
By doing so, we are taking steps toward providing greater access to quality mental health care for those experiencing substance use disorders and mental illness, while freeing emergency departments from the excessive cost and burdens related to ED visits from this populace. To address this issue, we must prioritize substance abuse treatment and the integration of mental health services that can provide early intervention, prevent further harm, and reduce the volume of ED visits related to substance abuse-induced mental In conclusion, substance abuse-related mental illness is a growing problem with far-reaching impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Taking proactive steps to address substance abuse-related mental health disorders now will help reduce their impacts on public health in the future. Not only does it place an immense burden on both the individual and their families, but it also strains our healthcare system overall. The long-term repercussions of substance abuse-induced mental illness can be dire. Impact of substance abuse-related mental illness grows

Without targeted interventions, both short-term and long-term consequences - ranging from increased acute healthcare costs to substantial social harms - are likely to occur. This includes integrating interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals to address the complex needs of this population and help reduce the number of substance abuse-related emergency department visits. to collaborate with mental health partners to institute innovative models of care for substance abuse-related mental illnesses. Therefore, it is imperative for emergency departments across the U.S. Without such interventions, emergency departments will continue to be overwhelmed with substance abuse-related visits. These findings suggest the need for a comprehensive approach to substance abuse-related mental illness that includes preventative strategies to reduce substance use rates, increased access to quality treatment services for those already suffering from substance use disorders and mental health issues, as well as follow-up care and monitoring of individuals at risk for relapse or further health complications. SAMHSA also reports that substance-related ED visits comprised 10 percent of all ED visits nationally, with the highest rate being seen among adolescents aged 12–17, followed by individuals between the ages of 18 and 25.ĭownload our white paper: The Rise of ED Visits.Īlarmingly, the rate of substance abuse-induced emergency department visits is showing no signs of slowing down, with SAMHSA estimating that substance use disorders could account for 3 million annual ED visits by 2025 (CDC, 2020). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that substance abuse-related mental crises accounted for 1.9 million ED visits in 2017 alone – an 82% increase since 2005. Given the increasing rates of substance abuse and associated mental illness, it comes as no surprise that substance abuse-related ED visits have also increased. Mental illness is also highly prevalent in this population, with up to 46% of people living with a substance use disorder suffering from mental health issues (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that substance use disorders affect tens of millions of Americans, with nearly 22 million adults struggling with substance use disorder in 2018 alone (SAMHSA, 2021).

Recent studies have shown a concerning trend in substance abuse and mental illness – an increase in emergency department (ED) visits related to substance abuse-induced mental illness. Substance Abuse, Mental Illness, and a Rise in Emergency Department Visits: A Concerning Trend with No Signs of Deceleration
