Know the risks

When we think about substance abuse, we often picture a stereotype. Perhaps you imagine a disheveled person drinking from a bottle in a paper bag, for instance. But substance use disorder happens to people from all walks of life.

What is substance use disorder?

With substance use disorder, frequent or repeated use of alcohol or other drugs causes significant problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A person’s drinking or drug use may lead to health issues or disability. Or he or she may fail to keep up with responsibilities at home, work or school. 

Substance abuse can also be fatal. Many people lose their lives to overdoses or accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be deadly not just for the impaired person, but for others as well. This is why penalties for drunk driving are so severe.

What you can do

The good news is you can get help. If you’re concerned that you or someone you love may have a substance use disorder, talk with a doctor or other health care provider.

You may even have access to programs, such as health coaching, through your health plan that can help. If your plan includes Blue CareOnDemand^SM, you can even video chat with behavioral health specialists — any time, day or night. Log into My Health Toolkit^® to see what’s included in your plan.