What Are Substance Use Disorders?
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines SUDs as “a chronic disease where people compulsively seek and use drugs despite harmful consequences.”
These disorders can affect anyone, including older adults. In 2023 alone, 48.5 million Americans aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year.
And SUDs don’t just affect the individual — they often impact their entire family and social circle, which highlights the importance of family involvement in treatment and support efforts.
You’re Not Alone: Get Help Today
You are not alone. Services are available — reach out and find out more:
- If you have health care through CalPERS as an active or retired member — CalPERS Basic and Medicare plans offer many vital SUD and behavioral health services for you and your enrolled dependents, including some programs available at low or no cost. Contact your primary care provider if you need assistance, call the number on the back of your health plan card, review your plan’s Evidence of Coverage booklet, or visit your plan’s member services department to find out more.
- Retired members can also contact CalPERS for general health provider information, as we are your Medicare plan administrator.
- If you have health care through another employer or organization — Contact your primary care provider, call the number on the back of your health plan card, or visit your provider’s member services department to find out more.
- If you or your loved one have no insurance — SAMHSA’s National Helpline — (800) 662-HELP (4357) — provides information and referrals in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing behavioral and/or substance use disorders. You can also use the online treatment locator on SAMHSA’s homepage, or send your ZIP code via text to 435748 (HELP4U) to find services near you.
Remember: If you feel you or someone you love is in immediate crisis, call 988 anytime to reach the 988 Lifeline.