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Alcohol and other drug abuse and addiction constitute major
health and safety concerns in the United States, with costs running
into the billions of dollars annually for health care, related
injuries and loss of life, property destruction, loss of
productivity and more. Treatment is proven to be effective, but
very few who need it have access to and receive care. Private and
public funding for treatment remains meager. Families are
devastated and children are at increased risk for their own
addiction and mental health problems.
For people struggling with co-occurring mental health and
substance abuse disorders, physical safety and overall health risks
are greater; the impairment of life skills is greater; and the
chances for successful treatment are much less - all of which
contribute to stigma.
The NMHA website has several pages designed to assist mental
health advocates in increasing their understanding of key issues in
the area of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. NMHA is
committed to providing accurate and timely materials and
information about alcohol and other drug abuse and addiction to the
advocates, consumer supporters and consumers in the mental health
field. Click here to go to the NMHA site.
If you have comments or questions about NMHA's work in the area
of substance abuse/addiction, please contact:
Mental Health Information Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
For More Information:
Contact your local Mental Health Association, community mental
health center, or for additional resources, please call
1-800-969-NMHA.
National Mental Health
Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental
Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
NMHA's Campaign
for America's Mental Health works to raise awareness that
mental illnesses are common, real and treatable illnesses and
ensure that those most at-risk receive proper, timely and effective
treatment.
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