Substance Use

What is Substance Use

Substance use means using alcohol, prescription medicine, or illegal drugs in ways that can hurt a person’s health, relationships, or daily life. A substance use disorder happens when someone feels strong cravings, becomes dependent on the substance, and has trouble stopping even when it causes problems. People going through this may feel ashamed, lonely, or think they don’t have a problem. They may also have physical symptoms like withdrawal, tiredness, or getting sick more often. Families and communities can also be affected, dealing with stress, money problems, and emotional pain.

Core Questions

Do you feel like substances are impacting your quality of life?

Do friends or family complain about how much you use substances (“you drink too much” or “you’re always high”)?

Do you know someone in danger due to substance use?

Are you witnessing someone overdosing?

Resources & Support

Help is available. You don’t have to face this alone.

Statewide

County Resources

Alameda County

Contra Costa County

Marin County

Monterey County

Napa County

San Francisco County

San Mateo County

Santa Clara County

Sonoma County

Solano County

Know Your Rights

Your rights related to substance use support include:

To get treatment and recovery services even if you can’t afford to pay. Many programs offer low-cost options, Medi-Cal, or free services.
To receive care in a respectful, culturally sensitive, and supportive environment, no matter your background or history with substance use.
To access substance use treatment through Medi-Cal in California, including outpatient care, inpatient care, residential programs, detox, and medicine-assisted treatment.
To ask for help on your own without being punished. California law has decriminalized small amounts of certain substances.
To get accommodations if you are in recovery and have a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This can include help at work or in housing.

To refuse treatment or leave a program unless a court or legal order requires you to stay. Most treatment programs are voluntary.
To file a complaint if you are treated unfairly, denied services, or discriminated against in a health care or recovery setting.
To access harm reduction services, like clean syringes, overdose prevention tools (such as naloxone), and drug-testing strips.
To have your treatment be private. Records about substance use treatment are protected by federal laws (42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA).
To get support services even if you are not a U.S. citizen. Many harm reduction and community health programs welcome everyone.