Information, programs, and resources for substance use/addiction, including services for inpatient and outpatient settings.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Also visit the online treatment locator.
Disclaimer: These resources are curated using information and links from a variety of local and national organizations. Any advertisements associated with these links may not be approved by the district. This information is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition.
(from Crozer Health)
Substance Use: Substance use is any consumption of alcohol or drugs. Something as commonplace as having a beer with friends during dinner is considered substance use. Substance use may not be a problem or lead to abuse or dependency in some people.
Substance Abuse: Substance abuse is when someone continues to use drugs or alcohol even when it causes problems, such as trouble with work, family, or their health. For instance, continuing to use drugs knowing you’ll be fired if you fail a drug test is a sign of abuse.
Substance Dependence: Substance dependence is an addiction to alcohol or drugs. You may be unable to stop drinking or using drugs, and have physical withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit.
Definition (from NIMH): A substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to a person’s inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUDs.
Signs and Symptoms:
Using substances in larger amounts for longer than intended.
Making efforts to stop, but being unable to do so.
Spending more time getting, using and recovering from using the substance.
Having cravings and urges to use the substance.
Continuing to use the substance even though it causes social and relationship problems.
Giving up important social, work, and recreational activities because of the substance.
Taking increased risks related to the substance.
Continuing to use the substance when the user is aware it causes psychological or physical problems.
Needing more of the substance to get the same effect.
Developing withdrawal symptoms when stopping the substance.
(from Mayo Clinic)
Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish normal teenage moodiness or angst from signs of drug use. Possible indications that your teenager or other family member is using drugs include:
Problems at school or work — frequently missing school or work, a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance
Physical health issues — lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, or red eyes
Neglected appearance — lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks
Changes in behavior — exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering his or her room or being secretive about where he or she goes with friends; or drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends
Money issues — sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen or that items have disappeared from your home, indicating maybe they're being sold to support drug use
For more information on recognizing signs of drug use or intoxication, visit Mayo Clinic's website here.
(From Mayo Clinic)
You can't stop using a drug
You continue using the drug despite the harm it causes
Your drug use has led to unsafe behavior, such as sharing needles or unprotected sex
You think you may be having withdrawal symptoms after stopping drug use
If you're not ready to approach a doctor, help lines or hotlines may be a good place to learn about treatment. You can find these lines listed on the internet or in the phone book.
May have overdosed
Shows changes in consciousness
Has trouble breathing
Has seizures or convulsions
Has signs of a possible heart attack, such as chest pain or pressure
Has any other troublesome physical or psychological reaction to use of the drug
Prelude -various locations, including Tipton
Robert Young Center - Quad Cities
Eagle View Behavioral Health - Bettendorf
Veterans Affairs Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP) - Iowa City
Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC) - Cedar Rapids
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - crisis line and other services
Life Connections - Cedar Rapids, Muscatine, and other locations
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) - support meetings and resources
Substance Rehab Center - search tool
FindTreatment.gov - search tool
Self Recovery Toolkit provides guidance if you think you may be struggling with an addiction problem.
Family Recovery Toolkit is designed to provide you guidance if one of your family members is struggling with addiction.
Friend Recovery Toolkit is designed to provide you guidance if one of your friends is struggling with addiction. If you think your friend could be struggling with addiction, use this toolkit to understand the steps you can take to help them.
Dose of Knowledge - CVS Health
Modules for Students: Explore interactive resources designed to empower students to make smart, healthy choices around substance misuse in the face of peer pressure.
Modules for Educators: Start the conversation around substance misuse with standards-aligned classroom resources.