Purpose: Comment the Discussion

To Comment

In 2005, 22 million Americans struggled with a drug or alcohol problem (Healthy People 2020, 2018). Almost 95% of people with substance abuse problems are considered unaware of their problem.

Substance abuse affects people across adult lifespan, young to old. Of those who recognize their problem, 273, 000, have made an unsuccessful effort to obtain treatment. These estimates highlight the importance of increasing prevention efforts and improving access to treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.

Substance Abuse is a major concern in our society and healthcare system today (Healthy People, 2018). Millions of Americans suffer from alcohol or drug problems. Substance Abuse has a major impact on individuals, families, and communities. About 95% of people with substance use problems are unaware.

Those who are aware of their issue(s) rarely obtain treatment. Those who accept treatment may need governmental funding to assist in the cost. Relapse rates are continuing to sky rocket.

Although young adults are mostly a healthy population, they are sensitive to influences from social environments (Sawyer, et al, 2012). The people around them can either support of harm their health and well-being (Viner, et al., 2012). Family, school, neighborhoods, and media exposure play a part in the social factors and economic status of young adults at risk. The effects of substance abuse are cumulative and contribute to costly mental, physical, social, and public health concerns (Healthy People 2020, 2018).

Substance abuse in middle and older adults are also a challenge in our current day and age. With the abuse of opioids, related to the opioid crisis, we are experiencing an influx in substance abuse. Pain is an increasing challenge in our older adult population that is becoming more and more difficult to manage as aging adults experience higher risk of chronic disease.

The risk of substance abuse with the use of narcotics to treat pain increases these challenges. Some middle aged adults, without insurance may be unable to seek medical attention for their pain, due to lack of insurance benefits. This may lead to other substances abuse issues, for pain management.

Alcohol, drug, and tobacco abuse are significant drivers of healthcare spending (Clark, 2010). The higher rates of mental and physical illness among individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol are important contributors to healthcare expenditures. Successful treatment of substance abuse can lower healthcare costs. Although, treatment may not completely eliminate cost differences between individuals with or without substance abuse disorders, it can improve them.

Treatment itself is expensive, repeating treatment for relapse along with re-admissions to healthcare facilities all related to substance abuse and or mental health issues add up quickly.

Additional research is needed to determine the long term impact of treatment on healthcare costs. Treatment often lowers criminal justice costs associated with addition related arrests and incarceration. It can also improve employability which results in higher earnings for those who reduce or eliminate their substance abuse.

The state and federal government is paying for more than 50% of treatment costs while relapse rates remain extremely high. In order to decrease Healthcare spending on substance abuse we must focus on prevention while improving treatment options.

Some barriers mentioned include training/education, funding, risk, and compliance. For example patients may not feel that research is relevant to practice or not understand research therefore may resist change. 95% of substance abuse users are unaware of their issues.

Therefore, if they are already in denial it may be hard to prevent further addiction or educate to assist in change related to compliance to treatment options. Another barrier related to change related to translation of research into practice includes funding. Most insurances or providers to include Medicaid or Medicare will only allow for 30 days of inpatients treatment. The success rates are not high as it is felt people may need more time.

Reference

Clark, R. E., Oconnell, E., & Samnaliev, M. (2010). Substance abuse and healthcare costs knowledge asset. Foundation's substance sbuse policy research program.

HealthyPeople2020. (2018).

Sawyer S., M., Bearinger L., H., Blakemore S.,J., Dick, B., Ezeh, A., Patton, G.,C. (2012). Adolescence: A foundation for future health. Lancet; 379:1630-40.

Viner R., M., Ozer, E., M., Denny, S., Marmot, M., Resnick, M., Fatusi, A., Currie, C. (2012). Adolescence and the social determinants of health. Lancet; 379:1641-52.

Thing to Remember:

• Answer this discussion with opinions/ideas creatively and clearly. Supports post using several outside, peer-reviewed sources.

• 1 References, find resources that are 5 years or less

• No errors with APA format 6 Edition