Substance Abuse Resources

Please, if you or your loved one has an addiction to Opiods or other medications, visit these pages for help.  Did you know that in the State of Maryland, you can get life saving drugs like Narcan without a prescription?  Call 301-583-5920 to register for free training and free intranasal naloxone kit, which reverses an opioid overdose and helps prevent death. Now anyone can get Naloxone at Maryland pharmacies without a prescription.  This can be life-saving for you or your loved one.  

The National Helpline for Substance Abuse is 1-800-662 HELP (4357).  It is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

If you have any questions or concerns you may also call Greenbelt CARES at 301-345-6660 or the Greenbelt Police at 301-474-7200. 

PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING PAGES FOR HELP

• Drug Addiction Help and Resources
• Prince George's County Overdose Help
• How to get Narcan and Narcan Training
• SMART Recovery Program

Substance Abuse Treatment Resources provided by Greenbelt CARES Crisis Intervention
and City of Greenbelt Police Department

Cheverly Behavioral Health Clinic
Offers substance abuse and mental health counseling and treatment services to Prince George’s County residents.  Anyone experiencing emotional challenges, drug abuse or dissatisfaction with relationships with family members, friends, life partners or co-workers can call or come into our clinic for an assessment and services

Hope House
Locations in Laurel: 301 490-5551 and Crownsville: 410 923-6700.
Residential and outpatient.
ACCEPTS MEDICAID and most major insurance.

Phoenix House Virginia, Arlington.
Includes programs for adolescent residential treatment, Demeter House for women who are pregnant or have children; and dual diagnosis program for men: 1 844-294-4677 admissions@phoenixhouse.org . ACCEPTS MEDICAID and most major insurance.

 Awakenings Recovery Center    111 S. Potomac St.  Hagerstown MD. 21740.  (833) 782-2247.  help@awakeningsrecoverymd.com   Provides adult residential addiction treatment.  ACCEPTS MEDICAID.  Will provide transportation to facility, within 70 mile radius of their location. 

Phoenix Recovery Center, Edgewood, MD.
Inpatient for adult men and women: 800 671-9516.
ACCEPTS MOST MAJOR INSURANCE, with many plans covering full cost.

Fresh Start Recovery, Gaithersburg, MD.
inpatient and intensive outpatient for adults: 301-948-5207
ACCEPTS MANY INSURANCE PLANS (does not accept Medicaid).

Joseph S. Massie Unit, Alleghany County
on grounds of Thomas B. Finan Center.
Inpatient for adults: 301 777-2285. Accepts referrals from hospitals, physicians, courts and counseling/community agencies.
ACCEPTS MANY INSURANCE PLANS, fees charged based on ability to pay if insurance does not cover treatment.

Warwick Manor Behavioral Health, Inc., East New Market, MD.
Inpatient for adults: 410 943-8108.
ACCEPTS MEDICAID and most major insurance.

Chrysalis House, Inc., Crownsville, MD.
Residential for women and children: 410 974-6829.
MEDICAID ONLY, does not accept other insurance.

Ashley Addiction Treatment, Havre de Grace, MD.
Residential for adults, with a program for young adults: 866 313-6307.
ACCEPTS MANY INSURANCE PLANS.

Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Centers, locations in Columbia, Silver Spring and D.C.
Intensive Outpatient and Detox for those who want to maintain employment or school attendance while in treatment: 301 589-0255 or 410 296-9747.
ACCEPTS MOST MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS. 

Individual counseling is conducted from a cognitive-behavioral based approach. Counselors work with clients to determine the goals of therapy, and then help clients implement strategies that address harmful patterns of functioning. This is a free service offered to residents of Greenbelt.

Call 301-345-6660 to learn more.

Services Provided

CARES is a community based, family oriented counseling program focused on developing positive growth and understanding for all family members. The work is a collaboration between family members and counselors, focused on promoting positive youth development, reducing juvenile delinquency, and resolving issues that lead to family conflict and tension.

