Behavioral Health

Substance Use Overview

The Lincoln County Health Department has tools and resources for those looking to combat the growing epidemic of substance use and mental health disorders in Lincoln County.

Who is at risk for Substance Use Disorder? 

Several factors can increase the risk of an individual developing a substance use disorder such as - having a mental health diagnosis, biological factors, serving in the military, lack of family involvement and supervision, youth undergoing foster care, trauma, and your social environment. Although these factors can increase the chances of developing a substance use disorder, addiction does not discriminate and can impact anyone.

The Lincoln County Health Department is ready to meet our residents where they are, no matter if they are in active use seeking resources for harm reduction, looking to begin treatment, or need assistance with receiving basic needs during recovery.

To find out more about how drugs affect the brain please visit:

Drug Misuse and Addiction | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

To find out more information about Substance Use and Mental Health please visit:

SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Opioids

Opioids are a group of pain-relieving medications that work with your brain cells. At low doses, opioids can make you feel sleepy while higher doses can slow your breathing and heart rate down which can lead to death, it is important to take prescriptions as prescribed and to make sure your doctor knows all of the other medicines you are taking. Prescription opioids and illegal opioids can both be highly addictive if abused - common ways to abuse opioids are by smoking, snorting and injecting them.

Opioid Examples:

• OxyContin
• Oxycodone
• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Heroin
• Fentanyl

Drug Fact Sheet: Narcotics

For more information please contact Lincoln County's Substance Use Prevention Coordinator, McKensie Reep Frye at (704) 479-5037 EXT. 95037 or McKensie.Reep@lincolncountync.gov