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 10-20 percent of people in the U.S. who need treatment for substance abuse actually receive care.
- Fentanyl is a factor in 53 percent of U.S. overdose deaths. There were 42,700 fentanyl overdose deaths in 2020.1
- Among the 138.5 million Americans who are current alcohol users, 61.6 million people (or 44.4%) are classified as binge drinkers and 17.7 million people are classified as heavy drinkers.2
- 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.
Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.
- National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
If you are worried about your substance use or someone else’s, help is available
Source: Healthwise
Throughout the entire month of March, there are a number of nationally recognized themes that you can help promote, including:
- Self-Harm Awareness Month
- American National Nutrition Month
- National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (Mar. 21-27)
- Self-Injury Awareness Day (Mar. 1)
- Zero Discrimination Day (Mar. 1)
- International Women’s Day (Mar. 8)
- World Sleep Day (Mar. 18)
- International Day of Happiness (Mar. 20)
- World Bipolar Day (Mar. 30)
- International Transgender Day of Visibility (Mar. 31)
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 experiences 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 teens, or more uncommonly, in childhood.
Learn more about National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week in March.