Facts About Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders
Unless you have had or know someone who has had a substance use disorder, you may not know much about the health condition. Few people outside of the medical community understand addiction and even less know how to get help for someone who may be addicted.
It is important to remember that there are treatment options. Whether you or a loved one is addicted to alcohol or drugs, there are ways to get help. Treatment is extremely successful for individuals with alcohol or substance use disorders.
Here are 5 things to consider about alcohol and drug addiction:
- Addiction is a disease.
- Millions of people suffer from drug and alcohol addiction or abuse.
- Few people ever seek treatment.
- Alcohol and drug substance disorders can start early.
- Substance use disorders increased during the pandemic.
Millions of people suffer from the disease of addiction and yet few people ever seek professional treatment. Only a small portion of individuals with treatable disorders have access to the treatment they need or take it upon themselves to get professional help. Despite how widespread the condition is, many people still attach a stigma to securing help for drug and alcohol addiction or abuse.
The Pandemic and Substance Use Disorders
Anxiety and stress can increase the likelihood that a person will use or abuse alcohol or drugs. The substances are often used as a coping mechanism during difficult times. The stress of the pandemic is believed to have significantly increased the number of people with a diagnosable substance use disorder.
If you or a loved one are unable to stop using a substance or have become reliant on drugs or alcohol, it is time to seek treatment. Prolonged use of alcohol or drugs can have serious health implications and may prove fatal.