you will be working with as a helping professional.

Alcohol Use Disorder The 17.0 million people aged 12 or older who were diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder in 2014 represent 6.4 percent of people aged 12 or older – in 2018, that number was 14.8 million. However, just a note for your discussion – the findings discussed that the number of young adults (18-25) who used any alcohol (a couple of times, binge, or heavy use) is 55.1 percent.
Illicit Drug Use Disorder The 7.1 million people aged 12 or older who had an illicit drug use disorder in 2014 represent 2.7 percent of the people aged 12 or older. In 2018, the numbers increased to 8.1 million.
Marijuana Use Disorder The approximately 4.2 million people aged 12 or older in 2014 who had a marijuana use disorder in the past year represent 1.6 percent of the people aged 12 or older. In 2018 – the number rose slightly to 4.4 million.
Pain Reliever Use Disorder The estimated 1.9 million people aged 12 or older in 2014 who had a pain reliever use disorder represent 0.7 percent of the people aged 12 or older. In 2018 – the number dipped to 1.7 million.
Cocaine Use Disorder About 913,000 people aged 12 or older in 2014 had a cocaine use disorder, which represents 0.3 percent of the people aged 12 or older. In 2018 – a rise to 977,000 people.
Heroin Use Disorder About 586,000 people aged 12 or older in 2014 had a heroin use disorder, which represents 0.2 percent of the people aged 12 or older. In 2018 – another drop in numbers to 526,000 people.

In 2014, an estimated 43.6 million adults aged 18 or older had Any Mental Illness (diagnosed) in the United States. This number of adults who had AMI represents 18.1 percent of all adults in the United States. In 2018, that number was 47.6 million adults representing 19.1 percent.

Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders among Adults with a Disorder In 2014, 7.9 million (39.1 percent) had both AMI and SUD. For 2018, the numbers stated that 9.2 million adults had both an AMI and SUD.

As a helping professional – you will come into contact with some form of substance use disorder. It may be primary – with a client; or it may be secondary – a family member. It may be the primary reason the client is seeking help, or it may be secondary due to the environmental, mental health, legal or social limitations the client is facing. The assignment is to write a short paper addressing the following questions:
What role do substance use assessments play in your being a helping professional? How might you use them? (8 points)
Do these types of assessments do enough to screen for problematic behavior? Yes, why; No, why not? (4 points)
In reviewing the assessments in the text, what do you like and dislike about them (at least three specifics)? (6 points)
What may be some personal issues you have when dealing with either clients or their family members who have substance use disorders? And how can you not let those influence your interactions? (7 points)