Addiction Treatment in California

The California State in the US covers an area of approximately 163,696 sq. miles and with a population of over 36 Million as per the 2009 census is the most populated state in the US. Its total area is ranked third amongst US states, with a density of 234.4/sq. mile. The State of California was admitted into the US Union in 1850.

The State of California stretches from the Pacific coast to the Nevada mountain ranges to the East. To the South East is the Mojave Desert. To the North West lies the Redwood-Douglas Forest. The central part is to be found the most productive agricultural areas in the world, the Central Valley.

Agriculture is the main economic activity in California with total agricultural sales hitting US$31 Billion in 2004 and continues to increase. California's job sector is composed of trade, transportation, business, education, government, financial services, manufacturing industries and leisure and hospitality. With the largest population size in the US, the California state has 12.5% unemployment rate, which is the fifth highest unemployment rate in the whole of US.

The large population size and the increasing unemployment rate are presenting a big challenge to the State's authorities, with addiction from misuse of various substances the most prevalent. From addiction, the California State authorities now grapple with additional challenges that are associated with addiction.

Addiction from Alcohol, Tobacco and Illicit Drugs in California

Research conducted in the State of California show high rates of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug misuse that has led to addiction problems. These researches have released study reports that have been used in formulating ways of dealing with addiction and addiction related problems. The State's Tobacco Control Program was created in 1989 to device policies and launch campaigns in the media, work places and community mobilization in creating awareness on exposure to second-hand smoke. The program was also mandated to address and counter the influences of tobacco in the community.

The State of California's Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) is mandated to address the high misuse of alcohol and drugs. It is involved in devising ways of preventing, treating, researching and implementing all alcohol and drug programs in the state. This agency was created in 1978 and enjoys huge budgetary allocations each year to perform its mandates. Even with state budget reduction, the State of California has maintained adequate funding to ADP. A major challenge that ADP faces is the ever-increasing illicit drug use amongst the population, including the youth. Most of the illicit drugs find their way into the state from without and involves major traders and long supply chains that have often proved hard to break.

As a result of addiction from various substances, the rate of addiction related crime is on the upward trend. The overall health of the population is also at risk as diseases and ailments related to such addictions are on the increase. The cost of substance abuse is turning out to be enormous, ranging from addiction treatment costs, crime and un-productivity on the part of addiction victims.