Substance-Specific Information
Better understanding leads to informed decision-making. We’ve developed substance-specific guides that can help provide information about different drugs. These pages explain the warning signs, effects, and risks, as well as what to expect if you were to overdose or go through withdrawal, and how to access support.
Note: This website is for information only. We can help you understand options and prep for conversations with licensed providers, but we don’t diagnose, treat, or guarantee outcomes.
How to Use This Page
Choose the substance below that most closely matches what you’ve been using. In cases where you’ve used multiple substances or don’t know what you took, prioritize your safety.
It’s important to know that certain withdrawals can be hazardous, and some substance combinations carry risks. Consult with your provider to determine what would be the safest option for you: medically supervised detox, staying in a facility, or outpatient services.
Safety First
In cases of breathing difficulties, unresponsiveness, seizures, chest discomfort, or any other indication of an overdose, please reach out to your local emergency number without delay. If you’re having thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to your local suicide and crisis hotline.
There are many things this page can help you with, but in case of emergency, you need to seek help immediately.
Signs to Watch For
Watch out for these warning signs linked to drug use.
- Using more than you intended to, or for longer periods of time
- Strong cravings or urges
- Spending most of your time to obtain, use, or recover from the substance
- Changes in sleeping patterns, eating habits, mood, or activity levels
- Difficulty at school, work, or home
- Hiding your usage or pulling away from loved ones
- Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop, e.g. tremors, diaphoresis, nausea, and anxiety
These can be indications that you have a substance use disorder, but only a provider can evaluate you and help you with next steps.
Substance Guides
Alcohol
- Alcohol can cloud judgment and disrupt sleep and mood.
- Heavy or daily drinking can bring dependence and risky withdrawal.
- Care may include medical detox, therapy, and medication.
Opioids
- Opioids include prescription pain medicine and street drugs.
- Overdose is the top risk, especially with fentanyl or other depressants.
- Care may include methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, plus therapy.
Fentanyl
- Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, often hidden in other drugs.
- Overdose can happen quickly, but naloxone can reverse it if given in time.
- Care often pairs methadone or buprenorphine with therapy.
Benzodiazepines
- Benzodiazepines (benzos) are sedatives prescribed for anxiety or sleep.
- Stopping suddenly can be dangerous, so never quit on your own.
- Care usually starts with a slow, supervised taper and therapy.
Meth and Stimulants
- Stimulants like meth and cocaine raise heart rate and blood pressure.
- They can also cause anxiety, paranoia, and poor sleep.
- No approved medication exists, so care relies on therapy and monitoring.
Cannabis or Marijuana
- Cannabis can affect attention, memory, motivation, and sleep.
- Heavy use may make anxiety or mood worse for some people.
- Care centers on therapy and healthy routines, and detox is rarely needed.
Prescription Medications
- Misusing prescription meds can involve stimulants, sleep aids, or painkillers.
- Changing a dose without a prescriber’s guidance is risky.
- Care may include a guided taper, therapy, and regular monitoring.
Co-Occurring or Dual Diagnosis Care
- Dual diagnosis means a mental health condition and substance use together.
- Integrated programs treat both conditions at the same time.
- Care includes therapy, skills, and medication when appropriate.
How Treatment Works Across Substances
Your plan depends on your safety, withdrawal risks, home support, and goals. Treatment options include:
- Medical Detox, when needed
- Inpatient or Residential care
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), also called Day Treatment
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), or Half-Day Programs
As your recovery progresses, you might move to a less intensive level of care.
Treatment providers can also prescribe medications to help with an alcohol or opioid use disorder. They’ll outline the advantages and disadvantages and go over other options; it’s entirely up to you whether to take them.
Insurance and Costs
What’s covered depends on your plan, your network, and your medical needs. Programs can check your benefits, but the final decision is your insurer’s. If you need it, ask about self-pay or payment plans.
FAQs
I’m Not Sure What Substance Was Used. What Should I Do?
When there’s an immediate risk, please use your local emergency contact number. After that, a clinician can assess the situation and determine what would be the safest way forward.
Will I Need Detox?
It depends on the substance and your unique situation. Some withdrawals are just uncomfortable, while others can be life-threatening (alcohol and benzos, for example). Your clinician will let you know if you need to medically detox or taper.
Are Medications Always Required?
No. Medication can help certain people with alcohol or opioid use disorders, but not everyone needs it. Your prescriber will go over your options, and the choice to use meds or not is yours.
Can I Work or Attend School During Treatment?
Often, yes. Many programs run evening outpatient sessions and offer telehealth. You may need to take some time off from work or school at first, but you can return as the level of care changes. Ask what schedules a program can offer.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
It varies, and your plan changes as your needs change. Most people start with intensive help, ease into less over time, and keep going with aftercare.
In Crisis? Get Immediate Help
If you’re in danger or thinking about hurting yourself, call 911 or your local emergency number. In the US, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Other numbers that can help:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741