Health & Wellbeing

Substance Abuse

 

Substance use disorder or substance abuse/misuse is the inability of an individual to control their use of legal or illegal substances such as drugs, tobacco, inhalants and alcohol. Such use or misuse of a substance hinders one's ability to meet and fulfill obligations and or function without impaired judgement to an extent that one's life and or livelihood is placed in jeopardy.  Furthermore there is continued use of the substance despite significant psychosocial, interpersonal, and emotional issues that arise and threaten to upend one's life. Below is one of many substance use issues facing individuals to date and how to save a life by administering Narcan (Naloxone).  

Naloxone Saves : Overdose Kills 

Opioid overdose is avoidable and reversible if help is received in time. Recognizing the signs, administering Narcan(naloxone) and calling for help saves lives.

Narcan Administration Presentation

Available at your Student Health Services:

  • Narcan (Naloxone) spray
  • Fentanyl strips (limited amount for testing)

Please visit the following links/resources to familiarize and learn more about both Narcan (naloxone) and Fentanyl strips and how to use them.

Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips FAQ(opens in new window)

Get Naloxone(opens in new window)

The Fentanyl Frontline

Get the real facts, resources, and LIFE-SAVING naloxone. Fentanyl Frontline prepares you with the info needed to prevent accidental fentanyl overdoses in Los Angeles County.

Fentanyl Frontline(opens in new window)

Substance use counselors advise people who struggle with alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help people recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors.

Substance abuse counseling involves:

  • Identifying the underlying causes of addiction
  • Developing coping strategies
  • Providing relapse prevention techniques
  • Understanding habit formation
  • Identifying triggers
  • Engaging in effective communication
  • Improving life skills

More Resources

  • Edelman Substance Abuse and Mental Health Support
    Contact information to schedule an appointment:
    Ryan Funk, BA, CADC-III
    mobile: 213-364-3965
    email: rfunk@dmh.lacounty.gov

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA)
    SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service.

  • Substance Abuse Prevention and Control
    Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

  • 211 substance abuse resources
    211 LA is a nonprofit organization and trusted hub for health, human, and social services in Los Angeles County. 

  • Clare Matrix
    Provides substance use and mental health recovery services to individuals on the Westside of Los Angeles.

  • Didi Hirsch
    Provides 24/7, structured care for individuals navigating serious mental health or substance use challenges.