The stigma surrounding mental illness has lessened in recent years, but it certainly hasn’t disappeared. A 2020 survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that 60% of adults with a mental illness reported feeling discriminated against in the past year.
There are a number of reasons why stigma persists. Mental illness can be misunderstood, and people with mental illness may be stereotyped as dangerous or violent. Additionally, mental health care can be expensive and difficult to access, which can make it harder for people to get the help they need.
Are local and national health care providers adequately responding to the needs of people suffering from mental disorders?
There is a shortage of mental health care providers in the United States, which can make it difficult for people to get the treatment they need. Additionally, mental health care can be expensive, and many insurance plans do not cover mental health care as well as they cover physical health care.
Should the local health care communities be held responsible for mandating specific care and treatment for the affected population? Why or not?
There is no easy answer to this question. On the one hand, mandatory care could help to ensure that people with mental illness get the treatment they need. On the other hand, mandatory care could also raise civil liberty concerns.
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?
The two most commonly abused drugs in the United States are alcohol and marijuana. Alcohol is the most widely used addictive substance in the United States, with nearly 14.5 million adults (aged 18 and older) meeting the criteria for alcohol use disorder in 2012. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, with an estimated 48.2 million people aged 12 or older having used it in the past year.
There are a number of reasons why drug use is prevalent among certain age groups. Teens and young adults may be more likely to experiment with drugs because they are more impulsive and sensation-seeking. They may also be more likely to use drugs to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression.
What roles should state governments or private health agencies or organizations play in order to prevent and control drug abuse?
State governments, private health agencies, and organizations can all play a role in preventing and controlling drug abuse. Some of the things that these groups can do include:
- Educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse
- Supporting programs that provide drug treatment and rehabilitation
- Making it more difficult for people to obtain illegal drugs
- Enacting laws that deter drug abuse
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