It is no exaggeration that alcohol and other drug problems are the single-most 
important public health challenge facing our community today. Preliminary findings from a research study commissioned by Face It! suggests that about one in ten individuals in our region has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, or both. This level of prevalence mirrors findings from many national studies.

Based on this preliminary finding and estimates of our past (and future) population, the study suggests that a significant number of our friends, co-workers, relatives and neighbors are struggling with an alcohol or other drug problem. Based on these preliminary findings Face It! believes a reasonable
measure of those currently in need of help approximates: 

• 15,000 people in Sioux Falls
• 17,000 people in Minnehaha County
• 23,000 people in the 4 county Sioux Falls MSA (Lincoln, Minnehaha, Turner and McCook counties)

Perhaps of even greater concern, the study’s preliminary findings also suggest that somewhere between 75 and 90 percent of those with the disease are NOT getting the help they need. It is not only a question of the extent of the disease in our region…it is also a question of helping those with the disease get into treatment and recovery and find support to renew their lives.

We know from common sense, research and our respective life experiences that the effect of this disease is widespread, extending into every neighborhood and economic sector of our communities. Alcohol and other drug problems hurt children and families, our businesses and employers, and our quality of life.

The far-reaching impact of the disease, along with the research outlined below, makes it very likely we all know someone who has been affected by alcohol and other drug problems:

• In South Dakota, 10 percent of those age 12 or older had an alcohol problem in the past year, the second-highest rate in the country.
• Most Americans report having personal experiences with alcohol and or other drug problems. Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed reported knowing someone who has a problem with alcohol or other drug use.
• Research shows that substance abuse cuts across all groups, regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, class, employment status or community.
• In a survey, 63 percent said there had been a “great deal” or some impact on their own lives as result of grappling with addiction (either their own or someone they know).
• Substance use disorders are far more common than diabetes, annual cancer deaths or diagnoses, coronary heart disease or Alzheimer’s disease. In 2006, 22.6 million people age 12 and older indicated a substance use disorder in the preceding year, compared to:
• 15.2 million adults with diabetes (as of 2007).
• • 1.44 million expected to be diagnosed with cancer and 560,000 predicted to die from the disease (in 2007).
  • 15.8 million with coronary heart disease.
  • More than 5 million with Alzheimer’s disease.