Substance abuse is an issue that affects Americans across the country. In King County alone, over 1,010 people died due to an overdose in 2023. The substance can be legal or illegal, but using too much of any substance could hurt the user, cut their life short, and affect the people around them such as their friends and family.
Substance abuse causes mental health problems. It can cause depression, personality disorders, and suicidal thoughts. The most widespread legal substance is alcohol. Alcohol can damage your liver, pancreas, nervous system, brain, and your heart. Drug use can give you cavities, gum disease, and even cause some cancers. You can also get AIDS/HIV if needles are shared with others.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, there is help. The SAMHSA National Helpline number is 1-800-662-4357. Teen Link can also help; their phone number is 866-833-6546. You could also contact 206-263-2000 for King County needle exchange. This is a program to help drug users who are using injections by putting them into drug treatment and giving them health care.
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