Written by Christian Nguyen, MPH

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic disease that is characterized by continued use of a harmful substance despite the negative effects. This continued use can lead to negative changes in physical and mental health.¹ SUD can range from mild to severe and can affect anyone, regardless of gender, race, or income level.

SUD can occur with the following types of drugs¹:

• Alcohol
• Cannabis (marijuana)
• Commercial tobacco (nicotine)
• Hallucinogens
• Inhalants
• Opioids (prescription and illegal)
• Sedatives
• Stimulants and psychostimulants 
  
  

Recovery Options

SUD is treatable. There is no single treatment method that is right for everyone. Some treatment options are listed below¹:

• Outpatient Counseling: Outpatient counseling helps people understand SUD, their triggers, and their reasons for using drugs. This can be done either in person at a clinic or via a telehealth appointment.
• Inpatient Rehabilitation: Inpatient rehabilitation typically involves a facility that provides a supportive environment to help people recover without distractions or temptations.
• Medicine: For those with opioid use disorder (OUD), there are medicines approved to help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Approved prescription medicines for treatment of OUD include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.  
  
  

Getting Help

If you or someone you know has a SUD, there are resources available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7/365 treatment referral and information service. The helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

There are also local resources that can help:

• Michigan: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has a SUD treatment locator for individuals living in Michigan.
• Minnesota: FastTrackerMN is a free tool that helps those living in Minnesota to find services for mental health and SUD treatment.
• Wisconsin: Individuals living in Wisconsin can contact the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline by calling 211 or visiting 211Wisconsin to find available programs and services.
• Chicago: Individuals living in Chicago (Cook County, Illinois) can contact health and social services by calling 211 or visiting 211 Metro Chicago to find resources.

You can also contact your Tribal health center to see if they offer treatment for SUD.

For those living in the Great Lakes region, check GLITEC’s Harm Reduction Resource Map to find treatment options near you.

 _________

References 
1. Treatment of substance use disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 25, 2024. Accessed January 6, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/treatment/index.html