Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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Will America Be Ready to Answer All the 988 Calls?

With 988, advocates see opportunity to change mental health care, but old problems persist

(Newser) - The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is undergoing a major overhaul. Starting in July, Americans in need of crisis counseling won't have to dial 1-800-273-8255—they'll instead be able to use the much simpler 988. It's the result of legislation signed by Trump in 2020, and in December,...

Drug Use Hits 8-Year High
 Drug Use Hits 8-Year High 

Drug Use Hits 8-Year High

Marijuana, meth, ecstasy use up, cocaine down

(Newser) - Illegal drug abuse in America has soared to its highest rate in almost a decade, according to a government report which finds marijuana, methamphetamine, and ecstasy use surging, but cocaine declining. Some 21.8 million Americans used illegal drugs last year, a 9% increase from the year before and the...

Baby Boomers Still Mad for the Reefer, Man

(Newser) - Some Americans haven't let go of one part of the 1960s: getting high on illicit drugs. The percentage of Americans age 50-59 who reported use of illicit drugs within a year nearly doubled from 2002-2007, from 5.1% to 9.4%, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported...

Site Reaches Out to Those Worried Sick About Money

Addresses economy-related health issues

(Newser) - A federal agency has launched an online rescue kit for people whose mental and physical health is being wrecked by economic worries, reports Reuters. The "Getting Through Tough Economic Times" website aims to help people spot the warning signs of emotional distress in themselves and others and point them...

Millions Get High on Cold Drugs
Millions Get High on Cold Drugs

Millions Get High on Cold Drugs

12-year-olds abuse over-the-counter medicines

(Newser) - More than 3 million Americans, some as young as 12, have used over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to induce hallucinations, out-of-body experiences and other effects, a US government survey has found. The study uncovered high levels of abuse of 140 drugs containing the cough suppressant DXM, reports MSNBC.

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