If you or someone you know is in immediate distress:
- Call 9-1-1 for an EMERGENCY.
- Contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit Poison Control
- Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at Lifeline (988lifeline.org)
A son lost his 58-year-old father to prescription opioid addiction. A college athlete became addicted after surgery, stopped playing sports and dropped out of classes. A mother who was prescribed opioids to manage headaches lost her career, her home, and much of her retirement savings.
Addiction is a medical condition. A person who seeks help and those who care about them shouldn’t feel ashamed. Many people are affected by SUD.
It can happen to anyone.
The good news is recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) is possible. There is hope.
You may wonder why someone with an SUD can’t just stop using a certain substance. Did you know that drugs affect the brain, making it more difficult to stop using? The way a person feels about spending time with other people and how much they enjoy food also can be affected.
Treatment can work. It may include medications that can help with cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Rehabilitation and counseling also are options, depending on the type of SUD.
September is National Recovery Month, a time to learn about treatment, recovery and what you can do to support someone who may be struggling.
- You can help by learning the signs of overdose.
- Take a class to learn about naloxone and how to use it if someone has overdosed.
- Learn the warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide and call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you need help.
- Reach out, stay connected, and support recovery plans.
- Be supportive, don’t judge, help connect to trusted resources, and help them find treatment.
To learn more about substance use disorders, prevention, treatment, and recovery, visit the following sites:
To get help with treatment or locate a Community Services Board, visit Substance Use Disorder Services – Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
To find support: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
To learn about naloxone: Virginia Department of Health
To find naloxone training: Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
To learn about Comprehensive Harm Reduction, visit Comprehensive Harm Reduction – Disease Prevention (virginia.gov)
To learn about how to end the stigma: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\
To learn about prevention: Injury and Violence Prevention – Injury and Violence Prevention (virginia.gov)