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.

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.

 

Resources:

* Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.