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Toolkit  >  Targeted Outreach  >  Commonly Misused Substances  >  In-Depth Version

2012 Toolkit


Common Mental Health Problems and Misused Substances

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This is the 2012 Recovery Month Toolkit, the 2013 toolkit will be available in early summer.

Each year, individuals, families, and communities are impacted by mental and/or substance use disorders. The aim of National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) is to raise awareness about the many resources available to help prevent these conditions and encourage treatment and recovery. Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Learning about some of the most common mental health problems and the misuse of alcohol and illicit and prescription drugs can help you recognize the signs of behavioral health conditions and provide help to individuals experiencing them. In 2010, 23.1 million Americans aged 12 or older (9.1 percent) needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem–of these individuals, only 2.6 million (1.0 percent of people aged 12 or older, and 11.2 percent of those who needed treatment) received treatment at a specialty facility.1 Additionally, among 45.9 million Americans aged 18 and older who experienced any mental illness in 2010, just 17.9 million (39.2 percent) received mental health treatment.2 Although the prevalence of mental and/or substance use disorders is a growing public health concern, individuals and their friends and families can provide support and spread the message that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover.

Included in this document are key statistics about common mental health problems and substances that are often misused. Also included are alternate names for each disorder or substance, signs and symptoms of a problem, adverse health effects, prevalence, and average age of onset (or age of first-time use of a substance). Information in the following charts was collected from the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, as well as reports and data released by The Partnership at Drugfree.org, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

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The following chart includes information on common mental health problems:

Anxiety Disorders
Mental Health Problem Signs & Symptoms 3, 4, 5 Lifetime Prevalence in the United States Among Adults and Youth (13 to 18 Years Old) 6, 7, 8 Average Age of Onset 9
Agoraphobia Intense fear and anxiety of any place or situation where escape might be difficult; avoidance of being alone outside of the home; fear of traveling in a car, bus, or airplane, or being in a crowded area
  • 2.4 percent of youth;
  • 1.4 percent of adults
 20 years old
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) An overwhelming sense of worry and tension; physical symptoms including fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, muscle aches, trouble swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, lightheadedness, nausea, and hot flashes
  • 1.0 percent of youth;
  • 5.7 percent of adults
 31 years old
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Persistent and unwelcome anxious thoughts or “obsessions,” often accompanied by rituals that are performed to try to prevent or get rid of them, called “compulsions”
  • (youth data not available);
  • 1.6 percent of adults
 19 years old
Panic Disorder Feelings of sudden terror that often occur with a pounding heart, sweating, nausea, chest pain, faintness, or dizziness; an avoidance of places or situations where panic attacks have occurred
  • 2.3 percent of youth;
  • 4.7 percent of adults
24 years old
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Relived trauma after experiencing a terrifying event, through nightmares or disturbing thoughts throughout the day; feelings of detachment, numbness, irritability, or aggressiveness
  • 4.0 percent of youth;
  • 6.8 percent of adults
23 years old
Social Phobia Intense feelings of anxiety and dread about social situations; a persistent fear of being watched and judged by others and being humiliated or embarrassed by the person’s own actions; physical symptoms such as blushing, profuse sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty talking
  • 5.5 percent of youth;
  • 12.1 percent of adults
13 years old
Specific Phobia Marked and persistent fear and avoidance of a specific object or situation, such as a fear of heights, spiders, or flying
  • 15.1 percent of youth;
  • 12.5 percent of adults
7 years old
Mood Disorders
Mental Health Problem Signs & Symptoms 3, 4, 5 Lifetime Prevalence in the United States Among Adults and Youth (13 to 18 Years Old) 6, 7, 8 Average Age of Onset 9
Bipolar Disorder Recurrent episodes of highs (mania) and lows (depression) in mood; changes in energy and behavior; extreme irritable or elevated mood; an inflated sense of self-importance; risky behaviors, distractibility, increased energy, and a decreased need for sleep
  • 3.0 percent of youth;
  • 3.9 percent of adults
 25 years old
Major Depressive Disorder A pervading sense of sadness and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities that interferes with the ability to work, study, sleep, and eat; negative impact on a person's thoughts, sense of self-worth, sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration
  • 11.2 percent of youth;
  • 16.5 percent of adults
32 years old
Other Mental Health Problems
Mental Health Problem Signs & Symptoms 3, 4, 5 Lifetime Prevalence in the United States Among Adults and Youth (13 to 18 Years Old) 6, 7, 8 Average Age of Onset 9
Attention-Deficit/­Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) Inattention or difficulty staying focused; hyperactivity, or constantly being in motion or talking; impulsivity, meaning often not thinking before acting
  • 9.0 percent of youth;
  • 8.1 percent of adults
 7 years old
Personality Disorder Difficulties dealing with other people and participating in social activities; inflexibility, rigidity, and inability to respond to change; deeply ingrained, inflexible patterns of relating, perceiving, and thinking that cause distress or impaired functioning
  • (youth data not available);
  • 9.1 percent of adults*
 Not available
Schizophrenia Hearing voices or believing that others are trying to control or harm the person; hallucinations and disorganized speech and behavior, causing individuals to feel frightened, anxious, and confused
  • (youth data not available);
  • 1.1 percent of adults*
 Not available