Some common issues for which families seek help:

• ADHD
• Aggression/Anger/ Violence
• Bullying
• Delinquent Behaviors
• Depression/ Anxiety
• Family Conflict
• Grief/ Loss
• Parenting Concerns
• Poor Decision Making
• School Related Problems
• Social Skills
• Suicide Ideation

All counseling services are free of charge and available to residents of Greenbelt and families in surrounding communities on an appointment basis. Family counseling sessions are held at the CARES Family Clinic every Wednesday evening.

Telephone CARES at 301-345-6660 for additional information.

The City of Greenbelt has a new program to offer savings on prescription drugs to residents who are without health insurance, a traditional benefits plan, or have prescriptions that are not covered by insurance.

The Prescription Discount Card is made available to residents by the City of Greenbelt in collaboration with the National League of Cities (NLC) and is made possible through City of Greenbelt membership in NLC.

The card is free to all Greenbelt residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health insurance. By using this card you may save an average of 20% off the regular retail price of prescription drugs at participating pharmacies.

More Information

To discover the savings and learn more about the program, access the program online and print a card, check drug prices and locate participating pharmacies. Residents may also pick up a card at the following locations:

• Greenbelt Library
• Greenbelt Municipal
• Greenbelt Youth Center
• Greenbelt Community Center GHI Business
• Greenbriar Business Office
• Greenbelt Pool

For more information, call toll free at 888-620-1749.This is not insurance. Discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. By using this card, participants agree to pay the entire prescription cost less any applicable discount. Saving may vary by drug and pharmacy.

Residents will have the opportunity to select screenings for depression, anxiety, mood disorder and post-traumatic stress syndrome. At the end of the survey participants will be linked with resources that they can contact for additional services. Please note if you feel that yourself or a friend is at risk of harming themselves please call 911. The City of Greenbelt Crisis Counselors work in conjunction with Greenbelt police and will be dispatched to provide needed counseling, resources and services if needed. But the first priority will be for the safety of the resident, City employee and for the people in the work or home setting. Please take the time to take this free screening. It could save a life.

Access Screening

TALKING TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Kate Carrigan

Our children are now being exposed to drugs and alcohol earlier than ever. This makes it even more important that they hear about potential dangers from their parents.

Children are most likely to listen to their parents if their parents listen to them. Listening to our children’s feelings, ideas, thoughts and concerns makes talking about difficult subjects a bit easier and more comfortable for them.

When you begin this difficult conversation tell your child that drugs and alcohol are not acceptable to you. A clear family position is very important to establish. Let them know that you want them to be happy and healthy and one of the easiest ways to do this is to abstain from drugs and alcohol. Be truthful with your child. Tell them about the dangers—health, legal and otherwise. Be an informed parent and teach your child, but do not exaggerate. Talk about the alternatives to drugs and alcohol with your child such as sports and hobbies.

Be creative in your teaching. Give your child an opportunity to practice saying no. Role play different potential situations involving drugs and alcohol so your child is adequately prepared to respond appropriately.

The most important part of the conversation you have with your child about drugs and alcohol is that it should be continuous. Do not give one lecture, but encourage an ongoing, open dialogue about drugs and alcohol in your family. And do not forget that the biggest influence in a child’s life is their parents and that you set the example.

See also: www.theantidrug.com

Family rules can make raising children and running a household easier and smoother. However, many parents are stumped when it comes to how to make family rules and how to stick to them. There are many advantages to having established family rules. Rules let children know what is expected of them. They provide consistency and structure in the home which helps to create a safe and nurturing environment. Family rules about chores give everyone a role and responsibility in the functioning of the home and help members feel they are an important and contributing part of the family. Finally, family rules about communication can head off problems, such as a child asking permission from dad after mom had said no.

Here are some general guidelines for establishing family rules:

• First parents or parent come up with a list of FEW family rules. These can include chores and
  manners and should be realistic and age appropriate.
  
  
• Family rules should apply to EVERYONE in the household.
  
  
• Family rules should be in the positive rather than negative (“You may watch TV for one hour
  after completing homework” is better than “you cannot watch TV unless you completed your
  homework.”)
  
  
• Rewards and consequences should be linked to family rules. Rewards can include praises,
  allowances, special treats, and playing games with parents or going to the park. Rewards do not
  have to cost anything and in fact one of the best rewards is verbal praises. Family rules, rewards
  and consequences should be written and then be introduced to children in a family meeting.
  
