SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM BEHAVIORAL HOSTING WEBINAR TO RAISE AWARENESS OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE HEALTH & WELLBEING OF INDIVIDUALS
For the next installment of its monthly Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar series, STHS Behavioral will provide education to help the Rio Grande Valley better understand substance use disorder and learn about the resources available to help those struggling with addiction.
Every day across the Unites States, substance use disorder – formerly known as drug addiction – takes a toll on millions of individuals, families and communities.
Substance use disorder is a complex disease affecting 48.5 million Americans aged 12 and older, according to the 2023 U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, while 10.2 % of Americans aged 12 and older live with alcohol use disorder.
Substances like alcohol, cannabis and opioids change how the brain functions over time. These substances release dopamine – a chemical in the brain that makes one feel good. When the substance wears off, the brain and body crave more dopamine leading to a person consuming more substances, even if it’s unhealthy.
While there’s a negative perception that those suffering from substance use disorder lack morals, principles and willpower, health experts agree that the illness is far more complex than that and quitting takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Substances change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those with a strong desire to stop.
There’s no single cause for substance use disorder but factors that can contribute to the development of conditions include genetics, mental health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder and environmental factors.
Decades of research show addiction to be a chronic, treatable brain disorder. While substance use disorder is common, recurrent and often serious, it is treatable, and many people do recover.
Last year, 30 million adults perceived to ever having an addiction disorder sought treatment, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Of those, 73% now consider themselves in recovery or recovered.
Living with a substance use disorder is a challenge that impacts individuals and their families. So, to help those struggling with addiction in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas Health System Behavioral is spotlighting the effects of addiction in its latest Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar dedicated to substance use disorder.
Streaming live via the STHS Facebook page on Thursday, November 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the online seminar will feature an STHS Behavioral mental health professional discussing the signs of addiction, how to help those struggling with substance use disorder and what we can do to reduce the risk of developing an addiction.
For complete details on the Let’s Talk Substance Use Disorder webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. For previous Let’s Talk Mental Health webinars, visit www.sthsletstalk.com/mental-health/.
Who: South Texas Health System Behavioral
What: Let’s Talk Substance Use Disorder Webinar
When: Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Online via STHS’ Facebook page
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
