Advocacy
Behavioral Health Advocate, Consultant and Speaker
Leanna Troesh advocates for behavioral health, focusing on mental health, substance abuse, and prevention.
What is Primary Prevention?
As an advocate for primary prevention in substance abuse and mental health, I urge legislators to prioritize upstream interventions that address root causes and promote wellness in our communities.
Primary prevention is essential for mitigating the devastating impacts of substance abuse and mental health disorders before they escalate into crises.
By implementing evidence-based strategies at the earliest stages, we can create healthier environments, strengthen protective factors, and reduce the incidence of substance abuse and mental health challenges.
Facts and Data:
- Cost-Efficiency: Studies have shown that every dollar invested in primary prevention programs yields a significant return on investment by preventing costly downstream consequences such as healthcare expenses, criminal justice involvement, and lost productivity.
- Prevalence of Co-Occurring Disorders: Research indicates a high prevalence of co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. Addressing these issues concurrently through primary prevention efforts can lead to more effective outcomes and improved overall well-being.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Adverse childhood experiences, such as trauma, neglect, and abuse, significantly increase the risk of substance abuse and mental health disorders later in life. Primary prevention initiatives aimed at reducing ACEs can have a profound impact on long-term health outcomes.
Examples of Upstream Approaches:
- Early Childhood Interventions: Investing in early childhood development programs that promote social-emotional skills, resilience, and positive parent-child relationships can prevent the onset of substance abuse and mental health disorders later in life.
- Community-Based Prevention Programs: Supporting community-based initiatives that provide education, outreach, and support services to at-risk populations can empower individuals and families to make healthier choices and access resources before problems escalate.
- School-Based Prevention Curricula: Implementing evidence-based prevention curricula in schools can equip students with the knowledge, skills, and coping strategies necessary to resist peer pressure, manage stress, and make informed decisions about substance use and mental health.
By embracing a proactive approach to primary prevention,
policymakers can create safer, healthier, and more resilient communities for generations.
Let us work together to advocate for policies and investments that prioritize prevention, promote wellness, and address the underlying factors contributing to substance abuse and mental health challenges.
Prevention: THC Potency Cap
According to Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), In the 1970s, THC levels in marijuana, often referred to as “Woodstock Weed,” were relatively low, typically ranging from 1-3%.
However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in THC potency, with modern marijuana strains reaching alarming levels of 18-23%. This escalation is paralleled by the marketing of products boasting THC concentrations as high as 95-99%.
Consequently, there has been a notable rise in daily marijuana use over the past decade, contributing to an increase in overdoses, emergency room visits, and poison control calls. Users are exposed to serious health risks, including cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, addiction, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Moreover, long-term marijuana use has been linked to structural changes in the brain.
Research conducted in the Netherlands in 2018 corroborates these concerns. The study observed a dramatic surge in treatment admissions for marijuana-related issues following a rapid increase in THC potency from below 9% to over 20% within four years. Conversely, treatment admissions declined significantly when potency levels decreased to 15% in 2015.
For every 3% rise in THC potency, it was estimated that one person per 100,000 sought treatment for marijuana use disorder. These findings prompted the Netherlands to implement a THC potency cap of 15%.
Smash The Stigma – Mental Health
We pledge to Smash The Stigma surrounding mental health and stand in solidarity with individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Regardless of age, demographics, geographic location, or ethnicity, mental illness touches us all. It does not discriminate; it affects our loved ones, our friends, our neighbors, and ourselves.
The stigma surrounding mental health persists due to misinformation, fear, and societal misconceptions. Misguided beliefs perpetuate discrimination, shame, and silence, preventing individuals from seeking help and accessing the support they need.
NAMI’s pledge reminds us that mental illness is not a choice, but recovery is.
By raising awareness, fostering understanding, and promoting acceptance, we can create a culture of compassion and support for those facing mental health challenges.
Together, let us break down barriers, challenge stigma, and build a more inclusive and supportive community where everyone can thrive.
Join us in smashing the stigma and advocating for mental health equity for all.
Access to Care: Substance Abuse
Access to care for substance abuse is not just a matter of convenience; it is a matter of life and death. The challenges we face in providing adequate care for individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) are multifaceted and urgent.
