Substance-Specific Information
How to Use This Page
Scroll through the list below and choose the substance that fits your situation. If more than one substance is involved, or you’re not sure what was taken, focus on safety first.
Some withdrawals and combinations can be dangerous. A licensed clinician can help you decide whether medical detox, inpatient care, or another level of care is the safest first move.
Safety First
If someone has trouble breathing, is struggling to wake up, has a seizure, chest pain, or shows signs of overdose, call your local emergency number right away. If you’re thinking about self-harm, contact your country’s suicide and crisis line. Online information can guide you, but emergencies need real-time help.
Signs to Watch For
Some common warning signs across substances include:
- Using more or for longer than planned
- Strong cravings or spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering
- Changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or energy
- Problems at school, work, or home; secrecy or pulling away
- Withdrawal symptoms when cutting down (shakes, sweats, nausea, anxiety)
These signs don’t prove you have a disorder. Only a clinician can assess your situation and recommend a safe plan.
Substance Guides
Alcohol
Alcohol affects judgment, coordination, sleep, and mood. Heavy or daily use can lead to dependence and dangerous withdrawal. Some people need medical detox for safety. Ongoing care may include therapy, skills training, and, when appropriate, medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram.
Opioids
Opioids include prescription pain medicines and street opioids. Risks include overdose, especially when mixing with other depressants or when fentanyl is present. Treatments may include buprenorphine (with or without naloxone), methadone, or naltrexone, paired with therapy and safety planning.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that may be mixed into other drugs without people knowing. Overdose can happen quickly. Naloxone can reverse opioid overdoses if given in time. After stabilization, many people continue with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) such as buprenorphine or methadone, plus therapy.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are sedatives used for anxiety or sleep. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Do not start or stop on your own; ask a prescriber about a slow, supervised taper. Treatment often includes careful medical management, therapy, and skills for sleep and anxiety.
Meth and Other Stimulants
Stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine can raise heart rate and blood pressure and may trigger anxiety, paranoia, or sleep problems. There are no FDA-approved medications for stimulant use disorder, so care focuses on therapy, medical monitoring, and strong relapse-prevention planning.
Cannabis (Marijuana)
Cannabis affects attention, memory, motivation, and sleep. Heavy use can worsen anxiety or mood for some people. Treatment often includes therapy, routines that support sleep and focus, and skills for stress and cravings. Medical detox is usually not needed, but a clinician should still assess.
Prescription Medications
Misuse of prescription medication can involve ADHD stimulants, sleep medicines, pain relievers, or other prescriptions. Safe care may include a medical taper, therapy, skills training, and monitoring. Never change doses without a prescriber’s guidance.
Co-Occurring (Dual Diagnosis)
Substance use and mental health conditions often occur together. Integrated (dual diagnosis) programs address both at the same time. Treatment includes therapy, skills, and, when appropriate, medications for substance use and mental health.
How Treatment Works Across Substances
Across substances, care is matched to safety, withdrawal risks, support at home, and your goals. Treatment options range from:
- Medical detox (when needed)
- Inpatient or residential care
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP, day treatment programs)
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP, half-day programs)
Many people “step down” over time as stability improves. For some alcohol or opioid use disorders, medications may be recommended. A prescriber explains risks, benefits, and alternatives. Medication is always voluntary.
Insurance and Costs
Coverage depends on your plan, network, and medical needs. Programs can check benefits, but your insurer makes the final decision. Ask about self-pay or payment plans if needed.
FAQs
I’m not sure what substance was used. What should I do?
If there are safety concerns right now (trouble breathing, unresponsive), call your local emergency number. For next steps, a clinician can assess and recommend the safest level of care.
Will I need detox?
Some withdrawals are uncomfortable; others can be dangerous (for example, alcohol or benzodiazepines). A clinician will assess whether medical detox or a supervised taper is needed.
Are medications always required?
No. Medications may help for some alcohol or opioid use disorders, but they aren’t required for everyone. Your prescriber will explain options. Medication decisions are personal and voluntary.
Can I work or attend school during treatment?
Many programs offer evening outpatient programs and telehealth. Some people pause work or school at first, then return as they step down in care. Ask about schedules that fit your life.
How long does treatment last?
It varies. Plans adjust as needs change. Many people start with higher support, then step down over time and continue with aftercare.
Helpful Resources
- Alcohol, Marijuana
In Crisis? Get Immediate Help
Safety & Crisis: If you are in danger or thinking of self-harm, call 911 (or your local emergency number). In the US, dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.