Many people don’t know that substance abuse can be caused by addiction, a form of mental illness.
Addiction is a complex disease that requires a diagnosis, treatment, and behavioral therapy from a medical professional. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines addiction as a “chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted individual and to those around him or her.” Substance abuse is not a self-control issue, but a symptom of a chemical imbalance in the brain that can become worse the first time you use and/or anytime you use drugs or alcohol afterward.
If you know someone with a substance abuse problem, talk to a provider for help or advice. Youth can schedule an appointment at any of DC’s four Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Expansion Programs (ASTEP). Adults can find assistance through the Assessment and Referral Center (ARC).
Youth Centers |
Adult Centers |
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| Federal City Recovery Services (ASTEP) Address: 316 F Street NE, Suite 118, Washington, DC 20002 Phone Number: (202) 710-1850 Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Assessment and Referral Center (ARC) Address: 75 P Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Look for the blue awning at the intersection of P Street and Florida Avenue Phone Number: (202) 727-8473 Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Hillcrest Children and Family Center (ASTEP) Address: 915 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001 Phone Number: (202) 232-6100 Hours: Monday and Friday, 8:30 AM -6:00 PM |
DBH Access Helpline Phone Number: 1-888-793-4357 Hours: 24/7 |
| Latin American Youth Center (ASTEP) Address: 1419 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC 20009 Phone Number: (202) 319-2225 Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
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