Substance Abuse

The abuse of alcohol and other drugs is one of New Mexico’s most serious problems. The effects are seen everywhere: personal health, family, work, education, and the legal and correctional systems. In each of these we can see the impacts of alcohol and illicit drugs, leading to illness, crime and the incarceration of large numbers of New Mexicans.

Alcohol and drugs can harm people directly; e.g., overdose, cirrhosis of the liver, or blood-borne disease spread by shared needles and other injection equipment. They may also be dangerous in other ways; for instance, alcohol puts people at high risk for violent injuries and “accidents”. Using these substances can disrupt people’s relationships, families and work. When one uses substances in ways that are damaging, the diagnosis of alcohol or drug abuse may apply. Addiction to any of these is known as alcohol or drug dependence.

What is being done

Science-based prevention programs are being implemented in New Mexico.
Substance abuse prevention programs are being evaluated statewide.
Special prevention initiatives address issues specific to Native American communities and communities along the Mexican border.
Funding of local DWI programs.
Operation DWI enhances law enforcement.
12,000 adults per year are admitted to alcohol and drug treatment.

What needs to be done

Increase availability of effective treatment and prevention services.
Increase school-affiliated mental health/substance abuse services.
Use collaboration between state agencies to improve access to child, adolescent and adult behavioral health services under Medicaid/SALUD!
Direct substance abuse and mental health prevention services to elementary and middle school aged youth.
Provide family-focused prevention services (e.g., parenting skills, improving parent-child relationships, conflict resolution, mediation).
Provide overdose prevention education to persons at risk for drug and alcohol overdose.

For additional information or assistance, visit the New Mexico Department of Behavioral Health Collaborative Website

Behavioral Health Services Division, New Mexico Department of Health (treatment, prevention)

(505) 827-2601

Crisis Response (24 hour per day hotline/referral)

(505) 820-6333
Toll-free (888) 920-6333

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