Substance Use Disorder
A personal struggle. A public crisis. A community opportunity.Substance use disorder affects people of every age, race, class, and gender. No community is untouched by the economic and emotional toll addiction takes. The death toll continues to rise due to the misuse of prescription opioids, methamphetamine, and other street drugs laced with fentanyl.
In these uncertain times, those who use substances may be particularly vulnerable.
- Stressors from COVID-19 such as isolation, grief, anxiety, job insecurity, and eviction can increase the misuse of substances.
- Social distancing has contributed to more people overdosing alone, without emergency intervention.
- People with chronic drug and alcohol use may even be more vulnerable to COVID-19 as they face health risks such as weakened immune systems and stressed respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Struggling with substance use is a symptom of an illness. Recognizing and responding to the signs of addiction could help save a life.
Mobilize AZ is here to help. Together, we can turn the tide against addiction. Learn more about substance use disorder in the time of COVID-19.
