ANNUAL ‘HOLIDAY’ SUPPORTS THOSE BATTLING SUBSTANCE ADDICTION
Q: Friday is International Overdose Awareness Day. How pervasive is substance abuse?
A: According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 20 million Americans had a substance use disorder in 2016, with more than 8 million battling both mental illness and a substance use disorder. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more Americans died from drug overdoses in 2016 than the number of American casualties in the entire Vietnam War. In a culture where mental illness and substance abuse still are swept quietly under the rug, International Overdose Awareness Day allows us to send the message that every person’s life is valuable and that it’s time to end the stigma of those struggling with mental health or drug abuse.
Q: What are the signs of drug abuse?
A: While substance abuse affects people from all walks of life, it usually produces signs and symptoms that family members and friends can detect in their loved ones. Changes in appearance, such as bloodshot or glazed eyes, dilated or constricted pupils, abrupt weight changes, bruises or infections are all clues to possible drug use. Substance abuse also alters the brain’s ability to focus, which can lead to behavioral symptoms, such as increased aggression or irritability, changes in attitude or personality, lethargy, depression, sudden changes in social network, dramatic changes in habits or priorities, financial problems and involvement in criminal activity.
Q: What are the treatment options?
A: When a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, it can be nerve-wracking to broach the subject of treatment; however, individuals beat their addictions using both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Treatment enables drug addicts to counteract the powerful effects drugs have on the brain and helps them to regain control of their lives. While it may take several attempts at treatment to find what works best for your loved one, addiction can be managed successfully, like other chronic diseases. Additionally, as many who overdose frequently suffer from underlying mental health conditions, building and maintaining positive mental health can help combat the connection between mental illness and substance abuse. If you or a loved one is battling a mental illness or drug abuse, contact your insurance provider to determine whether your health insurance covers treatment services. Some health insurance providers, such as GlobalHealth, offer mental health services, chemical dependency and substance abuse benefits for both federal and state employees. GlobalHealth doesn’t charge copays for outpatient visits.
Q: What’s the story behind International Overdose Awareness Day?
A: Since 2001, International Overdose Awareness Day has encouraged individuals to show their support of those battling addiction by wearing silver badges or purple wristbands, both symbols of awareness of overdose and its effects. By acknowledging the grief felt by families and friends who’ve lost loved ones to drug overdose, International Overdose Awareness Day hopes to create a conversation about overdose and send a message to current and former drug users that help is available.