Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission

FAQ's

What is drug addiction?

Drug addiction is a complex brain disease. it is characterized by compulsive, at time uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences. Drug seeking becomes compulsive, in large part as a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning and, thus, on behavior. for many people, drug addiction becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence.

How quickly can I become addicted to a drug?

There is no easy answer to this. If and how quickly one might become addicted to a drug depends on many factors, including the biology of your body. All drugs are potentially harmful and my have life-threatening consequences associated with their use. There are also vast differences among individuals in sensitivity to various drugs. While one person may use a drug one or many times and suffer no ill effects, another person may be particularly vulnerable and overdose the first use. There is no way of knowing in advance how someone may react.

Who do I call for help with substance abuse?

Refer to "Our Providers" on this web site. If you are uninsured or have Medicaid, you can call 1-800-342-0349, which is Central Diagnostic & Referral for assistance.

What will happen when I call?

An appointment will be scheduled for an initial assessment. Based on the results of that assessment, a recommendation will be made for appropriate treatment.

What if I can't pay?

Services are covered by most major health insurers, including Medicaid. A sliding fee scale is used to ensure that services are affordable and accessible to all families. No one will be denied services due to the lack of financial resources.

What if I don't have transportation to the treatment facility?

There are options available to help you get there.

I am pregnant and need substance abuse treatment. Can I get help?

Yes. Pregnant women are a priority for treatment and are generally assessed/admitted for treatment within 36 hours.

How does drug abuse affect the fetus?

Many substances including alcohol, nicotine, and drugs of abuse can have negative effects on the developing fetus because they are transferred to the fetus across the placenta. For example, nicotine has been connected with premature birth and low birth weight as has the use of cocaine. Scientific studies have shown that babies born to marijuana users were shorter, weighed less, and had smaller head sizes than those born to mothers who did not use the drug. Small babies are more likely to develop health problems.

Whether a baby's health problems, if caused by a drug, will continue as the child grows, is not always known. Research does show that children born to mothers who used marijuana regularly during pregnancy may have trouble concentrating, even when older. Research continues to produce insights on the negative effects of drug use on the fetus.

What is detoxification, or "detox"?

Detoxification is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of a drug while managing the symptoms of withdrawal. It is often the first step in a drug treatment program and should be followed by treatment with a behavioral-based therapy and/or a medication, if available. Detox alone with no follow-up is not treatment.

What is withdrawal? How long does it last?

Withdrawal is the variety of symptoms that occur after use of some addictive drugs is reduced or stopped. Length of withdrawal and symptoms vary with the type of drug. For example, physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal may include: restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes. These physical symptoms my last for several days, but the general depression, or dysphoria (opposite of euphoria) that often accompanies heroin withdrawal may last for weeks. In many cases, withdrawal can be easily treated with medications to ease the symptoms, but treating withdrawal is not the same as treating addiction.

I have a friend who is using. How can I help them?

Help them find someone to talk to about their use, someone they can trust. You can talk to someone you trust about your friend's use, such as a school counselor, teacher, a clergyman or doctor, in confidence. Or, you can talk to your friend yourself, using some of the following guidelines:

Talk to them when they are sober/straight; don't be accusatory or blame them for their problem; express your feelings such as worry or how it feels for you to see them drunk or high; use specific examples of their behavior when they are drunk or high; speak in a caring, understanding tone with friendship; expect denial or anger; have information ready on where to get help; offer to accompany them, then follow through.

What is a "support group" or a "self-help" group?

This is a support group or self-help group of men and women to share experience, strength, and hope with each other to help solve their common problems and to help others recover from alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is the oldest self-help group. There are no dues or fees to join; it is self-supporting through contributions; it is not allied with any sect, denomination, political group, organization or institution, and it does not engage in any controversy, or endorses nor opposes any causes. If you go to our Links page, there are links to AA and other self-help groups.

2875 Northwind Dr., Ste. 215 * East Lansing, Michigan * 48823 * (517) 337-4406