National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is March 21 – 27
Despite positive developments in the U.S. such as reductions in opioid use, research has identified many facts illustrating the continuing seriousness of substance abuse.
- Alcohol contributes to approximately 18.5% of emergency department visits and 22.1 percent of overdose deaths related to prescription opioids.
- 25.8% of people age 18 and older report that they have engaged in binge drinking (four to five drinks consumed within two hours) in the past month.
- 15.1 million adults, or one in 14 age 26 or older, have needed substance abuse treatment, yet only 1.4%, or three million, have received treatment.
- 70% of users who try an illegal drug before age 13 develop a substance abuse disorder within the next seven years, compared to just 27% of those who try an illegal drug after age 17.
This month, Stamp Out Stigma recognizes self-harm awareness. 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.
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 5 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 MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or contact your program to learn more about how to help yourself or someone you care about.