* Indicates 12-month prevalence

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The following chart includes information on commonly misused substances:

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Inhalants
Substance,
Other Names 10, 11, 12 		Immediate Intoxication Effects 13, 14 Negative Health Effects 15, 16 Average Age of First Use in 2010 (vs. in 2009) Among Recent Initiates aged 12 to 49, and Current Rate Among Youth 17 Number of People (Aged 12 or older) Who Used it in the Past Month in 2010 (vs. in 2009) 18, 19
Alcohol
Booze, beer, wine, liquor
  • Dizziness;
  • talkativeness;
  • disturbed sleep;
  • nausea;
  • vomiting;
  • impaired judgment and coordination;
  • increased aggression
  • Brain and liver damage;
  • depression;
  • liver and heart disease;
  • hypertension;
  • fetal damage (in pregnant women)
  • 17.2 years (16.9 years in 2009);
  • rate of current alcohol use among youths aged 12 to 17 is 13.6 percent
 131.3 million people (similar to 130.6 million people in 2009)
Tobacco Products
Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, spit tobacco, chew
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
  • Chronic lung disease;
  • coronary heart disease;
  • stroke;
  • cancer of the lungs, larynx, esophagus, mouth, and bladder;
  • poor pregnancy outcomes
 17.3 years (17.5 years in 2009); rate of current tobacco use among youths aged 12 to 17 is 10.7 percent 69.6 million people (similar to 69.7 million people in 2009)
Gases, Nitrites, and Aerosols (Inhalants)
Ether, chloroform, nitrous oxide, isobutyl, isoamyl, poppers, snappers, whippets, laughing gas
  • Increased stimulation;
  • loss of inhibition;
  • headache;
  • nausea;
  • vomiting;
  • slurred speech;
  • loss of motor coordination;
  • wheezing;
  • cramps;
  • muscle weakness
  • Memory impairment;
  • damage to cardiovascular and nervous systems;
  • unconsciousness
 16.3 years (16.9 years in 2009); rate of current inhalant use among youths aged 12 to 17 is 1.1 percent 70,000 people (similar to 60,000 people in 2009)
Illicit Drugs
Substance,
Other Names 10, 11, 12 		Immediate Intoxication Effects 13, 14 Negative Health Effects 15, 16 Average Age of First Use in 2010 (vs. in 2009) Among Recent Initiates aged 12 to 49, and Current Rate Among Youth 17 Number of People (Aged 12 or older) Who Used it in the Past Month in 2010 (vs. in 2009) 18, 19
Cocaine
Blow, bump, C, candy, Charlie, coke, crack, flake, rock, snow, toot, white lady
  • Increased alertness, attention, and energy;
  • dilated pupils;
  • increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure;
  • insomnia; loss of appetite;
  • feelings of restlessness, irritability, and anxiety
  • Weight loss;
  • cardiovascular complications;
  • stroke;
  • seizures
  • 21.2 years (20.0 years in 2009);
  • rate of current cocaine use among youths aged 12 to 17 is 0.2 percent
 1.5 million people (similar to 1.6 million people in 2009)
Ecstasy
Adam, E, eve, decadence, M&M, roll, X, XTC
  • Enhanced sense of self-confidence and energy;
  • involuntary teeth clenching;
  • a loss of inhibitions;
  • transfixion on sights and sounds;
  • nausea;
  • blurred vision;
  • chills;
  • sweating;
  • increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Muscle cramping/sleep disturbances;
  • depression;
  • impaired memory;
  • kidney, liver and cardiovascular failure;
  • anxiety
  • 19.4 years (20.2 years in 2009);
  • rate of current ecstasy use among youths aged 12 to 17 is 0.5 percent
 695,000 people (similar to 760,000 people in 2009)
Heroin
Big H, blacktar, brown sugar, dope, horse, junk, muc, skag, smack, white horse
  • Feeling of euphoria;
  • flushing of the skin;
  • dry mouth;
  • heavy extremities;
  • slurred speech;
  • constricted pupils;
  • droopy eyelids;
  • vomiting;
  • constipation
  • Collapsed veins;
  • infection of the heart lining, valves;
  • abscesses;
  • cellulitis;
  • liver disease;
  • various types of pneumonia;
  • clogged blood vessels;
  • respiratory complications
 21.3 years (25.5 years in 2009) 20,000 people (same as 2009)
Hallucinogens
Acid, boomers, doses, hits, LSD, microdot, peyote, shrooms, sugar cubes, tabs, trips
  • Dilated pupils;
  • higher body temperature;
