Substance abuse can be defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. Those suffering from a substance use disorder cannot control the use of legal or illegal drugs or alcohol and may continue using despite the harm it causes.
If you are someone you know is suffering from an addiction disorder here are some local resources that can help:
- For immediate help call the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration at 800-662-HELP (4357) or visit their website SAMHSA.gov.
- Anne Arundel County Department of Health treatment referral line provides referrals to various sources of addiction help in Anne Arundel County. Call weekdays from 5:30 am to 5:00 p.m. at (410) 222-0117.
- St. Martin’s has several 12-step support groups that meet on campus, find meeting dates and times for Alcoholic Anonymous (AA.org) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA.org).
- “Safe Stations” Program – People in need of help with their addiction can walk into any police or fire station in Anne Arundel County 24 hours a day and state “I am here for help with my addiction” and receive assistance from trained personnel to initiate the referral process.
- Overdose Response (Naloxone) Training available at https://aahealth.org/events/oort/ or call 410-222-1937 to register for free online training and a free intranasal naloxone kit, which reverses an opioid overdose and helps prevent death. Now anyone can get naloxone at Maryland pharmacies without a prescription.