Am I or Someone I Know Struggling with Substance Use Disorder?

Substance Use Disorder refers to the uncontrolled use of drugs or alcohol, to the point of causing serious, recurring problems in a person’s life.

For a problem to be “serious and recurring” doesn’t necessarily mean it happens every day. For example, one DUI might indicate a problem, but multiple DUIs definitely indicates a problem.

If substance-related issues regularly impact any area of your life—whether relationships, work, or health—then it’s time to seek help.

Learn More About Substance Use Disorder

Dealing with Substance Use Disorder—whether in your life or the life of a loved one—can be overwhelming. Watch the video to learn:

  • what addiction is
  • what resources are available to you
  • what to do if a coworker may have a problem
  • what to do if a loved one may have a problem
  • what to do if your employee may have a problem

Hope for Overcoming Substance Use Disorder

If you find yourself, a loved one, or a coworker dealing with substance abuse, there is hope.

Addiction works by isolating you from others and making you feel alone. Hope, change, and recovery are possible when you are open about what you are dealing with.

Meeting with a counselor, whether through the EAP or otherwise, as well as participating in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, helps you see the problem from a different perspective. There are others who have been where you are and have made it through—and they’re ready to help you on the road to recovery as well.

Taking the first step in getting help and support is what really makes hope possible.

Resources for Those Struggling with Addiction

Acknowledging you have a problem with alcohol or drugs can be difficult, but it’s the first step to getting help.

Overcoming Alcohol Addiction

A wide variety of help is available to you in overcoming alcohol addiction:

  • Assessments
  • Individual counseling
  • Support groups (like Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as AA)
  • Outpatient treatment
  • Intensive outpatient treatment (working during the day, treatment in the evening)
  • Inpatient treatment

Whether or not you’re ready to seek treatment, knowing these resources exist can be a step in the process of recovery.

Overcoming Drug Addiction

There are many resources for getting help in overcoming drug addiction:

  • Assessments
  • Individual counseling
  • Support groups (like Narcotics Anonymous, also known as NA)

Specifically for opiate use disorder (heroin, painkillers, synthetic fentanyl, etc.), daily medication is available to prevent withdrawal while blocking the effects of opiates, which allows you to better stabilize your life and health. (Ask your doctor or counselor about options.)

Seeking Help for a Coworker or Loved One

Whether you are an employee or supervisor, help is available for you personally as well as for your coworkers.

For Employees

If you see that a coworker (or even a loved one) has a problem, talk to an EAP counselor—especially if the person isn’t open to hearing your concerns. We can give you input, help you understand stigma, and strategize helpful next steps.

For Supervisors

If you’re a supervisor at the University of Maryland, you can contact the EAP about concerns for an employee. You can discuss issues with a counselor and get helpful input—all with a commitment to confidentiality—because it can help to bounce ideas off someone who understands what you’re facing.

You can also refer an employee to the EAP. Learn more by reading our “Manager’s Guide for EAP Referrals.”