  • increased heart rate and blood pressure;
  • sweating;
  • loss of appetite;
  • sleeplessness;
  • dry mouth;
  • tremors
 Flashbacks that may occur within a few days or more than a year after use
  • 19.1 years (18.4 years in 2009);
  • rate of current hallucinogen use among youths aged 12 to 17 is 0.9 percent
 1.2 million people (similar to 1.3 million people in 2009)
Marijuana
Blunt, dope, ganja, grass, herb, joint, bud, Mary Jane, pot, reefer, green, trees, smoke, skunk, weed
  • Distorted perception;
  • trouble with thinking and problem solving;
  • loss of motor coordination;
  • increased heart rate
  • Respiratory infection;
  • impaired memory;
  • anxiety;
  • exposure to cancer-causing compounds
  • 18.4 years (17 years in 2009);
  • rate of current marijuana use among youths aged 12 to 17 is 7.4 percent
 17.4 million people (increased from 16.7 million people in 2009)
Methamphetamine
Chalk, crank, crystal, ice, meth, speed, white cross
  • State of euphoria;
  • insomnia;
  • decreased appetite;
  • irritability/aggression;
  • anxiety;
  • nervousness;
  • convulsions
  • Paranoia;
  • hallucination;
  • repetitive behavior;
  • delusions of parasites or insects crawling under the skin;
  • psychosis;
  • severe dental problems;
  • heart attack
 18.8 years (19.3 years in 2009) 353,000 people (decreased from 502,000 people in 2009)
Prescription Drugs
Substance,
Other Names 10, 11, 12 		Immediate Intoxication Effects 13, 14 Negative Health Effects 15, 16 Average Age of First Use in 2010 (vs. in 2009) Among Recent Initiates aged 12 to 49, and Current Rate Among Youth 17 Number of People (Aged 12 or older) Who Used it in the Past Month in 2010 (vs. in 2009) 18, 19
Pain Relievers
Vike (Vicodin®), oxy, O.C. (Oxyc­ontin®), M (roxanol), schoolboy (empirin with codeine), China white, dance fever (Actiq®)
  • Pain relief;
  • euphoria;
  • drowsiness,
  • respiratory depression and arrest;
  • nausea;
  • confusion;
  • constipation;
  • sedation;
  • unconsciousness;
  • restlessness
  • Muscle and bone pain;
  • drowsiness;
  • seizure;
  • coma;
  • respiratory depression;
  • decreased heart rate
  • 21.0 years (20.8 years in 2009);
  • rate of current non-medical use of prescription pain relievers among youths aged 12 to 17 is 3 percent
 5.1 million people (similar to 5.3 million people in 2009)
Psychotherapeutics
Prozac®, Zoloft®, Ritalin®
  • Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism;
  • feelings of exhilaration and energy;
  • increased mental alertness;
  • rapid or irregular heartbeat;
  • reduced appetite
  • Heart failure;
  • weight loss;
  • tremors and muscle twitching;
  • fevers,
  • convulsions, and headaches;
  • irregular heartbeat and respirations;
  • anxiety;
  • restlessness;
  • paranoia;
  • hallucinations;
  • delusions of parasites or insects crawling under the skin
 22.3 years (21 years in 2009) 7.0 million people (same as in 2009)
Sedatives
Haldol®, Thorazine®, Navane®, Prolixin®, Mellaril®, Trilafon®
  • Slurred speech;
  • shallow breathing;
  • sluggishness; fatigue;
  • disorientation and lack of coordination;
  • dilated pupils;
  • reduced anxiety;
  • lowered inhibitions
  • Seizures;
  • impaired memory, judgment and coordination;
  • irritability;
  • paranoid and suicidal thoughts;
  • sleep problems
 23.5 years (19.7 years in 2009) 374,000 people (similar to 370,000 people in 2009)
Tranquilizers
Benzos (Mebaral®, Ativan®, Xanax®, Valium®, Nembutal®, Librium®)
  • Slurred speech;
  • shallow breathing;
  • sluggishness;
  • fatigue;
  • disorientation and lack of coordination;
  • dilated pupils;
  • reduced anxiety;
  • lowered inhibitions
  • Seizures;
  • impaired memory, judgment and coordination;
  • irritability;
  • paranoid and suicidal thoughts;
  • sleep problems
 24.6 years (22.4 years in 2009) 2.2 million people (similar to 2.0 million people in 2009)
Stimulants
Adderall®, Ritalin®, Concerta®
Increased alertness, attention, and energy
  • Increased hostility or paranoia;
  • dangerously high body temperatures;
  • irregular heartbeat;
  • cardiovascular failure;
  • lethal seizures
 21.2 years (21.5 years in 2009) 1.1 million people (similar to 1.3 million people in 2009)

