There are many statistics about drugs and alcohol and none of them are pleasant. They aren’t meant as a scare tactic, but as a wake up call to the heart-wrenching facts of what drugs and alcohol can do. These statistics are based on the use of alcohol and drugs, starting with the first one. In other words, someone doesn’t have to be stoned out of their minds to be involved in an accident.

More than 100,000 deaths occur each year due to alcohol alone. That includes drunk driving, cancer, falls and cirrhosis of the liver. Some of those deaths are not even the people drinking but victims of the alcoholic.

42.9% of girls and women over the age of 12 have reported doing an illicit drug in their lifetime.

Young people who drink alcohol are 50 times more likely to use cocaine than those who never drink alcohol. That is a big number when you stop and think about it. For 50% of those young people, a life of cocaine abuse probably awaits.

According to the CDC; Percent of persons 12 years of age and over with any illicit drug use in the past month was 8.3%. That’s twelve years of age! Middle school kids taking illegal drugs.

“ Most people, youth and adults, start off smoking Marijuana or Hashish and then move onto other drugs “

42.9% of girls and women over the age of 12 have reported doing an illicit drug in their lifetime. A recent 3 year study showed that men get addicted more easily then women do to drugs, but in youth, females get addicted more easily. 6.3% reported past month use of an illicit drug.

There is an almost 50% rate in men and women prisoners that used a drug before the commission of their crime. That comes from the department of justice.

* By far, the biggest drug used illegally is and has been marijuana.

However, prescription drug abuse is on the rise and inhalants hold some impressive numbers too. Any illicit drug (including alcohol) is going to lead to trouble in one way or anther.

* * * People usually begin taking the drug as a means of easing stress, but in the long run, it increases stress on the mind, body and soul. * * *

He was also called “The Dame” and was recognized for this ‘glam rock’ status in the 1970’s.

Many do know that David Bowie was stuck in cocaine addiction, and even did come out of the frightening ordeal. Not surprisingly many associate addiction to stardom and most especially in the music and entertainment industry.

Bowie; however, does describe his cocaine addiction days as the most darkening periods of his life, although when he was high on drugs he came across like he could possibly do and get away with anything. Ironically he mentions that due cocaine his memory is not what it was. He says that his memory is like Swiss cheese, with parts of it missing and unknown, which caused him extensive emotional damage.

In 1970’s Bowie was at the height of his addiction, he lost most of his weight and looked skinny and white.

The addiction not only reflected in his work, but his personality began to differ, his health worsened and his life was even more erratic and controversial and sent the British press in a tizzy. In one of his interviews he does mention candidly that he picked up his drug addiction when he was in the United States for one of his albums. Another reason cited is because of his rough marriage to his first wife Angela Bowie.

One of his early releases that included the ‘Laughing Pedognome’ was critically acclaimed and received with controversy since it showcased his dealings with his drug addiction and paranoia and had a very distinct nasal tone. He had a couple of alter ego names, namely; “The Thin White Duke” and “Ziggy dust”.

In 1970’s Bowie was at the height of his addiction, he lost most of his weight and looked skinny and white. He confessed to surviving on cocaine, red peppers and milk. All he weighed during these bleakly peak times was 95 pounds, a far cry from what he was. This earned him the title of “The Thin White Duke”. During the late 60’s and early 70’s he even masqueraded as an alien, this put him in the spotlight, he decided to exploit this celebrity status and so he started a drag act that was called “Ziggy Stardust”.

In 1974 he had the opportunity to choose between a better lifestyle and cocaine. Sadly he chose the wrong one, which led him to a twisted habit called the nervous tic. This caused him to use his legs in a dramatic fashion and goose-march. Regardless of the time or place he would follow into a full right arm salute, and also began using a fake German accent all this done in a delusional state of mind.

However, he has managed to come clean after several years, and now enjoys a full complete life free of addiction.