NYAPRS Note: While SAMHSA’s newly released National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 1 in 3 adults in the US identified as having a mental illness, nearly 67 percent considered themselves to be recovering or in recovery. For those who had ever had a substance use problem, the number who said they were recovering or in SU recovery was even higher, at more than 72 percent.
The survey highlights the breadth of mental health and drug use issues across the country, touching every state and congressional district — and explains the recent, growing political movement to address them:
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Lawmakers recently approved a new policy in the 2022 year-end omnibus package to address mental health and substance use needs.
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The mental health and substance use package in the omnibus was heralded as one of the largest ever for the issue, but more could be on the way.
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Two issues still being eyed on the Hill: shortages of mental health workers and the impact of new telehealth rules on access to treatment.
Look for NYAPRS’ summary of key items of note in the omnibus package in the next few days.
The State Of Mental Health and Substance Use in the U.S
Politico January 5, 2023
One In Three Had Mental Illness Or Substance Use Disorder In 2021 — That’s according to the latest data from the HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration annual survey, which also found that more than 15 percent of the population had a substance use disorder.
Some key figures from 2021 in the report include:
— About 1 in 4 adults had a mental illness, with younger people in that group reporting higher levels, at 1 in 3 for those ages 18 to 25.
— Over 16 percent of the population, more than 46 million people, met the criteria for substance use disorder.
— Nearly 94 percent of people with substance use disorder didn’t receive any treatment in 2021.
Though the numbers are higher than last year’s survey, officials said methodological changes caused by the pandemic mean the data can’t be accurately compared.
In the years leading up to the pandemic, the level of mental illness was rising, especially among younger adults. But it’s not all bad news. Most adults — nearly 67 percent — who had ever had a mental illness considered themselves to be recovering or in recovery. For those who had ever had a substance use problem, the number who said they were recovering or in recovery was even higher, at more than 72 percent.