National Substance Abuse Prevention Month

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. More than 25% of people who are living with a mental health condition also experience substance use disorder. These co-existing conditions often cause individuals to feel trapped and hopeless. We strive to show people experiencing these conditions, the loved ones who are affected, and the community as a whole there is hope. Below are some educational resources about these two conditions that may shed light on the symptoms, causes and treatment options.

If you or someone you care about needs help managing mental health or substance use issues, contact an Oceans Hospital near you.

Where Is Rock Bottom? When to Seek Help for a Drug or Alcohol Problem

Substance use disorder appears in many different ways: just as individuals are unique, so are the signs and symptoms of addiction. Approximately 40.3 million Americans 12 or older had a substance use disorder in 2020. Of those, 2.7 million had an opioid use disorder and 28.3 million reported an alcohol addiction. As we near the end of…

Risk Factors for Substance Abuse: Underlying Causes to Know

Stress and isolation from COVID-19 caused many people to struggle with their mental health, and overdoses and substance use are on the rise. A critical component of substance abuse prevention is understanding the underlying causes. Substance abuse is often a coping mechanism for stress and other mental health conditions. It’s important to be aware of the…

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Conditions: Why Do They Often Go Hand In Hand?

Comorbidity is when two conditions, such as a specific mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, occur in the same person. In other words, many people who are experiencing addiction are often also dealing with preexisting mental health conditions. The link between substance abuse and mental health is complex. When comorbidity exists, it doesn’t mean one disorder caused the other, even if one condition shows up first.