Get help for substance abuse problems

Did you know that nearly one in 10 Americans over the age of 12 are classified has having a substance abuse or dependency problem? At that rate, nearly 6,400 of the 64,000 Lake County community residents have a problem abusing drugs or alcohol, or both.

As you might assume, substance abuse negatively impacts those immediately around the person in need of help. In fact, the impact of substance abuse goes far beyond one's friends and family members.

Annually, thousands of dollars throughout Lake County go toward substance abuse in terms of higher costs for health care, the criminal justice system, welfare, taxes and in lives taken or damaged by substance abuse related violence, stealing or impaired driving.

September is National Recovery Month, and is a time I encourage you to speak openly about substance abuse and the realities around it with your family, friends and co-workers.

Did you know that studies show when parents talk to their kids about the dangers of using drugs or alcohol, the message sticks? Visit RecoverGateway.org/Prevention to access a free tool kit designed to help parents start the conversation about prevention with their kids.

If you have a friend or family member that you think may be struggling with some sort of alcohol or drug abuse problem, please encourage them to get treatment. This is National Recovery Month, so why should you wait?

I urge you to talk to your friends and family about how to prevent substance abuse or get treatment if someone may need help.

Patricia Ryding

Lake Villa