The numbers come from the latest Treatment Episode Data Set, which tracks US admissions to state-approved facilities for substance abuse treatment. These centers see an estimated 1.6 million admissions each year.
Among all Americans treated in 1999, four drugs of abuse accounted for nearly all admissions: alcohol (47%), opiates such as heroin (16%), cocaine (14%) and marijuana (14%).
Marijuana abuse accounted for a growing proportion of these admissions, increasing from 43% in 1994 to 60% in 1999, according to data released by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Many who entered treatment for marijuana were referred through the criminal justice system.
«While we can all be thankful that people who need help are getting it, this report shows some of the real-life consequences of marijuana use,» John P. Walters, director of the White Houses Office of National Drug Control Policy, said in a statement releasing the statistics.
«In recent years,» he added, «too many people have said that marijuana is a «harmless» drug. That is a lie.»
