The Division of Behavioral Health at the Department of Health and Welfare recently refreshed its media campaign to reach Idahoans facing substance use disorders. The Lose Focus campaign uses evocative, out-of-focus images and reflections in mirrors, and aims to stir emotions that propel people toward decisive action. While recognizing the need for help may be a gradual process, the campaign emphasizes that the journey to healing can commence immediately.
“Substance use, over time, may make you lose focus of how you see yourself,” states the campaign’s DHW webpage. “Drugs or alcohol create the potential to blur the self-image you see reflected in the mirror.”
Substance use disorders affect thousands of Americans, irrespective of socioeconomic background, social standing, race, or age. Individuals may find their lives becoming unmanageable but may hesitate to acknowledge their struggle or be uncertain about where to seek help.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 48.7 million Americans over the age of 12 struggled with a substance use disorder in 2022. That constituted 17.3% of the population. The Lose Focus ad campaign is specifically tailored to individual people and families actively seeking assistance.
The Lose Focus campaign will run through June 2024. It features television ads in both English and Spanish, alongside banner ads on websites, social media posts, billboards, and radio segments. Striking campaign images will be transformed into posters, displayed in behavioral health offices and crisis centers statewide. The initiative encourages Idahoans who resonate with the Lose Focus message to call the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine for support.
The CareLine's comprehensive database includes programs offering free or low-cost health and human services. Idahoans can easily connect with a 2-1-1 community resource specialist by dialing 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588, or by texting 898211, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. MST.
For additional details, please visit the Lose Focus webpage: www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/LoseFocus.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.
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