SUBSTANCE ABUSE is a negative pattern of use that leads to impairment or distress in any or all of the following areas:
- Recurrent use that results in decreased competency or failure in work, school or home.
- Recurrent use in which it is physically hazardous to use (driving, operating machinery, etc.).
- Substance-related legal problems such as DWI or DUI.
- Continued use despite persistent social or interpersonal problems that are caused or exacerbated by use (most often expressed via family, school, work, or friends’ concern about the substance abuse).
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY is the normal progression of substance abuse, if left untreated. Chemical dependency is a serious sometimes fatal disease, which does respond to treatment. Dependency is characterized by:
- Tolerance-a need for more of the substance to achieve the desired effect.
- Withdrawal-physical symptoms are felt when the substance is absent from the body and/or when the same or closely related substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- The substance is often taken in a large amount or over a longer period than the user intended.
- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful effort to cut down or control use.
- A great deal of time is spent obtaining, using or recovering from the substance’s effects. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are reduced or given up because of substance use (early retirement, hobbies, school/sports expulsions, etc.).
- The substance use is continued despite knowledge that it will have a serious impact on one’s life (marital, school, family, job, or serious health problems).
For more information contact:
Bureau of Behavioral Health
8930 Stanford Boulevard, Ascend One Building, Columbia, MD 21045
Phone: (410) 313-DRUG, Toll Free 1-866-313-6300
Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 8:30-8:30, Friday 8:30-5 p.m.
SERVICES: Level 0.5 Early Intervention, Level I, Outpatient; Level II, Intensive Outpatient; Level II.D Ambulatory Detoxification with Extended On-Site Monitory, Buprenorphine Treatment.
POPULATION SERVED: Adult males and females, adolescents, Spanish speaking services.
Assessment Walk-In Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Click below for a complete directory of resources for substance abuse treatment and recovery:
