The connection between mental health and substance misuse is frequently misunderstood and underreported. In March 2025, Us Weekly presented 'The Missing Issue' - which was dedicated to an exploration of co-occurring disorders. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 48.5 million Americans battle substance misuse - and approximately 50 percent of those people are misusing substances to cope with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD.