In a move to address the issue of substance misuse, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors has officially proclaimed October 2024 as “Substance Misuse Prevention Month.” A proclamation was drafted to underscores the county’s commitment to combating a problem that affects individuals across all demographics and has far reaching implications for the community.
Alarming Statistics
Recent data paints a concerning picture of substance misuse in Pinal County and Arizona:
- The 2022 Arizona Youth Survey identified alcohol as the most commonly used substance among youth.
- 56% of youth surveyed did not perceive substance use as risky.
- In Pinal County, 62% of residents reported that they, a family member, or a friend had experienced substance misuse, according to the 2023 Pinal County Community Health Needs Assessment.
- Arizona has seen over 2,138 non-fatal overdoses and more than 600 deaths so far this year.
- Since 2017, Pinal County alone has experienced over 243 fatal adult overdoses and 1,560 non-fatal overdoses.
Early Intervention is Key
The proclamation emphasizes the importance of early intervention, noting that 9 out of 10 people who misuse drugs and/or alcohol began using substances before the age of 18. This statistic underscores the critical need for youth-focused prevention efforts.
Recovery is Possible
Despite the challenges, there is hope. The proclamation notes that:
- 2 out of 3 adults with a mental health issue consider themselves to be recovering or in recovery.
- 7 out of 10 adults with a substance use disorder consider themselves to be recovering or in recovery.
A Call to Action
In proclaiming October as Substance Misuse Prevention Month, board members have shown a commitment to:
- Creating stigma-free education
- Providing accessible prevention resources
- Offering treatment options
- Supporting recovery efforts for individuals, families, and children
Board Chairman Mike Goodman, along with Vice-Chairman Jeffrey McClure and board members Kevin Cavanaugh, Stephen Q. Miller, and Jeff Serdy, have signed this proclamation, signaling a unified approach to addressing substance misuse in Pinal County.
For more information visit https://www.pinal.gov/845/Pinal-Cares.
