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Coverage that Cares Blog: Substance Use Prevention Month: Hope and Healing Through Prevention
Substance Use in America
According to data from Mental Health America, nearly 18% of U.S. adults had a substance use disorder in 2024. That’s upwards of 45 million people, with drug use disorders affecting 10% of American adults and alcohol use disorders affecting 11%. That number is staggering, and it doesn’t come close to including the countless families, friends and communities who are impacted when an individual is struggling with substance abuse.
October is Substance Use Prevention Month — a time for us to come together to understand substance misuse in our communities, support those affected, and combat the ongoing epidemic. This month is a reminder that awareness is key, prevention is effective, and targeted treatment works.
What’s at the Root of Substance Misuse?
An individual’s environment, genetics, their family and peer substance use, and their community’s attitude towards drugs can all contribute to the development of a substance use disorder. Trauma and underlying mental health conditions also significantly elevate the risk, often making individuals more vulnerable to misusing substances to cope.
These root causes not only increase overall risk but also help explain why certain populations — including teens and those already facing mental health challenges — are more susceptible to substance misuse. However, many of these factors can also be influenced in positive ways to support prevention and early intervention.
What Can You Do to Combat the Crisis?
Substance misuse touches every demographic and population, but teenagers and those already facing mental health disorders are at higher risk of developing addictions to drugs and alcohol than other populations.
Maintaining positive community relationships, being transparent with your teen about the danger and reality of substance use, as well as developing healthy relationships and an active healthy lifestyle are all important steps in early intervention and prevention.
Additionally, supporting the recovery of those who are experiencing mental health disorders and substance use disorders in your community are all important to ensuring we combat this crisis together.
WellCare’s Commitment to Support Our Communities
We are here to provide coverage, resources and support to those who need it, and that includes those navigating substance use disorders. There are treatment options available, and we are dedicated to connecting individuals with those options and continued support.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder, know that you are not alone. WellCare is here to walk beside you in the journey to recovery.