What is Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition characterized by problematic patterns of substance use that can cause distress and impact the quality of life and health of an individual. SUD is a health condition, not a moral failing from mild, moderate, to severe. 

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 48.5 million people in the United States aged 12 years or older (17.1% of the total population) reported having a SUD in the past year.

Substances involved can be legal or illegal and prescribed or not prescribed. And a person can have more than one SUD at a time. For example, a person can have alcohol use disorder and a cocaine use disorder.

There is hope. Substance use disorder is preventable and treatable. 

SUD Education Resources

Select A Language
Locate an SSP in TN
Hepatitis C and Injection Drug Use
Safer Injection Guide
Hepatitis C y uso de drogas inyectables
Safer Injection Guide (Arabic)
End the Syndemic Language Guidance
Compassionate Overdose Response & Rescue Breathing Guide (Spanish)
Compassionate Overdose Response & Rescue Breathing Guide
Select A Language
HIV Prevention Resources Flyer
Tennessee Ryan White Part B Brochure
Congenital Syphilis in Tennessee Palm Card
Syphilis in Tennessee Palm Card
Congenital Syphilis in Tennessee Palm Card (Spanish)
Syphilis in Tennessee Palm Card (Spanish)
Syringe Disposal Guide for Clients
SSP Disposal Best Practices Guide
SSP Safety & Security Plan Guide
SSP Application Checklist (Amended App, New County)
SSP Application Checklist (Amended App, Same County)
SSP Application Checklist (New Agency)
End the Syndemic Language Guidance
Congenital Syphilis in Tennessee Flyer (Spanish)
Congenital Syphilis in Tennessee Flyer
Congenital Syphilis in Tennessee Brochure (Spanish)
Congenital Syphilis in Tennessee Brochure
Syphilis in Tennessee Flyer (Spanish)
Syphilis in Tennessee Flyer

Additional Resources

Tennessee REDLINE

The TN Redline is a 24/7/365 resource for substance use treatment referrals. Anyone can call or text for confidential referrals.
Call 1-800-889-9789

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7/365, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Call 988

Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS)

Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) are located throughout the state of Tennessee as a point of contact for training and education on opioid overdose and for overdose prevention through the distribution of naloxone.

Substance Use Prevention Coalitions

Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) are located throughout the state of Tennessee as a point of contact for training and education on opioid overdose and for overdose prevention through the distribution of naloxone.