Substance Use
what is Substance Use and a substance use disorder?
Lots of young adults experiment with different types of substances. But some substances are more dangerous than others, and using any substance too much can have a negative impact on you. A substance use disorder (SUD) as defined by the leading agency in the US on substance use, SAMHSA, is when someone uses alcohol and/or drugs to a degree that it causes challenges including health problems, disability, and major difficulties in meeting responsibilities at work, school, or home.
Another way to understand SUDs from the brains at verywellmind.com is a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. "Substances" aren’t just illegal drugs, they can include alcohol, prescription medications, and sometimes, not even be drugs at all. The problem comes in when something is used in a way that was not intended and becomes addictive. In other words, an addiction is when you can’t stop using something in a way that is harmful to you even though you may want to stop.
You find out more about different substances here and here. You can find provider lists, hotlines, and treatment centers here.
A lot of youth struggle with addiction to different substances. If you feel like you or someone you may know is struggling with substance use, scroll down for more information on how to find the support that you need.
Getting Professional Help
If you struggle with addiction you are not alone. It may not be easy to find support but starting with calling a national helpline- which is anonymous- might help. That number is 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
For specific help with opioid addiction as well as other substances, call the Illinois Helpline at 1-833-2FindHelp.
You can also find a provider in Illinois with SPIDER. There is a specific checkbox to find provider who work with youth in care. You can also talk to your primary care provider about challenges you might be facing and they should link you to care.
Unsure if you are ready to seek out help? We understand. Check out this short video of Hannah. She’s been there and done that, found her path and wants you to know her story.
recovery homes and oxford houses
One option if you are struggling with substances and are looking for a sober-living community, is to go to a Recovery residence, called Recovery Homes or Oxford Houses. These spaces require residents to completely stop using substances and are not for everyone but may be worth exploring. Read more about the difference between Recovery Homes and Oxford Houses here. Find Illinois’ registry of Recovery Home and Oxford House to see if there is one in your area.
Helping a loved one through substance use
Supporting a friend or a family member with substance use challenges is really hard. There are helpful resources to support you and your family member in this Treatment and Recovery Support Services Document.
Also, check out this short video for tips on how to help your loved one as they battle substance use.