Mega Doctor News
Every day across the Unites States, substance use disorder – formerly known as drug addiction – takes a toll on millions of individuals, families and communities.
Substance use disorder is a complex disease affecting 48.5 million Americans aged 12 and older, according to the 2023 U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, while 10.2 % of Americans aged 12 and older live with alcohol use disorder.
Substances like alcohol, cannabis and opioids change how the brain functions over time. These substances release dopamine – a chemical in the brain that makes one feel good. When the substance wears off, the brain and body crave more dopamine leading to a person consuming more substances, even if it’s unhealthy.
While there’s a negative perception that those suffering from substance use disorder lack morals, principles and willpower, health experts agree that the illness is far more complex than that and quitting takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Substances change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those with a strong desire to stop.
There’s no single cause for substance use disorder but factors that can contribute to the development of conditions include genetics, mental health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder and environmental factors.
Decades of research show addiction to be a chronic, treatable brain disorder. While substance use disorder is common, recurrent and often serious, it is treatable, and many people do recover.
Last year, 30 million adults perceived to ever having an addiction disorder sought treatment, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Of those, 73% now consider themselves in recovery or recovered.
Living with a substance use disorder is a challenge that impacts individuals and their families. So, to help those struggling with addiction in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas Health System Behavioral is spotlighting the effects of addiction in its latest Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar dedicated to substance use disorder.
Streaming live via the STHS Facebook page on Thursday, November 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the online seminar will feature an STHS Behavioral mental health professional discussing the signs of addiction, how to help those struggling with substance use disorder and what we can do to reduce the risk of developing an addiction.
For complete details on the Let’s Talk Substance Use Disorder webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. For previous Let’s Talk Mental Health webinars, visit www.sthsletstalk.com/mental-health/.
Who: South Texas Health System Behavioral
| What: | Let’s Talk Substance Use Disorder Webinar |
| When: | Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS’ Facebook page |
