How Much Do You Know About Substance Use Disorder?

During a global emergency, National Prevention Week presents an opportunity to build understanding

Navigate to:

How Much Do You Know About Substance Use Disorder?
SUPTI
Christopher Sardegna

Substance misuse is a complex, multifaceted public health problem that affects individuals, families, and communities throughout the United States. The associated issues can often worsen during times of great uncertainty and upheaval. Many people with opioid use disorder, for example, may face difficulties coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, a reality that can lead to more opioid cravings and increased risk for relapse.

Americans can help counteract the risk and harms associated with substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs) by understanding how addiction can occur and by promoting effective treatment and prevention strategies in their communities.

National Prevention Week, launched in 2012 by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to promote substance misuse prevention and education, takes place May 10-16 this year. Answer these eight questions to test your knowledge on this serious issue.

Data Visualization

The Overdose Crisis Involves More Than Just Opioids

Quick View
Data Visualization

Opioid-related overdose deaths have devastated communities throughout the country. But fatalities related to psychostimulant drugs—which increase activity in the body’s central nervous system—are increasing, and complicating efforts to curb the nation’s overdose crisis.

SUPTI
SUPTI
Issue Brief

Policy Changes Could Bolster Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Quick View
Issue Brief

Policy Changes Could Bolster Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

High rates of opioid prescribing have contributed to the current U.S. opioid epidemic and the steady increase in overdose deaths across the country. Prescribers wrote an all-time high of 255 million opioid prescriptions in 2012, and though that rate has since declined.