National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, a week-long health observance dedicated to inspiring dialogue, education, and sharing resources about drug use and addiction, is March 20-26.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 14 Americans reports experiencing a substance use disorder.
“This week-long health observance provides an opportunity to spread awareness, share information on resources, and improve prevention in communities across Nebraska,” said Tony Green, Interim Director of the Division of Behavioral Health. “There is treatment available and recovery is possible. By spreading awareness, normalizing the conversation about substance use, and sharing resources in regards to prevention, treatment, and recovery, we can take steps towards reducing stigma and empower individuals to seek help and find support, while strengthening our communities.”
Here are some drug and alcohol facts that you should know:
- Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance, and the third most common cause of death in the United States.
- Over 50% of all traffic accidents involve alcohol or drugs.
- One packet of sugar is the same size as 16 methamphetamines “meth” doses.
- Nicotine in any form is highly addictive, and many who start using one form of nicotine, such as vaping, transition to another form of nicotine use such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or cigars.
- Alcohol is the number one substance of use and abuse in Nebraska based on treatment data.
- Even though an individual may know using drugs may be unhealthy for them, coping with trauma, enhancing performance, and experiencing the feeling of pleasure or a “high” are common reasons people may use drugs.
- The component of the cannabis (marijuana) plant that is psychotropic, or produces a “high” is called THC. Medical research shows that up to one in five medical marijuana users develop an addiction to cannabis (cannabis use disorder).
- Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is commonly mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see it, taste it, or smell it.
- According to the CDC, approximately 1.6 million Americans are living with opioid use disorder.
- Opioid overdose deaths can be prevented with Naloxone, a medicine that can reverse the effects of an overdose within two to three minutes in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped as a result of an opioid overdose. More than one dose of Naloxone may be required when stronger opioids like fentanyl are involved.
There are many ways to find Naloxone. You can find an up-to-date list of free Naloxone providers on the Nebraska Pharmacist Association’s Stop-Overdose-Nebraska website at https://stopodne.com/. If you are interested in learning more information about Naloxone or are searching for resources, please visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Drug-Overdose-Prevention-Naloxone.aspx.
There are laws in Nebraska to protect individuals who are taking action to help individuals experiencing an opioid-related overdose in their community by administering Naloxone.
- Under Nebraska law, any person, who in good faith, administers naloxone to someone they reasonably believe is suffering an opioid-related overdose is protected from criminal or administrative actions.
- Under Nebraska law, a person who makes a good faith 911 call in response to a drug overdose of another person or for themselves remains at the scene until emergency personnel arrives, and cooperates with medical and law enforcement personnel is not in violation of the statutes prohibiting possession or distribution of a controlled substance or possession of drug paraphernalia if the only evidence of these crimes is obtained as a result of the drug overdose and the 911 call.
- Under Nebraska law, a bystander who provides care during an emergency has protection from payment of civil damages for any harm caused by the care or lack of care.
Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis? Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to:
- The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; call, text, or chat 988
- Your faith-based leader, your healthcare professional, or your student health center on campus.
- Nebraska Family Helpline – Any question, any time. (888) 866-8660
- Rural Response Hotline, (800) 464-0258
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (oprime dos para Español) or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)