Substance Use Disorder Support
The City of Waltham is committed to decreasing the stigma associated with Substance Use Disorders and increasing awareness of this public health epidemic. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about this epidemic or how to access treatment please call Meaghan Ritcey, Substance Abuse Counselor for the City of Waltham at 781-314-3317 or email Meaghan at mritcey@city.waltham.ma.us
Substance Use Disorder facts:
Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences*
No single factor can predict whether a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction*
Drug addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed*
More good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction*
Unused/Expired prescription drugs can be dropped off at the Waltham Police Station at 155 Lexington St.
* Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.