Get News & Updates Directly To Your Inbox
Delicious recipes, nutrition tips and "ask the dietitian."
Find A Doctor Or Hospital In Your Network.
But asking for help is a normal part of life, and people should never feel like they have to handle things on their own, says the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Help is available for you or someone in your life. It’s important not to wait to get help. Misusing alcohol and other drugs can trigger serious health problems. Cancer, stroke and health problems of the heart, lungs and liver are a few. Anxiety, depression and schizophrenia are among the mental health issues linked to substance misuse.
It's a big problem. A national study in 2020 found that more than 13 percent of Americans 12 and older have misused drugs in the past 30 days. And among people ages 12 or older, 28.3 million people had alcohol use disorder in the past year. Use was highest among young adults ages 18 to 25.
How do you know if there’s a problem? Look for these warning signs:
Behavioral Changes:
Physical Changes:
Social Changes:
Anyone can be at risk for addiction, but some people have a higher risk. People with a family history of addiction are more likely to misuse drugs and alcohol. Substance misuse has a genetic link.
People with mental health issues like anxiety or depression also have a greater risk. Many use drugs to cope.
Certain situations can also play a role in driving drug and alcohol use, such as:
What should you do if you think you may have a problem? Talk with your primary care doctor or a mental health professional. There are doctors who work in addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry. There are also licensed alcohol and drug counselors.
If you need help finding a health care provider, call the number on your member ID card. We are here to help.
In case of emergency (overdose, trouble breathing, seizures or any other bad reaction from drug use), go to the nearest ER or call 911.
Originally published 1/2/2019; Revised 2022, 2023, 2024