Substance Use
Accoridng to the 2025 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, 91.5% of Maine High School students reported having never used prescription pain medicine without a doctor’s prescription or differently than doctor instruction.
Substance use refers to the use of substances (including alcohol, opioids, prescription painkillers, illegal drugs, cannabis, and inhalants) that can be put into the body with possible dependence and other harmful effects. Educating and communicating with young people about substance use can prevent and/or delay use. We work to provide resources for talking to young people about substance use, providing alternative safe, substance free activities and spaces for young people to enjoy, and connecting the community with treatment resources
Substance Use Treatment at MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital
MaineHealth Behavioral Health Substance Use Treatment Brunswick provides expert care for people living with a substance use disorder and has been for more than 35 years. Learn more below.
Words Matter
Anyone can face substance use disorder so how we talk it matters.
Learn more about destigmatizing language to use when discussing substance use.
DEA National RX Takeback
The Next Takeback Day is Saturday, October 24, 2026
These days are held twice per year, usually in April and October.
Unused and unwanted medications are collected at local sites from 10 AM – 2 PM.
Use the “Find Site” button to locate a Take Back Day location near you!
Big Green Box
Properly disposing of old/unused medications prevents youth from misusing prescriptions.
Safely dispose of unused/unwanted/expired medications at a “Big Green Box” located in the lobby of local law enforcement agencies. These are available 24 hours a day.
Locations include:
- Bath Police Department – 250 Water Street
- Brunswick Police Department – 85 Pleasant Street
- Richmond Police Department – 26 Gardiner Street
- Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office – 752 High Street, Bath
- Topsham Public Safety Building – 100 Main Street
Treatment Resources
– Call 9-1-1 and give naloxone for any possible overdose –
MaineHealth Behavioral Health Substance Use Treatment Brunswick provides expert care people living with a substance use disorder.
Monday – Friday / 8am – 4pm
Find naloxone, learn about Maine’s new Good Samaritan Law, and find services that are right for you or a loved one. Every person’s path is unique, and your local Liaison can help you find your OPTIONS.
Learn about where to find the right substance use & mental health resources for you.
Talking to Youth
As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to understand how teens can be affected by substance use and mental health challenges—and how these two issues may be connected.
Resources to help you start—and keep up—the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age
Find guides for productive, clear conversations about substance use with youth, fact sheets on different substances, and tips for preventing youth substance use.
Provides a step by step clear guide on how to have a conversation with a young person about substance use.
Hear from young people about how they would like adults to talk to them about substance use.
Get The Facts
Just Think Twice – Facts About Substances
- Be Informed. Search for information about a drug.
- Get the facts about substances. Be aware of the risk.
SAMHSA – Learn About Substance Use
- The use and misuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications affect the health and well-being of millions of Americans. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates allow researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and the general public to better understand and improve the nation’s behavioral health.
- Drugs A to Z gives basic information on drugs with addictive potential, including how they are used, how they make people feel, and their health effects, including risk for substance use disorder. Treatment options for substance use disorders related to these drugs are also included.
Information & Resources
Substance Use
Tobacco/Vaping
Mental Health
Alcohol
Cannabis
