Substance Abuse Centers In Green Country See Patient Increases During 2020

Last year, the Centers for Disease Control said 40 percent of adults have dealt with mental health or substance abuse.

Around the country, rehab centers have seen an uptick in substance abuse. The most common substance: Alcohol.  

The Tulsa Women's and Children's Center said it has had patient admissions drastically increase.

The center specializes in helping women battle addiction and help their children cope with the challenges.

Last year, clinical director Amy Cox said the pandemic has made it extremely hard for people, especially single mothers, to avoid unhealthy habits.

"They're stuck at home with them," Cox said. "They're struggling with finances due to COVID and when you already have unhealthy behaviors, those addictions really kick in.

The Tulsa Women's and Children's Center said 78 percent of adults in need of treatment are not receiving appropriate rehab care last year.

According to Mental Health America's 2020 report, Oklahoma ranks 41st in mental illness and substance use disorders.

A positive aspect Cox said she has seen is that more people are getting educated about mental health and its connection to substance abuse.

Cox hopes the pandemic can make people aware of how addiction is defined. Raised awareness can help break the stigma.

"It's not that they don't want to quit," Cox said. "It's an addiction. It's a disease. They can't just say, 'Oh well, I'm not going to drink anymore.' It doesn't work like that.”