If you or someone you care about is chronically using drugs or alcohol it can lead to changes in the brain, which can lead to mental health issues including paranoia, depression, anxiety, aggression, and other problems. It is important to ask yourself these questions and be honest with yourself about the answers:

• Do you need more and more of a substance to get the same effects?
• Do you feel strange when the alcohol or drugs wear off? 
• Do you feel like you can’t stop yourself from using a substance? Even when you want to? 

Remember there are resources to help you on your journey to recovery.

Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use Tool (TAPS)

University Resources

Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Overdose Prevention: The university community is committed to helping student with drug and alcohol awareness. Check this page for campus events and updated information on campus resources.

Students Promoting Awareness (SPA): SPA will strive to spread awareness of drug abuse to both the local student University of Maryland Baltimore community and the Baltimore city community.

UMB Scholars for Recovery: Student organization to support students who are in recovery.

Other Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous: Find AA meetings throughout Maryland to help you on your road to recovery. This comprehensive directory of AA meetings includes open, closed, speaker, and other specialized meetings, all of which are designed to help you get sober and remain sober.

Maryland NA Meetings: Find Maryland Narcotics Anonymous meetings or choose inpatient treatment centers near you

Marijuana Anonymous: A free peer-support program that uses the proven 12-steps from AA to help individuals struggling with addictive tendencies and physical dependence on marijuana.

Narcan Locator: All fifty states allow individuals to buy Narcan at the pharmacy without a prescription. Many state and local governments or non-profit organizations offer Narcan for free, following a short training session. Use this tool to find Narcan (Naloxone) near you.

SMART Recovery: SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training to support those in recovery. It has in person and online meetings for individuals (including young adults, LGBTQ+, Veterans, and Friends & Family) as well as other resources.

Baltimore Local Health Line: Services available in Baltimore City for mental health and substance use related issues. 

Community Resources: Adopted from Scholars for Recovery

Drug Wheel: Interactive graphic that classifies drugs into seven groups: stimulants, depressants, cannabinoids, psychedelics, opioids, dissociatives and empathogens. Click on a drug to learn more about its effect. 

Prescription Drug Abuse: Graphic that summarizes what prescription drug abuse looks like and how to properly dispose of prescription drugs.

Drugs of Abuse (2017) - DEA Resource Guide: A comprehensive resource guide on the most commonly used and misused drugs in the United States. This document details a drug's effect on the body and mind, overdose potential, legality status, and other key factors. 

National Drug and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Resources: This webpage lists national organizations with a strong alcohol and other drug abuse prevention focus. 

Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Resources: This website provides general substance abuse and addiction information and resources on getting treatment. 

Cocaine Addiction Treatment Resource: This website facilitates and breaks down tips on finding cocaine addiction rehabilitation centers near you. This resource also describes what a cocaine addiction is, general cocaine addiction statistics, and types of rehabilitation centers. 

Addiction Learning Resources: This webpage lists open access journals, free online courses, research organizations, professional organizations, and public health awareness organizations related to addictions. 

Substance Use Articles

College Alcoholism and Binge Drinking: This article discusses binge drinking and alcoholism on college campuses as well as how and why we all should work together to combat this culture.

Alcohol Use and Your Health: This article describes the importance of understanding alcohol use and the health effects associated with short and long term alcohol use. 

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Resources: This article outlines various information, such as national addiction hotlines, questions to ask when calling addiction hotlines, types of behavioral addictions, and resources for behavioral addictions. 

Steroids and Addiction: This articles discusses what steroids are, why people take them, and risks associated with steroid use. 

Student Health Guide: This article describes common concerns students may face related to nutrition, sleep, mental health, alcohol and drugs, etc. It also breaks down tips on maintaining a healthier lifestyle. 

Substance Abuse and Addiction Among LGBTQ Individuals: This article discusses how LGBTQ+ individuals are at a higher risk of substance use and health issues. It also describes how to find addiction centers for LGBTQ+ individuals. 

Who Addiction Affects: This article describes the affect of addiction in different demographic groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, seniors, medical professionals, veterans, etc. No one is immune to the affects of addiction. 

Are Energy Drinks Bad for You?: This article discusses what energy drinks are and health risks associated with consuming energy drinks. 

Hookah Facts: This article details what hookah is, who uses it, health effects of hookah usage, and public policies applicable to hookah.