The leading public health care problems in the US are:

• Mental disorders
• Consumption of alcohol, nicotine, OTC drugs, and prescription drugs

The count for people suffering from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year is on the rise. This figure translates to approximately 57.7 million people currently (National Institute of Mental Disorder, 2008).

In relation to problems with drugs, consumption of alcohol is considered to be the leading problem. In addition, the consumption of Nicotine, OTC drugs, and prescription drugs are other prominent issues (McKenzie, Pinger, & Kotecki, 2008).

Based on these statements, create a report in the Microsoft Word document, discussing the following:

• Is the diagnosis of mental illnesses still viewed with a negative attitude several years ago? Why or why not?
• Are the local and national health care providers adequately responding to the needs of people suffering from mental disorders?
• Should the local health care communities be held responsible for mandating specific care and treatment for the affected population? Why or why not?
• What are the two major types of abused drugs and the most likely groups to use them? Why is drug usage prevalent among these populations?
• What roles should the state governments or private health agencies play in order to prevent and control drug abuse?