Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 

For a lot of Americans, eating disorders (EDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) are not distinct challenges. Many live with both.

For many Americans, January is a time to reset and make changes that will improve their quality of life. Here at SAMHSA, the new year also kicks off Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Month, our nationwide push to help Americans struggling with alcohol or drug addiction understand that sobriety is within reach and that there are many paths to recovery.

The holiday season is often associated with togetherness, celebration, and time spent with family and friends. Yet for many people, this time of year can also bring feelings of loneliness—whether from social isolation or from feeling disconnected even in the presence of others, even during festive gatherings or seasonal celebrations. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.

Mental health, substance misuse, addiction, and their related health and social impacts such as overdose and suicide are dynamic and evolving.

Nearly 1 in 10 people in the U.S. will have an eating disorder during the course of their lifetime. Some of these conditions can be serious, and potentially even fatal. It’s critical to break the silence and raise awareness about this public health problem. This week marks National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, a time to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and share messages of support and hope for those impacted. It also provides an opportunity to highlight available resources for those looking for help.