Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED because of a substance use disorder. This is when a person's use of drugs or alcohol, also called "substances," causes problems.
The drugs that are most likely to be abused are marijuana, cocaine, LSD, morphine, fentanyl, heroin, stimulants, and benzodiazepines. These are all habit-forming and can be hard to stop on your own. Stopping some drugs too quickly can also be dangerous.
The doctors think you have a substance use disorder based on how often you are using drugs or how much you are taking. You might need help from a support group or counselor. Or you might need care in a special type of hospital.
Substance use disorder can be life-threatening if you do not deal with it now. Help and treatment are available.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Make a plan to stop using drugs. You might need medicines to help ease your cravings. Working with a doctor, counselor, or a support group like Narcotics Anonymous ("NA") can also help.
●Develop skills and behaviors to deal with feelings, cope with cravings, and stay away from substances.
●Learn how to deal with peer pressure. Avoid situations where you feel pressured to take drugs or drink alcohol.
●Get help for problems such as depression, anxiety, or stress. Your doctor, counselor, or therapist can help. Relaxation methods like reflection, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation can help with stress. Things like yoga, exercise, and tai chi are also good.
●Keep naloxone with you at all times. This is a medicine that is used to treat opioid overdose. Make sure you, your family, and your friends know how and when to use it.
When should I get emergency help?
●Someone should call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Have severe trouble breathing, have slow or shallow breathing, or stop breathing
•Are very confused or have trouble speaking
•Are very sleepy, have trouble waking up, or cannot be woken up
•Have a seizure
•Have bad chest or belly pain
•Vomit blood, or have a large amount of blood (more than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL) in your bowel movements or urine
•Feel like you might harm yourself or someone else. In the US, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
●Return to the ED if you:
•Have mild shortness of breath
•Feel like your heart is beating very fast or slow
•Have very dark urine, or do not urinate for longer than 8 hours
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
●Feel very weak or tired
●Feel very agitated
●Feel like you will start using substances again
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Substance use disorder (The Basics)
Patient education: Treatment for substance use disorder (The Basics)
Patient education: How to give naloxone (The Basics)
Patient education: Opioid use disorder (The Basics)
Patient education: Cannabis use disorder (The Basics)
Patient education: Alcohol use – When is drinking a problem? (The Basics)
Patient education: Prescription drug misuse (The Basics)
Patient education: Alcohol use — when is drinking a problem? (Beyond the Basics)
