Addiction In America: Rise In Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Seen; Substance Abuse Epidemic Growing Worse Than Cancer

As opioid, heroin and other substance abuse addiction in America rise, grandparents raising grandchildren have also seen an increase among U.S. families. A new report indicates that one in seven Americans suffer from addiction and the epidemic is affecting more people than cancer.

On Facebook, communities have been established among grandparents raising grandchildren because of drug addiction. The Addict's Mom and several groups named Grandparents Raising Grandchildren are just some of the communities growing online for those who have stepped up to look after their son or daughter's children.

"Drugs totally had taken what love she had for her daughter," Mary Grabenstein, who has been taking care of her 6-year-old granddaughter, told NBC Washington. She was speaking about her own daughter, Janet, a heroin addict. The Grabsteins had to go to court to legally have full custody of Lexi who have witnessed her mother take drugs.

Addiction in America has led to some grandparents raising more than one grandchild, which hasn't been easy financially, emotionally and physically. They rely on help from neighbors and friends, who would assist with household chores and providing for the kids' needs.

According to PBS, 2.9 million households have grandparents raising grandchildren as a result of addiction in America. Instead of spending their time leisurely in retirement, these grandparents are now looking after one to five grandkids.

90% of people with a substance use disorder are not getting treatment. That has to change. #FacingAddiction pic.twitter.com/mFYfx6dv3A

— U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) November 17, 2016

According to a new report from U.S. Surgeon General, addiction in America directly affects 20.8 million individuals. This number is a lot higher than people suffering from diabetes and twice as much as those suffering from cancer.

Addiction in America is rampant in both urban and rural areas. Worse, the majority of these individuals are not getting any drug treatment or rehabilitation.

The experts are recommending aggressive action in addressing substance abuse problems, especially within the incoming Trump government. Addiction in America is not only a health problem but an economic problem as it can lower productivity and drive up health care and judicial costs, NPR reports.