Overdose Prevention 101 Guide
How to get started with overdose prevention work in your community.
Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a formal term to describe addiction and is defined as “the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs that causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.” SUDs can occur for illicit substances like heroin, and also legal substances like alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medications.
Not all substance use is problematic. Instead of using the terms “SUD” or “addiction,” some prefer to say “chaotic use” to describe those whose substance use results in negative outcomes.
Related resources
Addiction Neuroscience 101. Highly recommended video to better understand the science of addiction and its impact on the brain.
What is Substance Use Disorder? Video and webpage from the American Psychiatric Association.
