Substance Abuse

From the Mental Health America website, http://www.nmha.org/, information about substance abuse, http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/substance-abuse which affects millions of people, some warning signs and what help is available:

SUBSTSANCE ABUSE

Substance abuse affects an estimated 25 million Americans. In terms of people who are affected indirectly such as families of abusers and those injured or killed by intoxicated drivers, an additional 40 million people are affected. The monetary cost to society and the economy because of reduced productivity, property damage, accidents, and health care are astounding. Alcoholism is a progressive disease and afflicts 10 million adults and 3 million children. An estimated 12.5 million Americans are addicted to other drugs such as sedative-hypnotics or barbiturates, opiates, sedatives, hallucinogens and psychostimulants.

There are many symptoms and warning signs of substance abuse including: using the substance on a regular basis (daily, weekends or in binges), tolerance for the substance, failed attempts to stop using the substance, physical and/or psychological dependence, withdrawal symptoms (delirium tremens, trembling, hallucinations, sweating and high blood pressure), and in some cases dementia.

The specific causes of substance abuse are unclear, though they seem to be a combination of hereditary, environmental and social factors.

Treatment of substance abuse is geared towards abstinence and includes a variety of therapies. Psychotherapy aids patients in understanding behavior and motivations and in developing self-esteem and coping with stress. Self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are very effective in helping the patient establish a support network. In some cases medications such as disulfiram (Antabuse) or methadone may be used with some success.

Other Resources:
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
5600 Fishers Ln 7C-02
Rockville MD 20857
Phone 800-729-6686

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics AnonymousCheck phone book for local chapter in your area.

Mental Health America needs your financial support to continue to improve awareness and understanding of mental illnesses.

This publication is generously supported by a grant from the William H. Donner Foundation and Eli Lilly and Company

Information compiled from:" Facts About: Substance Abuse", American Psychiatric Association, 1400 K Street NW, Washington DC 20005.

For More Information:
For more information, contact your local Mental Health America affiliate or the national Mental Health America office.

Do You Know the Warning Signs of Suicide?

Knowing these facts may help you to help yourself or family members or friends or coworkers to get help when needed in dealing with thoughts about suicide.

From the American Association of Suicidology, http://www.suicidology.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=2, here is an article about understanding the warning sides and what to do to help.

UNDERSTANDING AND HELPING THE SUICIDAL PERSON

Be Aware of the Warning Signs

Are you or someone you know at risk of suicide? Get the facts and take appropriate action.

Get help immediately by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a referral should you witness, hear, or see anyone exhibiting any one or more of the following:

Someone threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself.

Someone looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means.

Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person.

Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a referral should you witness, hear, or see someone you know exhibiting any one or more of the following:

Hopelessness
Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without
thinking
Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
Increased alcohol or drug use
Withdrawing from friends, family and society
Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
Dramatic mood changes
No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life

Here is an easy mnemonic to remember these warning signs:
IS PATH WARM?

I Ideation
S Substance Abuse
P Purposelessness
A Anxiety
T Trapped
H Hopelessness
W Withdrawal
A Anger
R Recklessness
M Mood Changes

What To Do

Here are some ways to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide:

Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.
Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
Don’t dare him or her to do it.
Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.
Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Be Aware of Feelings

Many people at some time in their lives think about completing suicide. Most decide to live because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is temporary and death is permanent. On other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These are some of the feelings and thoughts they experience:

Can’t stop the pain
Can’t think clearly
Can’t make decisions
Can’t see any way out
Can’t sleep, eat or work
Can’t get out of depression
Can’t make the sadness go away
Can’t see a future without pain
Can’t see themselves as worthwhile
Can’t get someone’s attention
Can’t seem to get control

If you experience these feelings, get help!

If someone you know exhibits these symptoms, offer help!

Contact:

A community mental health agency
A private therapist or counselor
A school counselor or psychologist
A family physician
A suicide prevention or crisis center

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