Awareness communicates information about substance use disorder, helps break the stigma of getting help early, and offers hope that recovery is possible. Awareness is the first step to invoking change.
Defining the Need
Addiction, the severe form of a Substance Use Disorder (SUD), is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive substance-seeking and use despite harmful consequences. This can ultimately lead to a change in how the brain functions and are diagnosed by assessing cognitive, behavioral, and psychological symptoms.
How Big is the Problem?
With the Opioid epidemic and the rise in vaping, the substance use disorder problem is far from being solved.
According to the CDC, 10.6% of persons aged 12 years and over reported use of an illicit drug in 2016.
More than 70,200 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2017, including illicit drugs and prescription opioids – a two-fold increase in a decade.
Use in vaping devices among 12th graders increased to 37% in 2018, up from 27% in 2017.
Only 10% of those addicted receive treatment
1 in 7 people will face substance use disorder.
But there is good news!
Substance use disorders are preventable and treatable. Recovery is possible! Advancements have been made in assessments, treatment, recovery supports, and medications. Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical, and long-term recovery support is often needed.
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