Substance Use

10% of Maine High School students reported having used prescription pain medicine without a doctor’s prescription or differently than doctor instruction.

– Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, 2023

Substance Use

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.

Big Green Box

Properly disposing of old/unused medications prevents youth from misusing prescriptions.

Find a disposal site near you.

FIND A BOX

Words Matter

Anyone can face addiction so how we talk it matters.

Learn more about destigmatizing language to use when discussing substance use.

LEARN MORE

Addiction Resource Center at Mid Coast Hospital

The ARC in Brunswick & Damariscotta offer confidential free assessment and customized treatment plans for each person.

Call 1-800-244-3805 or learn more below.

LEARN MORE

Treatment & Harm Reduction Resources

– Call 9-1-1 and give naloxone for any possible overdose –

Addiction Resource Center – 1-800-244-3805 anytime

High quality, confidential treatment for drug and alcohol addiction at two locations with convenient walk in hours offering free assessment and customized treatment plans for every person.

ARC in Brunswick – 66 Baribeau Dr.

Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm

ARC in Damariscotta – 20 Bristol Rd.

Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm

OPTIONS

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.

SAMHSA: Find Help

Learn about where to find the right substance use & mental health resources for you.

Naloxone Near Me

Get Maine Naloxone

Whether you need naloxone, you are worried about a loved one, or just a concerned citizen, you can get free naloxone. Find your closest Naloxone carrier in the community.

Maternal Naloxone Kits

Mid Coast Hospital provides every post partum patient with naloxone in their discharge kits. Learn more about the initiative.

How & When to Use Naloxone for an Opioid Overdose

Visit the CDC’s guide on how and when to administer naloxone for an opioid overdose.

Narcan Quick Guide to Administering Naloxone

Narcan is the brand name for Naloxone. Learn from Narcan how to administer naloxone nasal spray.

Naloxone FAQs

Learn more about the what naloxone is, how it is administered, precautions to take, and other commonly asked questions about naloxone.

Talking to Youth

SAMHSA: Parents & Caregivers

Find guides for productive, clear conversations about substance use with youth, fact sheets on different substances, and tips for preventing youth substance use.