Live Healthy During Substance Abuse Prevention Month and Beyond
Written By: Pamela S. Hyde, J.D., Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrator
Health care is one of the most prominent subjects in our nation’s discourse. When our discussions turn to substance abuse, one thing is abundantly clear – substance abuse prevention leads to better health.
As we celebrate National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, we need to keep in mind that:
- Nearly 17 million people aged 12 or older are classified with alcohol dependence or abuse.[1]
- Alcohol consumption is associated with approximately 79,000 deaths per year.[2]
- Approximately 23 million Americans are current illicit drug users, and 6 million Americans report using prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes.[3]
Dependence and illegal and non-medical drug use can be prevented. During National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, SAMHSA is promoting safe and healthy communities through the prevention of substance abuse. By educating the nation’s communities about the positive health benefits of prevention, Americans will see that addressing underage drinking and the non-medical use of both prescription and over-the-counter medications can help everyone live longer and healthier lives.
Together with our partners at the Office of National Drug Control Policy, SAMHSA helps administer the Drug Free Communities Support Program, which is a federal grant program that provides funding to community-based coalitions organized to prevent youth substance use. No one is better equipped to handle prevention issues than local organizations that see the consequences of substance abuse firsthand.
Visit http://www.samhsa.gov/prevention/nationalpreventionmonth to learn more about National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and resources available to help prevent substance abuse in your own life and within your community.
I encourage you to get involved and support National Substance Abuse Prevention Month this October. Organize a health and wellness event in your community, or simply share the message that preventing substance abuse benefits individuals, communities, and the nation. Every action helps.
[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2012). Results from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Vol. I. Summary of national findings, (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, NSDUH Series H 41, HHS Publication No. SMA 11 4658). Rockville, MD: SAMHSA.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI). Atlanta, GA: CDC.
[3] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2012). Results from the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Vol. I. Summary of national findings, (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, NSDUH Series H 41, HHS Publication No. SMA 11 4658). Rockville, MD: SAMHSA.
Prevention strategies hold the key to informing our kids /families and our communities the devastating effects of alcohol and other drug related consequences;supporting each other with information , positive choices and creative methods to address the stressors/traumas that are prevelant in society today.
We live in a world where we are only beginning to touch the surface of prevention/intervention and treatment for substance abuse disorders. Addiction is a young but progressive field;research is beginning to take hold and many now believe that addiction is a brain disease and needs to be treated as such
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We have so much to do in the area of training our health care professionals to assess , identify and refer individuals for support and caring regardless of the setting they find themselves in – ER/ICU/ Hospital/Rehab/Long Term/ Physician office/ . With the HAA projected for 2014 , we are hopeful that all professions will be informed regarding substance abuse disorders and that we in the Behavioral Health field work closely with our partners in health care settings to provide holistic care including wellness strategies that can work with all ages and prevent substance abuse disorders from consuming our kids/families and communities.
Celebrating 39 years of Recovery this month. What a gift.!!
I am Director, Planning &Development for theeffect and Encompass Recovery. Theeffect, San Juan Capistrano, CA., is a faith community and recovery ministry dedicated to those who suffer from substance abuse. Please review our website. As a non profit, funding is extremely important to our cause and we would appreciate you point us toward funding sources both public and private. Such as the grant program mentioned in this article. Please check our website.
Sincerely,
Phil Pierson
It is good that we can speak up about this and offer help to those in need. Thanks for this timely reminder.
Ms. Hyde,
17 million people is an incredible 5% of the US population! This figure is alarming but it is encouraging to think that “[c]igarette and alcohol use…[are] at their lowest point since…1975″ according to NIH (National Institute on Drug Abuse). I only mention this to give some hope readers who might be discouraged or overwhelmed by disheartening statistics suuronding drug abuse.