Drug and Alcohol Facts Week: Facts You Should Know, Help You Can Access

March 17-23 is Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, a time intended to raise awareness about both the impacts of substance use and the resources available to help individuals and families. Substance use affects us all and has a ripple effect throughout communities, from individuals and homes to schools and workplaces.

Understanding the Facts
Substance use disorders impact millions of lives across the country. Here are some key facts to consider:

• Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in the United States, contributing to about 95,000 deaths annually.
• According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there is enough evidence that alcohol can cause cancer that it’s been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.
• Opioids, including prescription painkillers, heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl, are the leading cause of drug overdose deaths. In 2022, opioids accounted for nearly 75% of the 106,000 reported drug overdose deaths (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).
• Prevention works. Youth who participate in evidence-based prevention programs are 50% less likely to misuse substances compared to their peers (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023).

Resources from Oneida Behavioral Health
Oneida Behavioral Health is committed to ensuring that our community has access to the support and education needed to make informed decisions and live healthier lives. With knowledge to share and a range of services designed to address substance use challenges, we’re here to support individuals and families on their path to healing.

• Substance Use Services: Individual and group counseling sessions tailored to address alcohol and drug use, including co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Assessments and Screenings: Professional evaluations to determine the level of care needed for each individual.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): For individuals managing opioid or alcohol dependence, MAT combines FDA-approved medications with therapy and support.
• Prevention Programming: Community-based workshops, youth education and outreach events to provide information about substance use and strategies for prevention.
• Culturally-Based Healing Practices: Incorporation of traditional approaches, such as talking circles and holistic wellness, to support recovery in a way that aligns with Oneida values.

Let’s Take Action Together

Recovery is possible and with the support of resources like Oneida Behavioral Health, healing and hope are within reach. If you or a loved one is in need of support, you are not alone. Visit https://oneida-nsn.gov/resources/health/behavioral-health/therapies-offered/ to learn more or call (920) 490-3790 to speak with us.