Sally Anne Schneider Discusses Substance Abuse with K5News
Earlier this week, Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital CEO Sally Anne Schneider, as well as Director of Clinical Services Dr. Stacey Shaw sat down with K5News to discuss a range of topics related to women and alcohol, trauma, associated mental health issues and available treatment. This stems from a recent study published by the Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.
The following were reported:
- Researchers found that from 2007 to 2017, the number of deaths attributable to alcohol in the U.S. increased by 35%.
- The overall death rate rose 24%
- Alcohol-related deaths for men rose 29%
- Alcohol-related deaths for women rose a shocking 85%
Dr. Shaw stated, one of the possible reasons why there was such a significant increase in alcohol-related deaths could be attributed to the shift in “cultural norms”. We are more welcoming to alcohol in our homes or places of work. This shift in our culture could create problems for those who are suffering from addiction, either because it enables them to continue to drink more, or they are simply not aware they have a problem.
Sally Anne Schneider said it best: “If you think you have a problem, and you can’t cut it in half successfully in 3 months, you might have a substance abuse problem”.
Someone may be using addictive substances to numb themselves from other mental health illnesses, such as depression or anxiety. Previously there were fewer effective methods of mental health treatment available and less awareness. That has thankfully changed, and facilities such as Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital are not only trained to provide care to patients in need of mental health treatment, they have designed programs specifically for women, known as the Women’s Connection Program and outpatient programs for substance abuse problems.
The Women’s Connection Program at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital was designed specifically for women who are in need of mental health care. The inpatient program is geared towards offering a safe & welcoming environment, with the goal of treating depression, anxiety, and any trauma they might have experienced in the past.
If you or a loved one is in need of help overcoming addiction, or in need of any mental health care, please call us at (360) 651-6400 to speak with a mental health care counselor. Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital is proud to help positively impact the lives of those who are in our care.
The full interview with Sally Anne Schneider & Dr. Stacey Shaw is embedded below.
