Educational Resources

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can be moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUD.

For more information on addiction and substance use, please see the following resources: 

Gabor Maté is a renowned physician, author, and speaker who specializes in addiction, trauma, stress, and childhood development, known for his insights into the mind-body connection and holistic approaches to health. He has a variety of online resources, videos and interviews, and multiple acclaimed books, including "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction" and "The Myth of Normal Trauma, Illness, & Healing in a Toxic Culture"

John Hopkins provides a good repository of information, including a working definition and exploration of substance use disorder

What is harm reduction?

Harm reduction refers to policies, programs, and practices that aim to minimize the negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use, drug policies, and drug laws.

Harm reduction is grounded in justice and human rights. It focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgment, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that people stop using drugs as a precondition of support.

For more information on harm reduction, please see the following resources:

 Harm Reduction International and National Harm Reduction Coalition

What is Medically Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), or Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders. It involves the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to help individuals manage addiction. MAT is primarily used for opioid and alcohol use disorders, but it can also be effective for other types of substance use disorders.

The goal of MAT is to not only reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with addiction but also to address the underlying causes and behaviors that contribute to substance abuse. By using medication to stabilize brain chemistry and minimize the effects of withdrawal, individuals are better able to engage in community resources and therapy, which can address the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction.

For more information on MAT and local resources for MAT, please see the following resources:
Porch Light Health in Gunnison County

What does recovery look like?

Recovery is a personal and transformative process through which individuals strive to improve their health, well-being, and quality of life after facing challenges such as substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or other life struggles. It goes beyond simply overcoming symptoms; it involves finding meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in everyday life. Recovery can look different for everyone because individual experiences, needs, and circumstances shape it.

This diversity in recovery means there isn’t just one "right" way to heal and grow. Instead, people may pursue different paths that resonate with them, including traditional 12-step programs, harm reduction strategies, therapy, medication-assisted treatments, peer support, holistic practices like yoga or meditation, and culturally specific healing methods. The varied approaches reflect the understanding that each person’s recovery journey is unique and should be supported in a way that respects their background, values, and goals.

For more information on recovery, please see the following resource from SMART recovery:

Honoring the Diversity of Recovery

What is Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl, equal to 10 to 15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose.

How does Naloxone/Narcan help with opioid overdoses?

Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder.