During January, the county Department of Behavioral Wellness joins the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in a nationwide observance of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Month.
The observance is designed to raise awareness about the importance of treatment, recovery supports, and the pathways to healing, the county said.
Substance use disorders affect millions of individuals and families across the country. According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 48.4 million people ages 12 or older experienced a substance use disorder in the past year, the county reports.
Despite the prevalence of SUD, only about one in five people who needed treatment received it, underscoring the need to reduce barriers and expand awareness of available services, the county said.
SUD Treatment Month aims to:
• Encourage individuals who may be contemplating or seeking help.
• Support practitioners providing or considering treatment for substance use disorders,
• Educate and empower friends, family members, and loved ones supporting someone in recovery.
“Treatment works, and recovery is possible,” said Melissa Wilkins, branch chief of Alcohol and Drug Programs with the Department of Behavioral Wellness.
“By increasing awareness and access to services, we can help individuals take that first step toward recovery and ensure they are supported every step of the way,” she said.
The Department of Behavioral Wellness offers a 24/7 Access Line that can be called by anyone seeking information, confidential support or help during a crisis.
The Access Line also provides screening and referrals to substance use disorder treatment providers for community members with Medi-Cal.
This service serves as a critical entry point for individuals and families seeking guidance and connection to care and can be reached at 888-868-1649.
Community members with private insurance, seeking non urgent care for substance use disorders, should contact their insurance member services. This information can typically be found on the back of your insurance card, Behavioral Wellness said.
Throughout SUD Treatment Month, SAMHSA and local partners are emphasizing:
• The effectiveness of evidence-based treatment, including medications for substance use disorders
• The importance of screening, early intervention, and timely access to care
• The role of supportive networks in sustaining recovery
“Community members are encouraged to learn more, share resources, and help spread messages of hope and recovery,” the county said. “Every conversation and connection can make a difference, and may help save a life.”
To learn more about the benefits associated with treatment and local resources, visit https://opioidsafetysb.org/.
To learn more about the Department of Behavioral Wellness, visit www.countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness.