NV.gov
What is a Substance Use Disorder?
Substance Use Disorder is a chronic disease that modifies the chemistry of the brain. This disorder can manifest after the use of different substances, including alcohol, opioids and other drugs. Substance use disorder can range from mild to severe and can significantly affect the day-to-day lives of individuals with a substance use disorder.
Why It Matters
Substance Use Prevention is a science-based approach to helping Nevadans find healthy coping mechanisms. By decreasing the likelihood that Nevadans will turn to alcohol, opioids, nicotine or other substances during the tough time in their lives, prevention is a massively important way that Nevada can prevent deaths from overdoses and stop substance use disorders from occurring in the first place.
Substance Use prevention comes in three different forms: primary prevention, which stops substance use disorders from happening in the first place, secondary prevention, which aims to identify early symptoms of a substance use disorder as soon as possible, and tertiary prevention, which aims to prevent symptoms of a substance use disorder from getting worse.
DPBH's federal funding sources require a certain amount of money to be dedicated towards primary prevention. DPBH funds Certified Prevention Specialists across the state to work with vulnerable populations and youth using a variety of evidence-based approaches focused on primary prevention. Prevention Specialists create safe environments, positive experiences and teach important, lifelong lessons about coping skills.
Part of DPBH's prevention work includes the compilation of the Annual Synar Report, a federally required report that provides information on the tobacco retailers that were willing to sell tobacco to young people in surprise inspections. This report is available now and is open to community feedback: Synar Report.docx
Email Bjorn Blomquist, bblomquist@health.nv.gov, with any comments or concerns.
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are medical conditions in which a person has difficulty controlling the use of alcohol or other drugs despite negative effects on their health, relationships, school or work, and daily life. They can affect the brain’s reward, motivation, and self-control systems, making it hard to stop without support. SUDs vary in severity and are influenced by a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Treatment can help individuals recover by addressing both the substance use and the underlying causes. Behavioral therapies (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy) help people recognize triggers, develop coping skills, and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior. Medications may be used for certain disorders to reduce cravings or ease withdrawal symptoms. Additional supports, such as counseling, residential or transitional housing, family involvement, peer support groups, and ongoing follow-up care. can strengthen recovery by providing structure, encouragement, and long-term strategies for maintaining health and well-being.
The Bureau funds substance use treatment in a variety of settings, working alongside Nevada Medicaid, to ensure programs are not duplicative of the supports already in place for substance use treatment.
Our website is currently under construction! We'll have more information on substance use recovery soon.