  
• Children can have a input in the rules, rewards and consequences, however parents have the
  final say.
  
  
•  Family rules are a work in progress and can be changed or modified as necessary.
  
  
• Weekly family meetings are a good place to assess how the rules are working.
   
• Finally in order for parents to be successful at implementing family rules, parents MUST BE
  consistent.
  
  

If parents have any further questions, please contact Greenbelt CARES at 301-345-6660

THE IMPORTANCE OF HOMEWORK
Homework is…..ask a student and he/she will provide you with a list of descriptive words…..most of them not very positive!

Younger students say homework is fun. Older students say homework is tedious, annoying, boring, repetitive, difficult, not necessary, punitive and unhealthy!

What is homework? Homework:

• Teaches good study habits
• Reinforces skills
• Creates discipline
• Keeps the information fresh in the student’s mind
• Helps students with memorization
• Gives students a chance to absorb information presented in class
• Stimulates students to learn more about a subject

Here are suggestions to help make homework a learning experience:

Allow the student to study in a way he/she does best. Some students study better with noise while other students need a quiet area. Some students work better at a desk or table while others prefer working on the floor. Know which environment works best for the student.

Create a learning environment. Make sure there is good lighting. Make sure the student has the right supplies (appropriate textbooks, adequate paper, sharpened pencils, working pens, rulers, etc.). Make sure the student is well nourished and well rested before working on assignments. Encourage the student to use resources: the library, the computer, homework hotlines, etc. Ultimately, students should learn to complete homework independently, with the knowledge that parents and other resources are available as needed.

Parents are an important part of homework. Parents can help by taking a positive interest in the child’s schooling and by giving positive reinforcement to the student for her efforts. Parents can support the process by helping the student read and understand directions and/or the assignment, discussing assignments with the student, and checking over homework. Parents can remind the student of the importance of education and model this by keeping in close contact with the school and teacher and participating in the school PTA. Parents should be aware of homework policies and talk to teachers about their ideas about homework. This includes being aware of a homework hotline and how much time a student should be spending on specific assignments. Finally, parents should know the policy regarding assignments turned in late or missed due to illness.

Teaching homework skills and incorporating positive learning strategies provides a structure that the student can use for the rest of his/her life. The more the student puts into it, the more he/she will get out of it. The more involved the parent, the better off the student.

Good luck and do the homework!

WHEN YOUR CHILD IS HAVING PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL. . .
Children who have developed normally prior to school age, may still begin to exhibit learning problems as early as kindergarten and first grade. Parent and school staff can work together to determine what is impacting the child’s progress, and how best to address it.

The first thing to remember is that all children want to succeed and do their best. If they are not, it is because something is hindering their ability to do so. There are various factors parents need to consider when a child is not doing well in school. What specific school tasks are difficult - learning letters, how to put letters together into words, or beginning computations? A sustained difficulty in a particular academic area may indicate the need for evaluation of a “learning disability”. Parents should not panic at the word “disability”, as this can also be viewed as an alternative learning style. Once the teaching approach matches the learning style, these children will learn and even excel. Address concerns to the teaching team, in written form, and ask for evaluation.

Did the learning difficulty surface following an illness or family crisis? Caregivers may want to
consult with the teacher and school guidance counselor to determine if the child is distracted or
preoccupied by emotional issues. If there is tension in the home because of a job loss or even a
seemingly positive event such as the birth of a sibling, they may show their worries in poor academic
performance. Allowing the child an opportunity to talk about concerns, being reassured that they are
not at fault, and that caring adults are there to support them can alleviate upset. They may then need
remedial help, in the form of tutoring, if they have fallen behind.

