Addiction/Substance Use Disorder

For day 7 of Mental Illness Awareness Week, Mental Health America is focusing on Addiction/Substance Use Disorder. This has been an increasing issue in our society, and I don’t see it getting any better. We have to remember that this is not specific to alcohol or illegal drugs. The increase in prescription drugs also brings with it the increase of people who become dependent on those medications. What may start off as taking pain medication after an injury or surgery, can easily become an addiction if not handled properly. Although, just because you start taking pain medication does not mean you become addicted.

According to Mental Health America, “People with depression or other mental health problems are particularly vulnerable to alcohol and drug use.” I know a lot of this is controversial, and if you ask ten people they will have twenty different opinions. But the fact is that this is a real problem in the world.

Many people can start using alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal) as a coping mechanism. This can be to “forget” about their problems or to otherwise “just get by.” We must recognize this issue and address it head-on. If you notice you are becoming dependent on drugs or alcohol, please seek help. If you notice an issue with someone else, please confront the issue. Don’t wait until it’s too late and wish you had addressed it when you had a chance.

This is the last day of Mental Illness Awareness Week, but please don’t let these issues get pushed to the side. Please continue to spread awareness of these issues and share the information; this is a real concern. People who suffer from mental illnesses need to know that they are not alone, and there is always someone they can reach out to.