The NIMH Strategic Plan for Research is a broad roadmap for the Institute’s research priorities over the next five years. Learn more about NIMH’s commitment to accelerating the pace of scientific progress and transforming mental health care. Learn about NIMH Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House priority areas for research and funding that have the potential to improve mental health care over the short, medium, and long term. Therapy is useful to help teach someone how to manage the stress of recovery and the skills needed to prevent a relapse.
Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use
Alcohol deaths have steadily climbed over the past decade, a trend that accelerated during the pandemic (Figure 1). When adjusted for population growth and age, the alcohol death rate has risen by 70% from 2012 to 2022, moving from 7.97 to 13.53 deaths per 100,000 people. Although deaths fell somewhat in 2022, they remain far higher than a decade ago.
- Although severe alcohol problems get the most public attention, even mild to moderate problems cause substantial damage to individuals, their families and the community.
- While some research suggests that small amounts of alcohol may have beneficial cardiovascular effects, there is widespread agreement that heavier drinking can lead to health problems.
- These brain adaptations often lead to the person becoming less and less able to derive pleasure from other things they once enjoyed, like food, sex, or social activities.
- It may help to seek support from others, including friends, family, community, and support groups.
- For the first time on record, cannabis has outpaced alcohol as the daily drug of choice for Americans.
- Therefore, education and outreach are key in helping people understand the possible risks of drug use.
More Rapid Initiation of Treatment Is Best for Both Women and Men with OUD
Treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s drug use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can lead to continued recovery. The sooner you seek help, the greater your chances for a long-term recovery. Talk with your health care provider or see a mental health provider, such as a doctor who specializes in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry, or a licensed https://thefremontdigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ alcohol and drug counselor. If you’re not ready to approach a health care provider or mental health professional, help lines or hotlines may be a good place to learn about treatment. You can find these lines listed on the internet or in the phone book. Of treatments to prevent relapse to AUD and reduce harm from alcohol, the most compelling data is for long-acting injectable naltrexone.
HHS announces Maternal Mental Health Task Force’s National Strategy, Report to Congress
During the pandemic, telehealth services for behavioral health and other care may have been more accessible to those living in urban areas, where an internet connection is more likely to be available or reliable (Figure 5). If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider. Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group.
- Insufficient treatment infrastructure or a shortage of a skilled workforce to staff facilities and deliver care can also play a role in treatment rates.
- In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will.
- When addressing drinking problems, it’s important to also seek treatment for any accompanying medical and mental health issues.
How can I find a clinical trial for substance use and co-occurring mental disorders?
- Genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior.
- Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems.
- May 23, 2024 – More people in the U.S. now use marijuana nearly every day than the number of people who use alcohol daily or most days of the week.