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Annually, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) highlights statistical trends about substance use disorder and mental health nationwide. Here are the findings of the latest survey. These findings were compiled and released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). On October 26, 2021, SAMHSA’s latest report on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health does not paint a happy picture. In truth, the data shows COVID-19’s negative impact on the country’s substance use and mental health trends.

Indeed, the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows the nation’s overall well-being to be in jeopardy. Hence, Americans respond by reporting that the coronavirus outbreak adversely impacted their mental health and drug use. In fact, many people used drugs in the past year as a coping mechanism to deal with the crisis. Rather than reach out to treatment professionals, isolated people chose self-medication and escape as blunt methodologies to deal with a historically demanding situation.

The Stark Data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Collected nationally from October to December 2020, the stark data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reveals the following negative trends. Overall, alcohol and drug users report using these substances “a little more or much more” than they did before the pandemic. For example, more than 59.3 million people (about twice the population of Texas) twelve or older used illicit drugs in the past year. Clearly intensified by the marijuana legalization movement nationwide, more than 49.6 million said the main drug used was marijuana. However, harder drugs like opioids and stimulants historically are underreported in such surveys.

When it comes to mental health, the data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health is stark. For example, youths ages 12 to 17 who had a past-year major depressive episode say that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected their mental health “quite a bit or a lot.” At the same time, adults with reported mental health episodes report the same conclusions.

Suicidality Require Integrated Healthcare Solutions

Although findings vary by race and ethnicity, suicidality makes a significant jump across the board during the pandemic. Higher than ever before, 4.9 percent of adults reported serious thoughts of suicide in the past year. Even more frightening, among adolescents 12 to 17, a staggering twelve percent had serious thoughts of suicide. Moreover, 5.3 percent say they made what they describe as a suicide plan. Although the criteria used to categorize SUD among NSDUH respondents changed from the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) to the fifth edition (DSM-5), it did not contribute to the downward trend in the statistics.

Although affected by these statistics, the findings do not surprise the treatment team at Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC). Indeed, as nonprofit providers of integrated healthcare solutions, the whole person treatment model at TTC spotlights these results. During 2020, in the patient census, both youth and adult populations were at greater risk. However, the risks are reduced when patients are willing to get inpatient treatment support and help from trained professionals.

Biden-Harris Administration Highlights the National Survey on Drug Use

According to Regina LaBelle, the Acting Director of National Drug Control Policy, “These data show the urgent need to intervene at every opportunity to reduce substance use disorder and meet people where they are. The Biden-Harris Administration is taking steps to quickly reduce barriers to evidence-based prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services. Over the long term, we must build an addiction infrastructure that can prevent addiction, link people to quality treatment, and support long-term recovery.”

Since the beginning of the year, SAMHSA has awarded $250 million in grants to 100 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. The goal of these grants is to increase access to community-based support. Since so many Americans need substance use disorder and mental health treatment services, this health issue is an ongoing priority. To increase awareness of mental health issues among youth, SAMHSA funds Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education).

NSDUH Spotlights the Dangers of Alcohol Use Disorder

Also, SAMHSA recognizes the need to address binge drinking nationwide. Among the 138.5 million current alcohol users in the United States, 61.6 million are classified as binge drinkers. Moreover, another 17.7 million are classified as heavy drinkers. As Tarzana Treatment Centers know, alcohol use disorder tends to be the place where SUD problems begin for many people. Thus, beyond COVID-19’s impact, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that alcohol treatment is a priority.

If you or a loved one is struggling, please do not hesitate to act. Indeed, contact the caring treatment professionals at Tarzana Treatment Centers today for help.