Understanding SUD: Facts & Urgency
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) – the medical term for addiction – is a chronic, progressive, brain disease, that affects one’s body (biology), thinking processes, and perception (psychology), social interaction and spiritual well-being (ability to adhere to one’s values). Number 1 factor that can lead to addiction is the genetic predisposition. Other major causes are mental health disorders, family systems and parental guidance/knowledge, peer pressure, trauma (such as physical or sexual abuse), social environment, and stress.
Over 1 million people have died since 1999 with the opioid epidemic. Ninety (90) percent of people who suffer from SUD start prior to the age of 18. There is an “invisible” line that is crossed. The line is between choosing to use a substance to developing into addiction, needing to use the substance. And that line is an unknown. There’s no cure for the disease, only managing the disease. A recent report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 2023, almost 48.5 million Americans 12 and older have been diagnosed with substance use disorder, 1 in 6 people. Dr. Rahul Gupta, head of the office of National Drug Control Policy, stated that for those in addiction only 1 in 10 are being treated. (in a May 2023 publication)
Relevant Articles
- Partnership to End Addiction | Top 7 Teen Substance Use Trends Parents Need to Know in 2025
Teen substance use trends are always changing, and staying informed can help parents have better conversations with their kids. The good news? Teen substance use is at an all-time low! According to the Monitoring the Future survey, fewer teens are drinking, vaping, or using drugs compared to previous years.1 So, the next time your teen says, “Everyone is doing it,” you can ask how they’re seeing substance use in their world and what their peers are saying. The truth is, most teens are making healthy choices. Read More… - Partnership to End Addiction | The Grief of an Overdose Death — and How You Can Support Someone Grieving a Substance Use Loss
I have experienced deep and painful grief from the death of many loved ones in my life. My husband died of a sudden heart attack in his sleep. My younger sister died of cancer. I lost both of my sons — my younger one to an accident, and my older one, who died of a substance use disorder. Read More… - Partnership to End Addiction | Signs of Drug Use in Teens
Figuring out if your child is using substances can be challenging. Many signs of drug use in teens are typical young adult behavior. Many signs of drug use are also symptoms of mental health issues, including depression or anxiety. Read More… - Partnership to End Addiction | Is your Child at Risk – A Substance Use Risk Assessment
This risk assessment is designed to help you better understand the risks your child may face related to mental health, well-being, personality, family history, and their environment. You can take actions to reduce the chances your child will use substances or experience problems with them based on your results. Read More… - Partnership to End Addiction | Treatment & Recovery – Creating a Plan
Realizing that your teen or young adult child needs help for their substance use can be frightening and overwhelming. We can help you navigate the steps along the way. Read More… - The Detroit News | John: Work together to prevent substance abuse in communities
by Robert John, October 25, 2024
As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, I’ve spent more than 20 years treating patients of all ages. My responsibility extends beyond the walls of my office, involving far more than extracting teeth or fixing fractured jaws. I continuously advocate for my patients’ overall health and well-being — before, during and after their time in my care. As we observe National Substance Abuse Prevention month, this commitment has never been more vital. Read More… - Tips for Raising Drug-Free Children
Created by Lisa Kaplan, LMSW, CAADC, ACSW
Disclaimer
There are no guarantees! Excellent parents can have addicted children and negligent parents can have non addicted children.
The information I am presenting is based on 30 years of experience with children, adolescents, and adults who have been impacted by a Substance Use Disorder themselves or in their families.
I do not mean to insult anyone’s intelligence by stating what you may think is obvious. To many parents I have known, some things are not obvious. Read More… - 30 Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use and Intoxication
If a person exhibits one, or even several of these signs, it does not necessarily mean that the person is intoxicated. Change in normal baseline behavior should be considered. Read More…