Rapid population growth and a lack of 24-hour crisis housing have left many individuals without a safe haven during their most vulnerable moments. Law enforcement agencies, already burdened with myriad responsibilities, are ill-equipped to handle the complex needs of individuals with mental health and substance use concerns.
As a result, our jails are overflowing with individuals who need treatment, not incarceration.
Furthermore, the shortage of behavioral health professionals exacerbates the problem, leaving many without access to critical care. The high cost of living further compounds these challenges, making treatment options financially out of reach for far too many.
Despite these pressing issues, evidence-based prevention efforts remain scarce.
Without proactive measures to address the root causes of substance abuse, we are perpetuating a cycle of crisis and despair.
The organization tasked with addressing these issues struggles to maintain staff and community trust, compounding the situation’s urgency. Without another organization willing to step up and take on these responsibilities, we are left facing a crisis of monumental proportions.
Access to care for substance abuse is not a luxury; it is a fundamental human right. It is incumbent upon us as a community to come together, advocate for change, and ensure that every individual has access to the care and support they need to overcome substance use disorder and reclaim their lives.
Resources:
NAMI – National Alliance for Mental Illness
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)
CADCA – Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
DPHHS – Department of Public Health and Human Services
Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHC)
Behavioral Health reform with the Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers is designed to ensure access to coordinated, comprehensive behavioral health care regardless of the individual’s ability to pay.
Why Me:
Hi, I’m Leanna!! I’m glad you’re here.
I am committed to your transformation, rooted in empathy and integrity. I ensure compassionate and practical support through your journey. Drawing from diverse healing modalities and a deep understanding of human behavior, I empower individuals to reclaim their power and embrace their authentic selves.
My passion for empowering others is drawn from my experience of journeying through the night of the soul and overcoming addiction and mental illness. My purpose is to light the path for others on their journey to self-discovery and finding meaning in life.
For years, I struggled with a big question: “What’s my purpose?”
Always looking for validation from others, I chased after people, things, and places hoping to feel better on the inside. But no matter what, I always felt unhappy, stuck in a rollercoaster of emotions with no break.
Relying too much on what others thought of me and getting too involved in relationships made me lose sight of who I was. I changed myself to fit in wherever I went.
Even though I seemed successful by usual standards, it didn’t feel fulfilling. I kept trying to meet society’s expectations of a perfect mom. This went on for years, with lots of ups and downs. I kept falling deeper into addiction, depending on alcohol to soothe my discomfort until I hit rock bottom.
Then, something changed.
I realized I couldn’t keep going like this. I was ready to make a change. And just when I needed it most, I found people there to support me. They gave me hope and support when I needed it most.
That’s when things started to turn around.
My goal is to help others who want a guide find the light. I want to show them they can leave their dark place and find their path to greatness. It’s a journey I know well, and I’m here to help guide them through it.
I’m honored to be someone people can look to as a light in the darkness for those ready to change.
Complete the form below to connect. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Who Is Leanna Troesh?
Leanna Troesh is a dynamic force in motivational speaking, counseling, and social justice advocacy, mainly focused on mental health, substance abuse, and prevention awareness. With a career spanning multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, and government, Leanna is known for her passion, energy, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
As a Licensed Addiction Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, accredited as an International Coaching Federation Life and Parent Coach, and a ThetaHealing Practitioner™, Leanna supports individuals on their journey to wholeness.
Combining easter-western and ancient-modern healing practices,
Leanna integrates ancient wisdom with modern science to help individuals tap into their authentic selves.
Her diverse services, including counseling, coaching, healing modalities, and speaking engagements, are infused with mindfulness techniques inspired by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Rooted in adventure, courage, and honesty, with a sprinkle of love and a dusting of spirituality, Leanna empowers individuals and communities to overcome challenges and embrace holistic wellness. Her diverse background allows her to connect with audiences from all walks of life, inspiring them to take action and create positive change.
Drawing from her journey through addiction and recovery, Leanna shares her story with raw honesty and vulnerability, offering hope and encouragement to those facing personal struggles.
With over a decade of experience in community collaboration and a gift for forging meaningful connections, Leanna captivates audiences with her engaging presence and powerful storytelling.
Her mission is to smash the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance abuse, creating a world where vulnerability is celebrated, and shame is eradicated.