Mind Your Mental Health - National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is March 22-28

March includes National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

During the fourth week of March, this observance aims to counteract myths about substance use and addiction, while educating people about the current science on substance use. Some facts:

Only about 10 percent of people who need treatment for substance abuse in the U.S. actually receive treatment.
Traditionally, alcohol and drug problems weren’t treated until the individual “hit bottom” after their substance misuse became a crisis. However, mild substance use disorders can also be treated, and early intervention can prevent severe disorders later.
Although some consider medication-assisted treatments as “substitute addictions,” this isn’t the case. Studies show that medicines like methadone and buprenorphine reduce cravings and substance misuse, reduce risks of relapse and overdose and help people return to healthy functioning.
Drug use can eventually lead to dramatic changes in the brain’s neurons and circuits. These changes can remain after a person has stopped taking drugs.

One in five Americans struggle with some kind of mental health condition, yet many don’t seek treatment. The largest barriers for those with mental health conditions are lack of accessibility to professional treatment, the stigma surrounding mental health, or a lack of knowledge about mental health conditions. It’s our job to help end the stigma surrounding mental health by sharing resources and starting conversations. Throughout the month of March, we encourage family, friends, and loved ones to learn more about mental health. Here are some important facts you should know:

1 in 5 adults in America experience a mental illness.
About 17% of all people will self-harm during their lifetime.
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 6 million adult Americans.
90% of people who engage in self-harm begin during their teen or pre-adolescent years.
The average age-of-onset is about 25, but it can occur in the teens, or more uncommonly, in childhood.

Remember, mental illness does not discriminate. Join us to help bring attention to the importance of sharing mental health stories and help improve the lives of millions of Americans living with a mental illness.

Help is available! Visit https://www.magellanhealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh/ or contact your program to learn more about how to help yourself or someone you care about.