What can you do to help?
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Do NOT jeopardize your own safety - Some drugs can cause violent and unpredictable behavior. Call for professional
assistance.
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Do NOT try to reason with someone who is on drugs - Do not expect them to behave reasonably.
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Do NOT offer your opinions when giving help - You do not need to know why drugs were taken in order to give effective
first aid.
Call 211
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2-1-1 Maryland connects you to health and human service resources in your
community and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 180
languages. You can also reach them at 866-411-6803. For more information, visit
211md.org.
Call 911
- Always call 9-1-1 if the person is in immediate danger, threatening to
hurt themselves or someone else, or is unresponsive.
Help Them Find a Provider
- Call the Frederick County Health Department’s Referral and Assessment
Unit at 301-600-1775 to link individuals to the appropriate level of care.
- Someone dealing with substance use will need a therapist, counselor, or
psychiatrist with a mental health and/or substance use focus.
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Check with the Mental Health Association of Frederick by calling 301-662-2255, or visit
fcmha.org.
- Call their insurance company and ask for providers in the area that take
their insurance.
- If they prefer, help them find a fitting religious group or leader to help
guide them.
Substance Disorder Treatments
- Outpatient professionals
- Inpatient setting – acute medical detox, rehab
- Peer supports
- Religious/Spiritual support
Detox or Rehab, which is which?
Detox
- Get the poison out of the body
- Stabilize from withdrawal
- Acute medical scenario requiring supervision or monitoring by medical staff.
Rehab
- Learn to live without the substances.
- Life skills
- Communication Skills
- Hygiene and self-care
- 14-45 day residential program at a rehabilitation facility