National Substance Abuse Prevention Month 2022
October is National Substance Abuse Prevention month in the United States. I’m sure if you follow the news, you have heard about the rise in recent years in drug abuse, drug overdose, and drug-related deaths in the United States. In 2020, for example, drug overdose deaths rose nearly 30% from the year before, resulting in over 93,000 fatalities.
Chances are you know, or will know, someone affected by substance abuse. The first thing to know is, if you personally think you may have a problem, you should seek treatment. Maybe you’re on the fence thinking you may have a problem, but then you also remember that you know people who seem to have a worse relationship with drugs or alcohol than you do…don’t let that stop you. If there’s any part of you, in those moments of clarity when you’re honest with yourself, that thinks you may have a problem, you should seek out help from a trained professional to see if you qualify for treatment. You can seek out a local counselor, or visit https://findtreatment.gov or call 1-800-662-HELP.
If you’re wondering, either for yourself, or a loved one, what actually qualifies as having a substance abuse issue, there are concrete indicators that treatment professionals use to determine whether or not someone qualifies for a substance use disorder. Here are a few key indicators a mental health professional will consider about a person's drug or alcohol use:
Was the substance taken in larger amounts, or over a longer period than was intended?
Does the person desire to cut down on use, but is unsuccessful in their efforts?
How much time and effort is spent trying to obtain, use, and recover from alcohol or drugs?
Do they have cravings?
Is their drug or alcohol use affecting their abilities at work, school, or home?
Is drug or alcohol use causing social problems?
Is drug or alcohol use happening in physical dangerous situations?
Is drug or alcohol use continuing despite psychological or physical problems?
Is the person developing tolerance or withdrawal effects when they try to abstain from using alcohol or drugs?
If any of these ring true to your own personal situation, then you should seek out a mental health professional for a professional evaluation. The good news is that there are now more treatment methods, options, plans, and facilities than ever before, and it is never too late to seek treatment, and begin the road to recovery and towards your best life.
