Substance Use Awareness Month

October is Substance Use Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the strong connection between mental health and substance use. Many individuals who live with depression, anxiety, or unresolved trauma turn to substances such as alcohol or drugs to cope. While this may provide short-term relief, it often creates a cycle that worsens both the mental health symptoms and the substance use itself.

Research shows that nearly half of people with a substance use disorder also experience a co-occurring mental health condition (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2020). This overlap means that treating only one side of the problem leaves individuals vulnerable to relapse or ongoing struggles. For instance, untreated anxiety may lead someone to misuse alcohol to feel calmer, while depression may drive isolation and increase reliance on substances for comfort.

How Therapy Can Help

The encouraging news is that treatment approaches are becoming more integrated. Therapy that addresses both mental health and substance use is far more effective than treating them separately. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals identify thought patterns that fuel harmful behaviors. Trauma-informed care focuses on how past wounds influence present struggles, while group therapy and peer support reduce isolation and provide a sense of belonging.

Guidance For Parents

If they are concerned about their child’s substance use, it’s important to approach them with compassion rather than judgment. Recommend that the parents ask them open-ended questions, listen without interruption, and remind them that help is available. Early intervention can make a huge difference in recovery.

Helpful Resources for Families:

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7 support)
  
  
• Partnership to End Addiction – Resources specifically for parents and families navigating substance use. https://drugfree.org/
  
  
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Research and educational materials on youth and substance use. https://nida.nih.gov/

Reference:

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, July). Common comorbidities with substance use disorders. National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571451/