What Is Substance Misuse?

Substance misuse is the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, prescription, or over-the-counter medication in a way that could be harmful or in a way that they are not intended to be used. A substance can be defined as anything that you put into your body that alters how your brain functions. The misuse of substances regularly can alter the way the brain functions. Commonly misused substances include:

• Alcohol
• Opioids (Heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, hydrocodone)
• Benzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam)
• Over-the-counter cold or cough medicines
• Marijuana (synthetic marijuana)
• Illicit substances (Amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, and other stimulants)

Substance Misuse Education and Prevention

Substance misuse is a serious public health issue in Arkansas. According to provisional data from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Vital Statistics, in 2021, there were 628 drug overdose deaths in Arkansas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 841,000 people have died in the United States since 1999 from a drug overdose. The Substance Misuse Education and Prevention Section at the Arkansas Department of Health was established in the fall of 2017 to help address the opioid epidemic and substance misuse. This section is funded through grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

Reports

• Substance Misuse Data Dashboards

2023

• Fatal Overdose
• Nonfatal Overdose
• EMS Naloxone Administrations

2022: 

• Fatal Overdose
• Nonfatal Overdose
• EMS Naloxone Administrations

Education and Prevention Programs

• Dose of Reality
• Peer Recovery Support Specialists
• Naloxone Training/Distribution
• Healthcare Provider Education

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Drug Overdose
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Arkansas Poison Center
• AR Rx Take Back
• StartYourRecovery.org
• Substance Abuse Prevention – Arkansas Department of Human Services
• National Rehab Hotline
• Addictions.com
• A Free Addiction Resource to Help Those Suffering with Addiction
• Find Free and Affordable Rehab Centers
• Get Clean. Get Sober. Get Detox

Contact Information

Substance Misuse & Injury Prevention
4815 West Markham Street, Slot 10
Little Rock, AR  72205
Phone: 501-683-0707
Fax: 501-682-0427
ADH.injuryprevention@arkansas.gov