Any drug or chemical that alters physical or mental functioning. These can include legal and illegal drugs, prescription medications, or even substances like alcohol or nicotine.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition where a person has an uncontrollable urge to use a substance, even when it's causing harm to their health, relationships, or daily life. It’s more than just occasional use — it involves a pattern of misuse that leads to significant distress or impairment.

The health impact of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) can be severe and wide-ranging, affecting both the body and mind. It depends on the substance being used, how often and how much it's used, and the person's overall health.

It can affect your heart, cause liver & lung damage, kidney failure, and potentially overdose. It may also cause depression & anxiety, paranoia or psychosis, and addiction or loss of control.

Identifying if you have Substance Use Disorder (SUD) starts with being honest about your relationship with a substance — whether it’s alcohol, prescription meds, nicotine, cannabis, or other drugs.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines 11 key signs of SUD. If 2 or more of these apply to you within the past 12 months, it could indicate a mild, moderate, or severe disorder.

Ask Yourself These Questions:

1. Do I use more than I planned or for longer than I meant to?

2. Have I tried to cut down or stop, but couldn’t?

3. Do I spend a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the substance?

4. Do I crave or strongly want to use the substance?

5. Has using caused problems at school, work, or home?

6. Do I keep using even when it causes relationship issues?

7. Have I given up activities or hobbies because of substance use?

8. Do I use substances in risky situations (e.g., driving, unsafe sex)?

9. Do I keep using even though it’s harming my physical or mental health?

10. Do I need more of the substance to feel the same effect? (Tolerance)

11. Do I feel sick or uncomfortable when I stop? (Withdrawal)

Treating Substance Use Disorder (SUD) involves more than just stopping the substance — it’s about healing the brain, body, and behavior, and building a healthier life. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but many people recover with the right combination of treatments and support.

1. Start with a Diagnosis

• See a doctor, therapist, or addiction specialist for an evaluation.

• They’ll assess what substance you're using, how it's affecting you, and what treatment level you need.

2. Treatment Options

Behavioral Therapy (Talk Therapy)

• Helps change harmful thoughts and behaviors.

• Common types:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – teaches coping skills, self-control.

  • Motivational Interviewing – helps you build motivation for change.

  • Contingency Management – uses rewards to encourage sobriety.

  • Group therapy – support from others going through the same thing.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Used especially for opioid, alcohol, or nicotine use disorders:

• Opioids: Methadone, Buprenorphine (Suboxone), Naltrexone

• Alcohol: Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Disulfiram

• Nicotine: Nicotine patches/gum, Bupropion (Zyban), Varenicline (Chantix)

Medications reduce cravings, withdrawal, and risk of relapse — they are not "cheating".

Detox (Medical Withdrawal Management)

• Supervised setting to safely manage withdrawal symptoms

• Especially important for alcohol, benzos, or opioids

• Can last a few days to a week

Inpatient Rehab (Residential Treatment)

• Live at a treatment facility for 1–3 months

• Structured therapy, support, and supervision

Outpatient Programs

• Live at home but attend therapy several times a week

• Great for people with mild to moderate SUD or strong support systems

3. Peer Support & Community

• 12-Step Programs: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

• Alternatives: SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery

• Peer support helps reduce isolation and keeps you accountable.

4. Ongoing Recovery (Aftercare)

• Relapse prevention planning

• Sober living homes

• Continued therapy or support groups

• Building healthy routines, hobbies, and relationships

5. Treat Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues

• Many people with SUD also deal with anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.

• Dual-diagnosis care treats both at the same time

Recovery is a process, not a single event. It's normal to have ups and downs — what's important is getting support and staying connected. There’s help available, and you’re not alone.

Harm reduction is a health approach that focuses on reducing the negative effects of drug use without requiring people to stop using. It includes strategies like needle exchanges, Naloxone (Narcan) to reverse overdoses, fentanyl test strips, and education on safer use. The goal is to save lives, prevent disease, and treat people with dignity and support, no matter where they are in their recovery.

Addiction is a brain disorder that affects how people seek out and use substances, even when it causes harm. It’s not just about willpower — it involves real changes in the brain’s reward system, especially involving dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and motivation.

Drugs overstimulate the brain’s reward circuit, flooding it with dopamine. Over time, the brain adapts, producing less dopamine naturally — making it harder to feel pleasure from everyday things. This leads to cravings, tolerance (needing more to get the same effect), and withdrawal symptoms when not using. Brain areas that control judgment, decision-making, and self-control also get impaired, making it hard to stop.

Addiction is chronic but treatable, and recovery is possible with the right support and care.

At CLEAR, our services are entirely free of charge.

Winthrop CLEAR is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8am-4:30pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am-7pm. Our office is not open on weekends.

Winthrop CLEAR is not an emergency service and we do not offer on-call availability. If you are in a life threatening emergency, please call 911 or refer to the police department.