Substance misuse - including excessive or unmanaged alcohol use, patterns of drug use that carry a high risk of overdose, and underage use - undermines community health. It drives preventable injuries and chronic health conditions. It weakens family structures, increases trauma, and stresses social support systems. It places a strain on healthcare, social support and public safety systems, increasing emergency room visits and overall medical and other economic costs.
Co-Morbidity: Substance Misuse & Mental Health
Community health providers and substance misuse prevention professionals increasingly recognize the complex relationship between substance use and mental health. For some individuals, substance use may be an attempt to “self-medicate” or cope with symptoms of a mental health condition. At the same time, chronic substance misuse can trigger or worsen underlying mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and other conditions.
A special report by a NM Dept of Health Mental Health Epidemiologist showed the overlap (Co-morbidity) in survey responses.
Below are the findings for high school youth and adults in San Juan County.
Mental Health Issue
The percentage of youth who report a mental health issue.
High School (2021)
Substance Use Issue
The percentage of youth who report substance use.
High School (2021)
Both Issues
The percentage of youth who report both a mental health issue and substance use.
High School (2021)
Mental Health Issue
The percentage of adults who report a mental health issue.
Adults (2020-21)
Substance Use Issue
The percentage of adults who report substance use.
Adults (2020-21)
Both Issues
The percentage of adults who report both a mental health issue and substance use.
Adults (2020-21)
Local Survey Data
Personal Experiences & Opinions
San Juan County residents recognize the value of substance use prevention and treatment.
On San Juan County Partnership's community Needs Assessment, the Resident Household Survey asked respondents to prioritize local needs. Just over 60% of respondents rated both Youth Substance Use Prevention Programs and Services for Substance Use Problems as "High Priorities" for the community to continue addressing.
On an annual San Juan County survey, 69.9% of respondents "Strongly agreed" or "Agreed" with the statement that "Problems due to drinking hurt my community financially."
Problems due to Drinking Hurt my Community Financially
NM Community Survey (2026, n=710)
On the Resident Household Survey, nearly one-fourth (22.4%) of respondents reported that they or someone in their family experienced a problem with drugs or alcohol in the past year, an experience that is correlated with higher levels of stress/anxiety, asked on a separate question.
Personal or Family Drug/Alcohol Problem
SJCP Needs Assessment (2024)
Co-Morbid Substance Use and Mental Health Issues in New Mexico (2024), NM Dept of Health Epidemiology Report:
https://www.nmhealth.org/data/view/report/2943/
San Juan County Partnership, Community Needs Assessment, Resident Survey, 2024.
Updated/Checked: Sept-Oct 2026
Find other reports on Substance Use and Mental Health at NM Dept of Health's Epidemiology Reports: