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Untreated depression, anxiety or trauma might lead people to self-medicate, increasing risk for opioid addiction.
By Melissa Brunner
Published: Aug. 20, 2025 at 5:27 PM CDT
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – We’re learning a lot in recent years about opioid abuse: how it happens, how to prevent it, and how dangerous it can be when drugs like fentanyl are involved.
Untreated mental health conditions can be a key risk factor.
Tricia Sublet, LSCSW, mental health director for SENT Topeka, visited Eye on NE Kansas to offer some perspective.
Sublet said people with depression, anxiety and trauma may self-medicate with opioids. It can especially be a risk for young people.
She said offering mental health support alongside substance abuse prevention education can be beneficial. She said schools, outreach programs, families and caregivers can work together on a multi-tiered approach.
Find information about SENT Topeka and its services at senttopeka.com or by calling 785-783-2535.
Find additional mental health resources at wibw.com/hearmeseeme.