We'll meet you where you are. We'll help you get to where you want to be.
Want to change your relationship with substance use? Let's talk about it.
• For the STEP Clinic at our Mount Vernon Center or Security Square center, call 410-837-2050 ext. 4300
• For co-occurring substance use mental health therapy at any of our locations, call 410-837-2050 ext. 8800
Taking the first step toward change can be scary. But we're here for you.
At Chase Brexton, we offer several different pathways for substance use treatment, allowing patients to choose the option that best fits their needs. You can access treatment through ANY of these pathways, and you do NOT have to complete one option in order to access the others.
First, let's talk facts--here is Chase Brexton physician Dr. Jess Friedman with five important facts about substance use you should know before you begin treatment.
Five Facts About Substance Use
Option: STEP Clinic Treatment - Medical and Peer Assistance
The STEP Clinic is a weekly medical and peer services clinic designed to provide both medical care and peer assistance to help manage recovery from substance use (Mt. Vernon only).
Each appointment includes a brief physical exam and medication management discussion with a medical provider and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist who specialize in medication for substance use treatment and will provide support on your treatment journey.
How it Works
Your first time with us, you will meet our Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CRPS) and our medical provider. They will make sure you feel as safe as possible and get to know what your needs are.
Throughout your treatment, you will visit us every 1 to 4 weeks and receive:
- Medical Support: Each appointment includes a brief physical exam and medication management discussion with a medical provider who specializes in medication for substance use treatment. They will work with you to make sure the medicine is working well.
- Peer Support: Our CPRS’ are experts in treatment and recovery who have sustained recovery and wellness themselves. A CPRS will meet with you to talk about your goals and any areas of support you may need.
- Your Medication: During your appointment you will receive your prescription for the medication that will best help to support your recovery. You can even fill the prescription while you're in our office at our pharmacy.
Making An Appointment
By appointment OR simply walk-in at one of the STEP Clinic locations:
- Mt. Vernon Center
Walk-ins welcome between 1PM and 4PM on Tuesdays and between 8AM and 11AM on Thursdays.
To make an appointment, call 410-837-2050
1111 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Security Square Center
Walk-ins welcome between 1PM and 4PM on Wednesdays.
To make an appointment, call 410-837-2050
6901 Security Blvd, Suite 200, Windsor Mill, MD 21244
Things to know:
Come as you are. Not currently in medical substance use treatment? You’re in the right place. You do not need to be in recovery from substance use to begin this program.
Receive your primary care with us. Whether walk-in or by appointment for the STEP Clinic, you must already be or plan to become a primary care patient at Chase Brexton.
Insured or uninsured - we're here for you. We accept most insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. If you do not have insurance, we will work with you.
Support services for total wellness. Housing, money, and food issues are part of your health, too. As a primary care patient, you will receive support from our social work team which will help you get what you need to be healthy.
At our Security Square Center, this program is funded by the Baltimore County Opioid Abatement Fund to support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why medication for substance use disorder (MSUD)?
There are many ways to recover from substance use. Medication for substance use disorder (MSUD) is a very safe way that also really helps people to be successful in their recovery.
MSUD helps with:
- Treating withdrawal. When you first stop using drugs, you can go through a lot physically and mentally. MSUD helps to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. So, stopping is easier and safer.
- Preventing relapse. As you stop using, you might see or feel things that make you want to use again - these are called triggers. Medication and peer support help you experience these triggers differently. And, with peer support, you will have a plan in place to help you when these triggers happen.
- Setting you up for success. Studies show that when people make a recovery plan that includes medication for substance use disorder, their chances of success increase. Medications used in the treatment of opioid use disorder can help your brain chemistry to get back to normal, relieve cravings, and prevent withdrawal symptoms which will help you get free from substance use.
Why peer support?
With peer support, you aren’t alone in your recovery. From the first day, you will be supported by our Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS).
CPRS’s have been where you are – they have dealt with struggles with mental wellness and substance use, and have been in recovery. They will be your cheerleader, care navigator, coach, and shoulder to lean on. They will share with you the knowledge, skills, and experience that come from having “been there.”
Your CPRS will meet with you weekly to talk about your needs, your struggles, your relationships, and your recovery. With their support, you will find even more ways for you to recover.
Do I have to be substance-free before I start?
No. Come as you are. We know stopping substance use is hard. We're going to help you.
I'm worried about my loved one. Can I help get my loved one into treatment?
One way you can help them is to let them know about this treatment option.
When people think substance use treatment, they might think of inpatient treatment. But outpatient treatment like this program offers them a less overwhelming alternative.
Talking with your loved one may be difficult. For tips on how to talk with and support your loved one, check out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's family/friends resource page.
Option: Behavioral Health Therapist
When you begin treatment at Chase Brexton, you'll complete a one-on-one initial assessment with a behavioral health therapist. During these meetings, you will discuss your experiences, your goals, and your needs.
With the help of your therapist, you will then decide the best plan of care to get you where you want to be. Together, you will agree on the next best step for you.
Option: PRISM (Partners in Recovery: Individualized Support & Motivation)
You aren’t alone on your journey. From the first day, you will be supported by our Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) through our PRISM program.
In addition to helping you find the right substance use treatment option, your Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) will meet with you weekly to talk about your needs, your struggles, your relationships, and your recovery.
CPRS’s have been where you are – they have dealt with mental wellness and substance use, and have been in recovery. They will serve as your cheerleader, care navigator, coach, and shoulder to lean on. They will share with you the knowledge, skills, and experience that come from having “been there,” to help you work toward meaningful recovery from substance use and to improve your emotional wellness.
Option: Medication for Substance Use Disorders (MSUD) via a Chase Brexton Medical Provider
Medications for Substance Use Disorders (MSUD) are intended to treat anyone who wants to reduce or stop using alcohol or opioids (like Percocet, Oxycontin, heroin, or fentanyl).
Medications we use to reduce opioid cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and risk of overdose include buprenorphine (e.g. Zubsolv, Suboxone, Subutex) or naltrexone (Vivitrol).
Medications we use to reduce binge drinking, alcohol cravings, and alcohol use include naltrexone (Vivitrol) and acamprosate (Camprol).
Any Chase Brexton primary care patient can receive MSUD. This treatment is available to anyone at any stage in their substance use recovery journey. Chase Brexton’s primary care providers will work with you to find the best medication assistance for your needs.
If you are new to MSUD treatment, we can start you on the right medications. We can also provide medication management if you are currently stable on a substance use treatment medication. To begin:
- Simply talk with your Chase Brexton provider,
- Or, if you are not receiving primary care with Chase Brexton yet, make an appointment by calling 410-837-2050 x4300 (x4301 en Español)
