Understanding Substance Use Disorders
Per the CDC, Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are treatable, chronic diseases characterized by a problematic pattern of use of a substance or substances leading to impairments in health, social function, and control over substance use. It is a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite harmful consequences.
SUDs can range in severity from mild to severe and can affect people of any race, gender, income level, or social class. They can involve one or more types of substances, including:
- Alcohol
- Cannabis
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Opioids (prescription or illegal)
- Sedatives, hypnotics, or anti‑anxiety medications
- Stimulants and psychostimulants
- Tobacco (nicotine)
- Other or unknown substances
Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a medical condition where a person has trouble controlling their use of prescription or illegal opioids, even when it causes harm. OUD changes how the brain works and can affect health, relationships, and daily life.
It is treatable, and many people recover with the right support. Treatment may include medications, counseling, or both, and can help people manage cravings, prevent overdose, and build a healthier, safer life.
Signs of an opioid overdose:
- Unresponsiveness
- Shallow or no breathing
- Small pinpoint pupils
- Clammy skin
- Gurgling noises
- Blue-gray lips and nails
Overdose risk factors:
- Previous overdose
- Period of sobriety
- Respiratory illness
- Mixing opioids with other substances
- Using alone
- Using by injecting
- Change in amount used or strength of supply
Substance Use Resources
Naloxone: Preventing Overdose Deaths
Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. It is safe and easy to use. Anyone at risk of having or seeing an opioid overdose, or who spends time with people who use opioids, should consider carrying naloxone.
Jefferson County Health Department provides naloxone for free at both office locations. There are multiple organizations in Jefferson County and across the state that provide naloxone free of charge.
Free naloxone is available at:
- Jefferson County Health Department
- Compass Health Network
- Sana Lake Recovery Center
- Chestnut Health Systems
- MO Network
- PreventEd
- St. Louis Empowerment Center
*You can also get naloxone from Missouri pharmacies without a prescription under the state standing order.
Treatment & Recovery Services
Support Groups
Find additional treatment and recovery services and support groups in the Jefferson County Resource Guide below.
Jefferson County Drug Prevention Coalition
The Jefferson County Drug Prevention Coalition (JCDPC) was established in 2008 to help prevent substance use and improve our community’s health. In 2018, JCDPC became a program of the Jefferson County Health Department to support long‑term sustainability. The coalition includes more than 65 community partners, including peers, first responders, hospitals, treatment providers, elected officials, and community members who are committed to making Jefferson County a safer, healthier place.
Coalition members meet monthly to share information and work together on ways to reduce substance use in Jefferson County. JCDPC supports several workgroups, including:
- Opioid Task Force Workgroup, which provides street outreach, education on emerging drug trends, and advocacy and policy work.
- Jefferson County Drug Education Conference (JCDEC) Workgroup, which organizes a free, local training for professionals and community members.
- Jeffco Family Fun Day Workgroup, which plans a free family‑friendly event that encourages family involvement and connects families to helpful resources and education.