Substance Abuse

Did you know that substance abuse is a mental health issue?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are 7.7 million adults suffering from both mental health and substance abuse disorders. Out of the millions of people in the US living with mental illness, almost 20% also struggle with substance use. Out of those struggling with substance use, almost 40% also struggle with mental illness. Over half of the people struggling with both will not get treatment.

Substance use has been linked to increased risk of brain damage, organ failure, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and more.

The DSM-V recognizes 10 types of substances in substance-related disorders:

  • Alcohol

  • Caffeine

  • Cannabis

  • Hallucinogens

  • Inhalants

  • Opioids

  • Sedatives

  • Hypnotics, or anxiolytics

  • Stimulants, including amphetamine-type substances, cocaine, and other stimulants

  • Tobacco, including 99% of e-cigarettes and vapes

Substance abuse can be hard to beat. But it comes at a cost: your mind, then your body, and ultimately your life. And some of the damage cannot be undone.

Treatment is available, recovery is possible. Reach out today to discuss your options with a therapist.