Question

The leading public health care problems in the U.S. are:

Mental disorders

Consumption of alcohol, nicotine, OTC drugs, and prescription drugs

The count for people suffering from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year is on the rise. This figure translates to approximately 57.7 million people currently (National Institute of Mental Disorder, 2008).

In relation to problems regarding drugs, consumption of alcohol is considered as the leading problem. In addition, the consumption of Nicotine, OTC drugs, and prescription drugs are other prominent issues (McKenzie, Pinger, & Kotecki, 2008).

Based on these statements, create a report in a Microsoft Word document, discussing the following:

Is the diagnosis of mental illnesses still viewed with a negative attitude as was done several years ago? Why or why not?

Are the local and national health care providers adequately responding to the needs of people suffering from mental disorders?

Should the local health care communities be held responsible for mandating specific care and treatment for the affected population? Why or why not?

What are the two major types of abused drugs and the age groups most likely to use them? Why is drug usage prevalent among these populations?

What roles should the state governments' or private health agencies or organizations play in order to prevent and control drug abuse?

Answer 1

The mental disorders are the leading cause of morbidity in the U.S. and Canada. More than one mental disorder at a given time exists in many people. Mental illness and substance abuse also seen in many people. The coexisting disorders make the management difficult.

The social stigmas on mental illness still exist and the people will have negative attitudes towards those with mental illness, though it is not worsted as before. The attitude towards mental illness is also affected by age, gender, race and ethnicity. Many people will not seek help even if they have symptoms due to the fear of social stigma. There are many people in the society who may not reveal the presence of mental illness in the family due to the fear of cornering and discrimination from fellow being. The people in the patient ’s family may find it difficult to obtain life partners due to the fear of mental illness runs in families.

Due to the awareness programs and the number of cases cured, there is a change in the attitude of the society towards the people with mental illness. But there are many people still possess the idea of psychiatric disorder won’t cure.

The facilities to care the people with mental illness are more. But the effective a utilization of it is lacking. The mental health programs are not reaching the target population many times. There are many programs like MHA (Mental Health America)a and self-help groups to support people suffering from mental illness. Despite the organizations their people in the underserved population. The reachability of the program is less. With the social stigma of mental illness, the health care workers cannot effectively help the people suffering from mental illness and substance abuse.

The local and national healthcare programs on mental health have to reach a wider population on demand. The awareness programs must focus on the accessibility of services and the necessity of care. By the effective collaboration of individual, family and community efficient care can be provided to the needy population. The care of people must be mandated by law.

SAMHSA (Substance abuse and mental health Services administration ) provides guidelines and works to reduce their impact of mental disorders and substance abuse on America’s communities. SAMSHA focuses on the community education on the disorders so that the people can seek help when they experience any of the symptoms. SAMHSA offers many programs, initiatives, and resources to aid people recognize mental and/or substance use disorders and seek help.

The substance abuse is a growing health problem in the US. In 2014 SAMHSA ’s estimated that 43.6 million (18.1%) Americans ages 18 and up experienced some form of mental illness and in the previous year, 20.2 million adults (8.4%) had a substance use disorder. The co-occurring mental and substance use disorders are present in about 7.9 million people. About 21.5 million Americans ages 12 and older (8.1%) were classified as a substance use disorder in 2013. Among them, 2.6 million had problems with both alcohol and drugs.

Alcohol and tobacco use are the most commonly seen substance abuse disorders. Even the children start using alcohol in the early ages. In US among176.6 million alcohol users, an estimated 17 million have an AUD. 66.9 million Americans, more than 12 years or older were current users of a tobacco product (25.2%). The tobacco use is highest in young adults aged 18 to 25 (35%).

The use of alcohol and tobacco products become prevent due to the easy availability. When the availability of more the use also increases. AUD is seen in people whose family members are also suffering from AUD. Peer pressure also contributes to the substance abuse.

In order to reduce the use of alcohol and tobacco, there should be strict legislative initiatives. Strict laws should control the use of alcohol and tobacco in the young population. The availability of this substance should be reduced. Proper awareness programs in schools and community can reduce the substance abuse. The individuals, family and community should work hand in hand with the governmental organizations to reduce the effect of substance abuse on the population.