Inclusion of websites and resources in this document and on the Recovery Month website does not constitute official endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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Sources

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings, NSDUH Series H-41, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 11-4658. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2011), p. 80.
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Results from the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings, NSDUH Series H-42, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 11-4667. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2011), p. 1.
  3. The National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America. Retrieved September 14, 2011 from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/index.shtml.
  4. SAMHSA’s Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center). (n.d.). Facts About Common Mental Illnesses. Retrieved September 15, 2011 from http://stopstigma.samhsa.gov/publications/thefacts.aspx#panic.
  5. Mental Health America. (n.d.) Personality Disorders. Retrieved September 15, 2011 from http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/personality-disorders.
  6. Kessler R.C., Berglund P.A., Demler O., Jin R., Walters E.E. (June 2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). Archives of General Psychiatry. 62(6):593-602.
  7. Merikangas K.R., He J., Burstein M., Swanson S.A., Avenevoli S., Cui L., Benjet C., Georgiades K., Swendsen J. (October 2010). Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in U.S. adolescents: Results from the National Comorbidity Study-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). Journal of the American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry. 49(10):980-989.
  8. Regier D.A., Narrow W.E., Rae D.S., Manderscheid R.W., Locke B.Z., Goodwin F.K. (February 1993). The de facto mental and addictive disorders service system. Epidemiologic Catchment Area prospective 1-year prevalence rates of disorders and services. Archives of General Psychiatry. 50(2):85–94.
  9. Kessler R.C., Berglund P.A., Demler O., Jin R., Walters E.E. (June 2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). Archives of General Psychiatry. 62(6):593-602.
  10. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). NIDA:  Commonly Abused Drugs Chart. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.nida.nih.gov/drugpages/drugsofabuse.html.
  11. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America. (n.d.). Drug Guide. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide.
  12. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). NIDA: Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs Chart. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved February 3, 2012 from http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs/commonly-abused-prescription-drugs-chart.
  13. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). NIDA: Commonly Abused Drugs Chart. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.nida.nih.gov/drugpages/drugsofabuse.html.
  14. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America. (n.d.). Drug Guide. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide.
  15. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). NIDA: Commonly Abused Drugs Chart. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.nida.nih.gov/drugpages/drugsofabuse.html.
  16. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America. (n.d.). Drug Guide. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide.
  17. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2011). Results from the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings, NSDUH Series H-41, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 11-4658. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved March 13, 2012 from http://www.samhsa.gov/data/NSDUH/2k10Results/Web/PDFW/2k10Results.pdf.
  18. Ibid.
  19. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2010). Results from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Volume I. Summary of National Findings, NSDUH Series H-38A, HHS Publication No. SMA 10-4586. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved March 13, 2012 from http://www.samhsa.gov/data/NSDUH/2k10Results/Web/PDFW/2k10Results.pdf.
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Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for substance use and mental disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.

National Recovery Month 2013

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  • Behavioral Health is Essential to Health
  • Prevention Works
  • Treatment is Effective
  • People Recover
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SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

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