What if the problem is more annoying, taking the form of seemingly willful misbehavior, such as shouting out answers, throwing tantrums, or getting into fights with peers? The idea that these children want to succeed and do their best still holds true, and should guide parent and teacher investigation of the problem. Does the child need additional training and guidance from parents and guidance staff in
how to handle frustration, or conflict with peers? Could caregivers benefit from family counseling to help them better model and teach these skills? Does the child have opportunities to interact more appropriately and enjoyably with peers after school - play dates, trips to the playground or organized recreational activities? Children want to have friends, and be like by their peer group in general. What does the child gain from throwing the tantrums - attention, dismissal from a subject they do not enjoy?
Attempts to consequence a behavior can sometimes reinforce it. Behaviors such as these may also be
another indicator of a learning disability or alternative learning style. When the child feels unsuccessful
in their attempts to learn, they may act out their frustration.

The Greenbelt community has many resources for evaluating and addressing such school issues, counselors at Greenbelt CARES, a wide variety of recreational programs, and concerned principals, guidance staff and teachers at the local schools. The key is to bring the issues to the attention of the appropriate resources in a timely way, so the child can experience the success and recognition they naturally seek.

For more information, there are numerous web sites for information on children’s learning styles, including SchwabLearning.org, and www.wrightslaw.com.

Teresa Smithson, LCSW-C

Watch informational videos regarding family services. The following videos require Windows Media Player 9 or higher:

• Teaching your Child to Behave
• Developing your Child's Communication Skills
• Preparing your Child for Going to School
• Dealing with a Family Crisis
• Enjoying your Child

• Before it's Too Late: A statewide effort to bring awareness to the rapid escalation of the heroin, opioid, and fentanyl crisis in Maryland–and to mobilize all available resources for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery before it’s too late.

• DrugRehab.com: Provides information, resources, and treatment for people battling addiction and related conditions. Their mission is to equip patients and families with the best information, resources and tools to overcome addiction and pursue lifelong recovery.

• Maryland Youth Services Bureau: The Maryland Association of Youth Services Bureaus (MAYSB) is an organization of Youth Services Bureaus which provide community-based prevention and early intervention services to the children, youth and families in their local communities.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI Basics is an education program available free of charge for parents and other family caregivers who provide care for youth (age 22 or younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms

• Parents Place: View information on the full spectrum of parenting.

• The Parents Zone: Find serious parenting challenges are tackled in the website from trying to conceive to dealing with the teenage years.

• Family Education: Check out links to more than 8,000 pages on education and information from local school districts.

• CONCERN: CONCERN provides foster care services to abused and neglected children and youth, specializing in services to emotionally disturbed children, teen mothers, and those with disabilities. With a philosophy of helping one child at a time, have you ever considered foster parenting and giving a child in need a happy, loving home? For more information, please contact Erik Johnson at 301-429-2370.

• NetSmartz Workshop: View an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates

• Accredited Online Colleges and Universities: This site helps you find and rates Online Colleges throughout the Country. Offers information such as Graduation Rate, Student Population, Degrees Offered, and more.

• Making Lemonade: View numerous links to support groups and resources for single parents.

• Home and School Safety for Kids: View links to numerous articles on safety for kids.

• Divorce Net: Access one of the largest divorce sites on the Internet. The site includes 18 interactive bulletin boards covering step-family issues, custody matters, grandparent's rights, and a State by State Resource Center.

• Divorce Source: This site offers a legal dictionary and has numerous articles on the financial, legal, and emotional aspects of divorce. There area chat rooms, bulletin boards and more.

• List of Domestic Violence Resources  Prince George's County Domestic Violence Resources.

• Resources for Kids Facing Divorce: Browse through informational resources for children facing their parent's divorce.

• Children's National Medical Center: View the official site for DC Children's Hospital.

• JSSA: JSSA is the first place to turn for the highest-quality counseling and therapy, hospice and home care, older adult services, career services, adoption services, and services for individuals with disabilities. Serving people from all religious backgrounds.

• Maryland Asperger Advocacy and Support Group: The Maryland Asperger Advocacy and Support Group was formed in 1999 in response to the growing needs of both families and individuals with Aspergers Syndrome. In addition to serving those with Aspergers Syndrome, we serve those individuals who have normal to high intelligence and experience social-communication difficulties and sensory integration problems. Individuals diagnosed with High Functioning Autism (HFA), Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), Semantic-Pragmatic Disorder, Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), or hyperlexia are included.

• Autism Society of America: View information from the Autism Society of America.