Mind Your Mental Health - National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is March 22-28
March includes National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
During the fourth week of March, this observance aims to counteract myths about substance use and addiction, while educating people about the current science on substance use. Some facts:
- Only about 10 percent of people who need treatment for substance abuse in the U.S. actually receive treatment.
- Traditionally, alcohol and drug problems weren’t treated until the individual “hit bottom” after their substance misuse became a crisis. However, mild substance use disorders can also be treated, and early intervention can prevent severe disorders later.
- Although some consider medication-assisted treatments as “substitute addictions,” this isn’t the case. Studies show that medicines like methadone and buprenorphine reduce cravings and substance misuse, reduce risks of relapse and overdose and help people return to healthy functioning.
- Drug use can eventually lead to dramatic changes in the brain’s neurons and circuits. These changes can remain after a person has stopped taking drugs.