SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week Promotes Education & Awareness
SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week Promotes Education & Awareness
Mental illness and substance abuse affect millions of people. According to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 45.6 million adults had a mental illness. Out of that number, 8 million people met the criteria for a substance use disorder. Many people go without getting screened and even fewer get treatment, either in drug rehab or outpatient. In 2011, only 17.4 million people received mental health care. Lack of education or awareness keep many people from getting much needed help.
Addressing the Issue
With so many people’s lives impacted by untreated mental illness and substance abuse, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), developed National Prevention Week. During the week of May 12-18, communities all over the United States have events to promote public awareness of substance abuse and mental health issues. This gives many people easier access to screenings and an opportunity to be linked to treatment.
This year, each day has a focus to help communities plan events. The schedule of suggested themes is:
- Sunday, May 12 – Tobacco Use
- Monday, May 13 – Underage Drinking
- Tuesday, May 14 – Prescription Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Use
- Wednesday, May 15 – Alcohol Abuse
- Thursday, May 16 – Suicide Prevention
- Friday, May 17 – Promotion of Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Well-Being
Setting the Record Straight
As part of SAMHSA’s strategic initiative, the organization released some statistics that shed light on how many Americans are misinformed about mental health and substance abuse issues. Not knowing the facts about mental health and substance abuse leads to discrimination.
According to SAMHSA, 20 percent of Americans would think less of a friend or family if they found out that the person was in recovery and 30 percent would think less of a friend or family in active addiction.
The discrimination also extends to mental health, as 1 in 5 Americans thinks that people with mental health issues dangerous to the public. This type of thinking can stigmatize those struggling with these issues. Stigma makes people avoid treatment and relapse. According to the NSDUH, 8 percent of the 45.6 million people with a mental illness said they didn’t seek treatment for fear of the negative opinions of others.
Being misinformed or not having all the facts extended to people with mental health and substance abuse issues. Among those who chose not to seek treatment:
- 28.8 percent said that they could handle their mental health issues on their own
- 10.4 percent said treatment wouldn’t help them
- 8.5 percent said they didn’t feel the need to get treatment
However, treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues improves the quality of life dramatically. Learning how to manage these issues reduces the risk of other issues developing and current issues from becoming worse.
If people get the facts about these issues, stigma toward mental health and substance abuse diminishes. More people will get the help they need and the lives of millions of Americans improve.
