Iowans are encouraged this month to learn about substance use treatment and mental health services that can help those with a mental or substance use disorder live a healthy life. Governor Terry Branstad has proclaimed September as Recovery Month for Iowa. About 185,000 Iowans 12 years old or older are dependent on or abused alcohol according to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Also about 42,000 Iowans are dependent on or abuse illicit drugs. In addition, 107,000 Iowans over the age of 18 have a serious mental illness.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, alcohol is the substance most abused by Iowans. A study conducted last November shows of the people admitted to substance abuse treatment, 52 percent reported alcohol as their primary problem. Methamphetamine was second at 25 percent and marijuana was third at 16 percent. Recovery Month is to show treatment is effective for those who struggle with substance use disorders or mental health conditions.

Washington County is in the Prelude Behavioral Services treatment area.

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