They will affect another 2,600,000 people, family members, employers, friends, and innocent victims. Most likely, the percentage is significantly higher. Though the situation is improving, too many medical professionals at various levels lack an understanding of addictive disease and how it can be treated and prevented. Addiction treatment services are not in the main stream of health care. Addiction treatment and rehabilitation is a low priority in the criminal justice system, especially for those on probation, parole, and in jails.
Services designed to help families of addicted people are largely non-existent.