Each year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration releases its latest findings on substance use and mental health trends in America. This report’s purpose is the provide crucial insights on these matters. It covers a broad range of factors, shedding light on drug use patterns, mental disorders, and treatment use among people in different age groups and demographics. Take a look at the key takeaways from the most recent NSDUH.
Treatment Trends for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders
First of all, consider the NSDUH’s data on treatment trends for substance use and mental health disorders. A significant disparity appears to be developing between the number of people who suffer from these issues and those who actually receive treatment. According to the latest information, 94 percent of people aged 12 and older who were living with substance use disorders didn’t receive treatment for them. Beyond that, almost all those who didn’t receive help through Seroquel Addiction Treatment Programs and other rehabilitation solutions didn’t feel they needed it.
At the same time, people in the 18 to 25 age group had the highest rate of mental disorders but also the lowest rate of treatment. Adolescents who suffer from major depressive episodes aren’t highly likely to receive help, either. In fact, only half of those who experienced these problems received treatment for them.
Mental Health Findings
Secondly, the latest NSDUH findings show that mental health disorders appear to be on the rise. Almost 1 in 4 adults aged 18 and older had a mental illness in the last year for which information is available, and that figure increased to 1 in 3 from the ages of 18 to 25. On top of that, 1 in 5 adolescents had major depressive episodes during that timeframe. Among 75 percent of those, the symptoms of their major depressive episodes were so significant they interfered with everyday life.
Over 12 million adults in the United States seriously contemplated suicide in the year covered by the most recent NSDUH. More than 3 million made plans to take their own lives, and nearly 2 million went so far as to attempt to do so. That further reinforces statistics on the rise in depression and certain other mental disorders.
Drug Use and Substance Use Disorders
Additionally, the latest NSDUH noted that nearly 22 percent of people aged 12 and over used illegal or controlled drugs during the last year for which information is available. Of the drugs being used, marijuana was the most common. Opioid use continues to gain steam as well with more than 9 million people aged 12 and over reported to use drugs in this category.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders also remain prevalent. Almost 14 percent of young adults who suffered from a mental disorder in the year covered by the most recent NSDUH also had a substance use disorder. Multiracial adults were the most likely to experience co-occurring mental and substance use disorders than any others. Between 33 and 46 percent of adults had either a mental disorder or a substance use disorder.
Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
Based on this NSDUH and those of the past, both substance use and mental health disorders have been on the rise for quite some time. Receiving treatment, on the other hand, appears to be on a downward trend. With that gap growing, raising awareness about substance abuse and mental health issues is essential. Ensuring people understand that help is available and just how important treatment can be for those who live with these conditions is even more crucial.