Facts about Mental Health Issues

Magellan Health Services of Arizona (the Regional Behavioral Health Authority for central Arizona) recently released some facts about mental health issues.  Here they are:

• One in five adults, approximately 57.7 million people nationwide, experiences mental illness in any given year.
• One in 17 lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder, and about one in ten children have a serious mental or emotional disorder.
• Of the adults who use services for the homeless, it is reported that 31% have a combination of these conditions.
• Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness in juvenile justice systems have at least one mental disorder with a least 20% experiencing significant functional impairment from a serious mental illness.
• An estimated 5.2 million adults have co-occuring mental health and addiction disorders.
• People who suffer from a serious mental illness often have a greater risk of having chronic medical issues.

Jason Pistiner, Esq.
SINGER PISTINER, P.C.
602-264-0110
jp@singerpistiner.com
www.singerpistiner.com

Signs Your Spouse or Child May be Using Drugs

Many Arizona divorce and child custody cases I deal with involve one party suspected of abusing drugs and/or alcohol.  There may also be issues where a child is suspected of drug use.  Here are some signs that may indicate drug use (realize however that there could be other reasons for these behaviors):

Emotional and Social Signs

• Moodiness, excitement, anger, hostility, depression
• Constant lying and stealing
• Refusing to admit to the harmful effects of drgus
• Avoiding old friends or people who could confront them about behavior changes
• Being secretive about phone calls
• Having friends they do not want you to meet or talk about
• Being evasive about their whereabouts
• Loss of motivation
• No interest in everyday life
• Playing truant from school

Physical Signs

• Drowsiness
• Trembling
• Red eyes, dilated pupils
• Lack of interest in personal hygiene and appearance
• Slurred speech
• Loss of, or increase in appetite
• Uncoordinated movements
• Circles under the eyes
• Irregular sleeping habits
• Frequent colds and coughs
• Weight Loss

Drug and/or alcohol abuse is a serious matter and one that the Arizona Courts take very seriously.  If you have any questions regarding the interplay between drug use and Arizona family law please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jason Pistiner, Esq.
SINGER PISTINER, P.C.
602-264-0110
jp@singerpistiner.com
www.singerpistiner.com