Who is at Risk in Arizona?

Mental illness or substance abuse disorders can affect an individual’s ability to adequately take care of themselves. These conditions can impair judgment, decision-making abilities, and self-protective instincts, making them more susceptible to abusive situations. Also, society’s stigmatization and misunderstanding of mental illness and substance abuse can lead to social isolation and marginalization. Consequently, the isolation creates an environment where they may lack support systems or resources for protection. On the other hand, these vulnerable adults may become dependent on others for various forms of support, such as housing finances, or caregiving. This dependency can make them vulnerable to abusive power dynamics.