Partnerships for Success

Hotline helps students affected by drug addiction

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 164.8 million Americans (60.2 percent) reported having used an addictive substance within the past 30 days. In Arkansas, this looks like a higher rate of tobacco usage in youth and adults, an increased adult binge-drinking rate, a higher rate of prescription-drug misuse than the national average and a higher-thanaverage rate of methamphetamine usage.

For those concerned about a loved one’s use of substances, there are a number of resources available. The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends answering the following questions to determine if there is a problem.

Does the person take the drug in larger amounts or for longer than intended? Do they want to cut down or stop using the drug but can’t? Do they spend a lot of time getting, using or recovering from the drug? Do they have cravings and urges to use the drug? Are they unable to manage responsibilities at work, home or school because of drug use? Do they continue to use a drug, even when it causes problems in relationships? Do they give up important social, recreational or work-related activities because of drug use? Do they use drugs again and again, even when it puts them in danger? Do they continue to use, even while knowing that a physical or mental problem could have been caused or made worse by the drug? Do they take more of the drug to get the wanted effect? Have they developed withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the drug? (Some withdrawal symptoms can be obvious, but others can be more subtle — like irritability or nervousness.)

To help navigate finding treatment and support, the Arkansas Department of Human Services has set up a Mental Health and Addiction Services Support Line. This phone number will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with trained professionals on hand to answer questions and assist in finding service providers. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental-health issues, call 844-763-0198.

Partnerships for Success is a federally funded program overseen by the University of Arkansas Little Rock-MidSOUTH, Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services, and the Office of the Drug Director of Arkansas. The program aims to reduce substance use and misuse for youths ages 9 to 20, with a focus on reducing underage drinking and marijuana use.