According to a recent study by the National Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, 13 states and four major US cities detected a higher demand for treatment-including New York City, Washington D.C., New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

            “We know one of the major reasons for people who relapse, whether to drinking or drugs or smoking is stress and trauma,” said Joseph Califanc, chairman of the Center and former U.S. secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. “The events of September 11, and the anthrax and the constant conversation about bio terrorism create stress for millions of Americans.”

            Since September 11^th, admissions for treatment have increased 10-12% nationally, according to the center.  This increase is believed to correspond to higher consumption of drugs and alcohol.

            People who are exposed to trauma are at 4-5 times greater risk for substance abuse- stress is considered the leading cause of relapse to alcohol and drug abuse, addiction and smoking.

            According to separate report by the American Cancer Society and GlaxoSmithKline Plc, 30% of people who were smokers prior to September 11^th increased the number of cigarettes they smoked, and more than 5% of those who had quit smoking relapsed following the attacks.

SOURCE: “ Drug, Alcohol abuse on rise after attacks,” CNN Health, www.cnn.com, December 6,2001.