SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER is a disease that occurs when a person is unable to stop using a legal or illicit drug or prescribed medication. The drug use affects the person’s brain causing significant impairment in meeting major responsibilities at home, work, or school.

• Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day
• Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
• Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
• Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended
• Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
• Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it
• Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
• Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it’s causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm
• Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn’t do, such as stealing
• Driving or doing other risky activities when you’re under the influence of the drug
• Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug, or recovering from the effects of the drug
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug

TREATMENT SERVICES are available persons experiencing substance use disorders. 

Available services to assist persons suffering from substance use disorder include:

• Individual and/or Group Counseling
• Medication Assisted Treatment
• Residential Treatment
• Supported Services (i.e., case management, peer recovery support)
• Outpatient, Individual, and Group Counseling