GENESEO, N.Y., Oct. 16, 2023 – October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and Livingston County is committed to developing partnerships, programs and providing resources to help residents suffering from substance use disorder, mental health conditions and more.
First celebrated officially in 2011, National Substance Abuse Prevention Month is a time to highlight the vital role that community and public health organizations play in helping to reduce substance abuse while also educating the public on various prevention-related programs and services are available.
Millions of Americans suffer from substance abuse day-in and day-out including alcohol dependency, non-medical use of prescription drugs, abuse of over-the-counter medications and illicit drug use. Substance abuse rates continue to grow in the United States, where nearly 40 million people face substance abuse disorders.
Figures provided through the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics indicate that 50 percent of people aged 12 and older have admittedly used illicit drugs at least once. Additionally, among Americans aged 12 years or older, 37.3 million were current illegal drug users (used within last 30 days) as of 2020. These figures were further broken down to show that drug abuse and substance use disorders were more likely to impact young males.
Despite the eye-opening statistics, there are numerous public and community health organizations that can help. Learn more about the various programs and services that the County provides by visiting the Livingston County Department of Health’s website.
Are you interested in learning more about support-based services? CASA-Trinity may be able to help. one of the few remaining Councils on Alcohol and Substance Abuse left in New York State, CASA-Trinity treats substance use disorders, mental health, co-occurring disorders and provides outreach and social health connections to housing and food, referrals to other services providers and much more. Learn more about how CASA-Trinity can help by visiting its website.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events and more by following Livingston County on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.
###