Stimulant involved deaths are on the rise in Philadelphia.

Substance use treatment

Substance use disorder is a medical issue caused by repeated use of addictive drugs. Drug use exists on a spectrum that’s influenced by the reason for use, environment, frequency, tolerance, drug type, and more. Because of this, treatment to stop or reduce substance use requires personalized care that addresses a patient’s physical, mental and social health.

There is a range of treatment types that can address a patient’s needs, which is usually determined during an initial assessment. This process determines the seriousness of a patient’s substance use disorder. If needed, the patient will then be referred to detoxification and treatment.

Detoxification (detox) is a drug withdrawal process in an inpatient medical facility. After detox, patients go to a treatment program that best fits their needs. This could be an outpatient, partially outpatient, inpatient, or long-term inpatient program. Treatment plans usually involve a combination of medication and therapies that address the full impact of substance use. To learn more about opioid treatment program options, visit the Department of Behavioral Health’s addiction services.

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

MOUD, also known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), are drugs that help people manage opioid dependance by decreasing cravings and withdrawal symptoms and blocking the euphoric effects of opioids that make them so addictive. Medication options include buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone. A healthcare provider can help you to decide which option works best for you. This can happen during an assessment at a substance use treatment facility, while speaking with your doctor during an appointment, or when receiving care at a hospital or crisis center.

Types of MOUD

Methadone

Methadone is a medication that decreases opioid cravings and blocks the effects of opioids.

Methadone is taken daily as a powder, liquid, or pill under the supervision of a healthcare provider in a licensed clinic. After a period of stability (which includes taking methadone as directed), doses can be taken home and used between visits with a provider.

People who take methadone are required to attend counseling in addition to their medication-assisted treatment.

The treatment period should last at least a year. Many people require the medication long-term.

Methadone is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Buprenorphine (Bupe, Suboxone, or Subutex)

Buprenorphine is a medication that reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Bupe is a pill taken like a normal prescription medication – it's picked up at a pharmacy and taken at home, without direct supervision of a healthcare provider. This is because bupe has a ‘ceiling effect’, where the person taking the drug does not feel euphoric effects by increasing the dosage, which makes it less likely to be misused.

Talkto your doctor about getting treatment and visit our Healthcare Resources page to see a map of Philly pharmacies that carry bupe.

Bupe is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

Naltrexone is a medication that reduces opioid cravings and blocks the effects of opioids. It is different from methadone and buprenorphine because it does not include an opioid.

This medication is prescribed for both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. When prescribed for MOUD, it is given as a monthly shot by a healthcare provider.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before use.

Find MOUD treatment

For individuals without health insurance:

CareConnect Warmline is an online, low-barrier clinic aimed at improving access to treatment for substance use in Philadelphia. Call 484-278-1679 from 9AM–9PM to speak with a Substance Use Navigator who can help connect patients to care.

DBHIDS Behavioral Health Special Initiative at 215-546-1200.

For individuals with health insurance:

CareConnect Warmline 484-278-1679

Community Behavioral Health at 888-545-2600

SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit findtreatment.gov to find substance use treatment near you.

Alcohol treatment

Some people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may require assessment, supervised detox, and formal treatment. If you use alcohol heavily, you should talk to a healthcare provider to decide if you need supervised detoxification.

People with AUD can use medication to support recovery. The three FDA-approved medications for AUD are Naltrexone, Disulfiram and Acamprosate. A healthcare provider can help you decide which option is best for you.

Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

Naltrexone is a medication that reduces alcohol cravings and blocks the effects of alcohol.

This medication is prescribed for both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. When used for AUD, it can be taken as a daily pill.

Disulfiram

Disulfiram is a medication that discourages use of alcohol. It blocks the body’s ability to process alcohol, causing immediate negative symptoms, such as nausea, headaches and dizziness, when someone drinks.

This medication is taken as a daily pill.

This medication is not approved for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Acamprosate

Acamprosate is a medication that reduces alcohol cravings.

This medication is taken as a pill three times daily.

This medication is not approved for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Social support is a key part of recovery. The following organizations have in-person and virtual meetings to support people in recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous

SMART Recovery

Smoking cessation treatment

There are two types of medications that can help you stop smoking, with and without nicotine.

Medications with nicotine

These medications contain small amounts of nicotine that help fight off cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

These medications are available as over-the-counter (meaning you do not need a prescription) products like gums, patches, and lozenges, or prescriptions inhalers and nasal sprays.

Medications without nicotine

Instead of providing small amounts of nicotine to stop or decrease symptoms, these medications make nicotine less enjoyable.

Get free nicotine patches at any of the five Department of Public Health Resource Hubs.

Visit SmokeFreePhilly.org to learn more about tobacco cessation resources in the city.

Mental health treatment

Substance use and mental health disorders often go hand-in-hand. Addressing mental health concerns can be an important part of treatment. All Philadelphians, regardless of insurance status, can call 215-685-5400 to get connected with care, or visit the DBHIDS Mental Health Services web page to learn more about mental health treatment in Philly.