By Chloe Kunnemann, Guest Columnist
The topic of this week’s mental health column is opioid and stimulant abuse prevention.
Opioid addiction is more prevalent than people may believe in the United States. More than two million people suffer from this disorder. The rise of the opioid epidemic has been correlated with the increased prescription of opioids across the country.
However, much like prescribed opioids, there has also been an increase in illicit opioids. The CDC has worked with law enforcement and healthcare professionals to combat overdoses. This strategy is done by creating a safety net, connecting individuals with the correct services and utilizing what has been found to work in individuals who are experiencing or have experienced an overdose.
In efforts to help prevent the misuse and overdose deaths of psychostimulants, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services granted $15 million to rural communities. The money allotted is used to prevent psychostimulant abuse and fund treatment and recovery services. Data has shown that, in comparison to urban areas, those within rural parts of the country have experienced more deaths linked to psychostimulant overdoses. With the money provided, these preventions could save many lives because of the proper resources being placed in these rural areas.
If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone, dial 988, a helpline for immediate crisis and non-emergency assistance for mental health and substance use issues. For serious medical problems or any imminent, life-threatening situation, dial 911.
Northwestern student Chloe Kunnemann wrote this column on behalf on the Northwestern Counseling & Career Services Office.