Who Do We Serve?
General Statistics on Substance Abuse
According to the federal government's most recent study, in 2003, an estimated 19.5 million Americans were active illicit drug users and 16.1 million were heavy drinkers.
The impact of substance abuse goes way beyond the individual. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), throughout the United States, 9.2 million children live in households where a parent or other adult uses illicit drugs. Also, 17 million children live in households with adults who are binge or heavy drinkers. The community as a whole suffers due to crime related to substance abuse. Another CASA study found that 80% of men and women in prison are connected to drug or alcohol abuse in some way. The study also referenced estimates of property and violent crimes committed by each drug addict ranging from 89 to 191 per year.
The issue of substance abuse is challenging to address because many other factors contribute to recovery besides sobriety. Barriers to successful recovery include medical problems and lack of health care, mental health issues, criminal records, lack of education or job skills, and homelessness. Substance abusers may receive treatment for their addiction but lack the tools to combat the other problems in their lives.
According to a federal government report (NTIES), substance abuse treatment reduces drug use in half, increases employment, decreases homelessness, improves physical and mental health, reduces medical costs, and reduces risky sexual behavior. Criminal activity also drops by up to 80%.
The NTIES study also found that drug and alcohol use, criminal activity, and employment outcomes were measurably better among individuals who completed their treatment plans, received more intensive treatment and were treated longer. TROSA offers precisely this type of treatment.
For more information visit:
National Institute on Drug Abuse | Alcohol/Drug Council of NC
General Statistics on TROSA Residents
TROSA serves a diverse population that otherwise might not have any hope. Most have struggled with addiction to drugs or alcohol for more than ten years. Nearly 93% have a criminal record and about one in three come to TROSA as an alternative to immediate incarceration. Seventy percent of TROSA residents are African American. Some have serious health problems. Others cannot read and write, and nearly half left high school without graduating. Although the majority of residents are from North Carolina, the program currently includes people from 19 other states as well. TROSA welcomes people from all walks of life as long as they display a genuine desire to change their lives for the better. These individuals enter TROSA's program voluntarily. At TROSA, recovery from chronic addictions and self-destructive behaviors is completely in the hands of each participant.