A substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition (not a character flaw) that affects both the brain and behavior. It can impact people of all ages and walks of life. Individuals with a SUD may struggle with work and relationships, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, make risky decisions and even face legal issues.
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 35% of adults aged 18 and over in the U.S. who have a mental health disorder also have a SUD. The relationship between mental health and SUDs is complex and often interconnected. Many people with SUDs can experience mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Similarly, people with mental health disorders have a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder.
Mental health and SUDs often share underlying causes, including genetics and early exposure to stress or trauma.
If you or someone you know seems to be behaving differently than usual and is misusing or overusing alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal), treatment is essential for recovery. Accurate diagnosis is key for treating co-occurring substance use and mental disorders, since symptoms may overlap. A primary care provider is a good place to start. The included resources list many other options for support and treatment.
The September Resources (ZIP) below includes materials that can be shared with your groups.
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