If you feel that any of the substances you are using are having a negative impact on your life, you should consider cutting back or quitting completely. Staying sober or reducing your substance use can be challenging, but you and your body deserve to be healthy!  For many people, it is a great way to stop spending a lot of money on a habit and instead have money to buy other things you value and enjoy.  Each time you try to stop using a substance, your odds of success get higher.  If you notice you often use particular substances when you go to parties, you can try sharing your goal with your friends, so they can remind or encourage you to stick to your goals.  If you notice that you’re using substances because there are certain factors causing you stress in your life, you can try other methods of stress relief or mental health support. This website provides more guidance on staying sober from various substances.

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If you, a family member, friend, or a loved one is unable to stop using a substance despite experiencing negative effects relating to relationships, health, or well being, you or your loved one may be dealing with a substance use disorder. This is an involuntary disorder and is often classified as a disease— just like other types of diseases and disorders, external support and healthcare is often necessary to combat addiction. This might look like attending a peer support group, staying at a substance abuse rehabilitation center, or visiting a clinic specializing in recovery. If you’re worried about yourself or a loved one, you should talk to a trusted adult or your healthcare provider about the situation to find options that best fit your situation. Below are various resources in and out of Baltimore that offer support to people dealing with substance addiction.