The first thing on the road to getting help is to know the signs of SUD. There are many different signs of SUD depending on which substance is being abused.

People using cocaine may seem very happy and excited, but then have a sudden mood change. They may become angry, nervous, and afraid that someone’s out to get them.

People using heroin may appear to be very sleepy. The pupils in their eyes may get very small. A pupil is the black circle in the center of each eye. People who inject (shoot up) heroin may have marks on the skin where the needle went in.

People who misuse alcohol, or people who are addicted, start having to drink more and more to get drunk. They might have a drink in the morning to calm down or stop a hangover. They might drink alone, and they might keep it a secret. They might forget things that happened when they were drunk. This is called a blackout.

Whether you are dealing with alcohol or opioid abuse, or abuse of another drug, we want you to have hope. There are many ways to stop using drugs and alcohol. And many resources and programs available that can help, too. However, it’s often difficult to find the right resources.

Our Opioid/Substance Use Disorder Resource Center provides educational materials about the effects of different drugs along with treatment and recovery resources. You’ll find materials on the following topics:

• 2019 Opioid Safety Changes
• Prevention
• Alcohol
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Heroin Facts
• Marijuana
• Pain Medicine
• Addiction
• Treatment and Recovery
• State Resources
• Naloxone
• Prescription Drug Disposal Programs

Visit our SUD Resource Center to find local services and treatment options for all forms of substance misuse. You can also check out other helpful recovery and support resources around the state and nationally, or around the corner.

You may also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline toll-free at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for treatment and referral information, 24/7.

Please also speak to a Gateway Health Plan Case Manager if you or someone you know needs help. You may also call PA Medicaid at 1-800-392-1147 and PA Medicare at  1-800-685-5209. Please also speak to a Gateway Health Plan Case Manager if you or someone you know needs help. PA Medicaid members can call 1-800-392-1147 and PA Medicare 1-800-685-5209.