According to a study by the National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, 13 states and four major U.S. cities have reported a higher demand for treatment since Sept. 11. Among the states are New York, Washington, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, all areas directly affected by the attacks. In addition, Florida, the state where the first report of anthrax was found, also is seeing an increase in treatment demand.

"We know that one of the major reasons for people who relapse, whether to drinking or [illicit] drugs or smoking, is stress and trauma. God knows, the events of Sept. 11, and the anthrax and the constant conversation about bioterrorism, creates stress for millions of Americans," said Joseph Califano, chairman of CASA and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare.

According to the CASA report, admissions for treatment increased 10 percent to 12 percent nationally since the Sept. 11 attacks.

"This is only the first wave. We are almost certain to have an even greater increase in alcohol and [other] drug abuse and in the demand for treatment, if Oklahoma City is any indication, and this is a more severe and nationally engaged trauma than Oklahoma City," Califano said.

Califano called for more government funding of treatment services and also recommended a public-education campaign alerting physicians, mental-health providers, and clergy to the symptoms of drug misuse and addiction.

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