Substance Use Disorders Are You At Risk?

The Opioid Epidemic

By now you are probably aware of the opioid epidemic killing over 130 people in the U.S. each day. But what's behind it?

A driving factor of the current opioid epidemic in the U.S. and Missouri, affecting so many families is a disorder. Substance use disorders (SUD) occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically and functionally significant impairment, such as health problems, disability, impaired behavior control, social impairment, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home. Many Americans have been treated for substance use disorders. There's a stigma associated with substance use disorders and seeking help or treatment.

The opioid epidemic contributes to thousands of drug overdose deaths, involving prescription opioid pain relievers and illicit opioids. This epidemic affects all races and all socio-economic levels; it can be your neighbor, co-worker, family member, or your closest friend. One in three Missouri families has been affected by the opioid epidemic. We don't talk about SUD enough.

All of us can help: Know the risk factors for developing substance use disorders.

Risk Factors

The following factors may increase the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder:

• Family history of substance abuse or addiction
• Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
• Peer pressure and social environment
• Early use — starting substance use at a young age
• Method of administration — smoking or injecting increases addictive potential
• Lack of family involvement or supervision

If a young person experiments with harmful substances or illicitly obtained medications before their brain is fully developed, they are more vulnerable to the negative effects. A young person's underdeveloped brain can become damaged quicker and more severely than an adult brain using the same substances. Therefore, a young person is more susceptible to developing an SUD than an adult.

However, anyone can become addicted to prescription medication, regardless of age or risk factors. Someone could have all the risk factors listed and not develop a substance use disorder. Or, they could have none of these risk factors and develop an SUD.

There's Hope

Resources

Contact