I am personally, as a rule resistant to government oversight…. However, something has to be done to protect people from things like flesh-eating bacteria in their heroin. It’s super easy to just ignore these issues, but that is for the morally weak.
Many drug addicts are honestly medically challenged with mental issues which lead them in a direct path to many drugs. For example, Schizophrenia and addiction, or substance use disorder, very often co-occur. In fact, an estimated 50 percent of individuals suffering from schizophrenia have a history of substance abuse. Just like other mental illnesses Schizophrenics naturally gravitate to drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines, which can also exacerbate symptoms and worsen their severity. Many mental disorders often lead to drug or alcohol abuse because some use drugs to self-medicate. Such as, tobacco products which sometimes lessen the symptoms of schizophrenia and may even improve cognition.
The numbers do not lie. Mental illness and addiction often overlap. In fact, nearly 9 million people have a co-occurring disorder according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Yet, only 7 percent of these individuals get treatment for both conditions. And nearly 60 percent receive no treatment at all.
https://www.verywellmind.com/co-occurring-disorders-mental-health-and-addiction-4158280
Did you know that about 50% of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse. Truth, these people with severe mental disorders are our nations most endangered population. They cannot get help they need…. Even loving parents such as myself cannot get my adult Schizophrenic child help. There is a HOLE in our system which is allowing one of our most vulnerable groups of people to slip through.
The danger for drug addicts comes from all directions. They can overdose, be arrested, be poisoned by the dealers (like flesh eating bacteria in their heroin or vitamin E in their THC vape), fall victim to rape and other crimes, become homeless and many more perils which exist in a drug addicts life. Now imagine that half (nearly 9 million people) of the drug addicts are also mentally ill with severe illnesses such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Additionally, less than 60 percent receive treatment. This is NOT acceptable.
So many drug addicts who are also mentally ill wind up in the legal system where they rarely get the treatment they need.
Why It Is Difficult to Diagnose Both Conditions
Co-occurring disorders are sometimes difficult to diagnose. One reason is that the symptoms are often complex and can vary in severity. As a result, it is not uncommon for people to receive treatment for one disorder while the other disorder remains untreated. Sometimes this happens because the symptoms are so similar or overlap. In other words, both mental health issues and addiction can have similar biological, psychological, and social components.
Another reason for not diagnosing both conditions might include inadequate training or screening. In any case, the consequences of UN-diagnosed, untreated, or under-treated co-occurring disorders can lead to a higher likelihood of experiencing homelessness, jail time, medical illnesses, and even suicide.
What’s more, people with mental health issues who also abuse substances like drugs or alcohol are at an increased risk for impulsive or violent acts. They are also are more likely to develop an addiction and end up in legal trouble. And achieving lasting sobriety is increasingly difficult for them.
https://www.verywellmind.com/co-occurring-disorders-mental-health-and-addiction-4158280
I am certain that I don’t have the answers to this human problem, however I have the intelligence to see that not enough is being done and what is being done is inadequate.
- Over 64,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2016
- Over 70,200 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2017
- Over 68,500 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2018
WE THE PEOPLE NEED TO BE PROTECTING OUR FELLOW AMERICANS!
This is not just my problem or his problem… This is every human being problem. Everyone needs to be looking out for themselves as well as others. Challenge yourself to do something for others every day… At least it’s a start.