Find Help and Treatment for Substance Use and Addiction

Crisis Support

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, call 2-1-1 and press 1 to speak to a trained professional.

There are also crisis support centers throughout Maryland that can provide 24/7 care, sometimes on a walk-in basis. These centers may provide immediate help and also ongoing support.

If you or someone you know is in immediate need of emergency help, call 9-1-1.

Getting Naloxone/Narcan In Maryland

If someone overdoses, Naloxone (Narcan) is the medication used to save the person’s life. It’s available in Maryland without a prescription at Maryland pharmacies and distribution points throughout the state.

If you experience someone overdosing, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The Maryland Good Samaritan Law protects you and the person who overdosed from certain crimes and prosecution if you are helping someone get help for an overdose.

If you know someone who has an addiction, know how to use naloxone and have it on hand to prevent an overdose.

Disposing Of Old Medication

Also, throw away old medication. When you have prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet, they’re an easy target for someone addicted to drugs. There are free medication disposal sites throughout Maryland, and you can even get a free drug disposal pouch to dispose of the medications at home safely.

It helps prevent substance misuse and also protects the environment.

Treating Addiction Like A Disease

Addiction is a chronic disease, and it can impact anyone in Maryland.

There are many types of addiction. Some more common types include:

• substance use disorder
• opioid use disorder
• alcohol use disorder

These diseases affect the brain. Individuals struggling with substance use may need medication and counseling to help them manage triggers and cravings.

Viewing addiction as a disease and not a moral failing is the first step in breaking down stigmas that prevent individuals from getting the help and support they need to recover.

Like other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, treatment plans can be life-saving if followed.

Types Of Treatment

Treatment addresses the cravings, triggers and other underlying health conditions.

In Maryland, fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose deaths, according to data from the Opioid Operational Command Center.

Treatment options include:

• peer support
• medication
• detoxification
• counseling

You can find these treatment options at a hospital, inpatient treatment center, outpatient treatment, recovery residence or support group.

Recovery is possible for everyone.

Be inspired by Cecil County residents who have walked this path and are in recovery.

Peer support

Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) is also an organization that can help. MCF understands that addiction is often a "family disease" because it impacts more than the person struggling with substance use. If you have a loved one struggling with alcohol or drugs, it can lead to arguments and confrontations. It can be an emotionally charged time in everyone's life.

MCF's family peer support specialists can help your family in the following ways:

• Connect you to resources and treatment options, including workshops, training and other support groups.
• Teach self-care and resiliency.
• Help with setting goals and action plans.
• Collaborate with other agencies.
• Advocate for your family.

Medication That Can Help With Recovery

Like other diseases, medication can help treat addiction. A doctor prescribes a medication and dose specific to the individual’s needs.

It should not be considered trading one drug for another, as the medication is proven effective as part of a treatment program.

Doctors often use medications like Suboxone (buprenorphine), Methadone or Vivitrol (Naltrexone). They help suppress cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, heroin, and opioids. With opioids, the medications can also block the effects of the drugs.

Medication is often one part of the recovery plan.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) uses prescription medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies to change behaviors and help individuals avoid triggers for drug use.

MAT has proven effective and can significantly reduce inpatient detoxification services.

Detox

Detoxification is another option for individuals struggling with opioid, alcohol or other substance use. These programs help manage dependencies on substances.

Baltimore Crisis Response is part of the 211 call center network. They provide short-term residential detox programs that typically last 7 days. Be inspired by the success story of this 7-day detox at Baltimore Crisis Response.

Mobile Treatment In Maryland

If you don’t have transportation to visit a provider or live in a rural area where access to doctors and treatment may be a concern, a Mobile Treatment Unit (MTU) may be an option that works for you.

The Caroline County Health Department drives a Recreational Vehicle (RV) to underserved rural communities on the Eastern Shore to help individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Telehealth connects the individual with an addiction specialist at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine in Baltimore. Then, they can meet in person with a nurse or peer counselor who can support the individual’s care in the mobile unit.