
Substance Misuse Prevention
The Facts About Substance Misuse
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a disease, not a choice.
Substances alter your brain long-term.
Substance use disorders often co-occur with other mental health disorders.
The most widely used substance in South Dakota for adults ages 18+ is alcohol.


Risk Factors
Certain individuals may be at a higher risk for misusing substances or developing a substance use disorder (SUD). Risk factors can include:
- A family history of substance misuse or SUD.
- Mental health challenges.
- Grief, loss and life changes like divorce, serious illness or loss of a job.
- Peer pressure.
- Stress and pressure involving work, school demands or other personal issues.
- Environmental factors like being around family who use substances.
- Age of first use; the earlier people start, the higher the risk of misuse.
Signs & Symptoms to Look For
Someone living with a substance use disorder may show different signs and symptoms depending on the individual and the substance(s) they may be using. Science shows that some people may have a greater genetic predisposition to substance misuse, and certain populations are placed at a higher risk.
As a close family member or friend, you may see warning signs before others do.
- Changes in Behavior: Mood swings, secrecy, having grandiose beliefs, withdrawal or not actively engaging with loved ones.
- Physical Symptoms: Weight loss, changes in sleep patterns or unexplained injuries.
- Neglecting Responsibilities or their Appearance: Skipping work, school or other important commitments, or neglecting basic self-care such as laundry or hygiene.
- Disinterest in Hobbies: Individuals may also have little or no interest in activities they previously enjoyed.
- Financial Problems: Unexplained spending or borrowing money frequently.
What You Can Do to Prevent Misuse
Start with education and understanding.
Substance misuse isn’t a taboo topic. Information and education are the first steps in prevention. Learn more about different types of substances and the dangers of use from Let’s Be Clear.
Talk with your kids early and often.
It’s never too early to talk about healthy habits. Many children are exposed to substances at a young age, with 10% of 12-year-olds saying they’ve tried alcohol. Be there to give them accurate information and answer their questions before someone else does.
Dispose of unused medications.
4 out of 5 new individuals using heroin started by taking prescription opioids without a medical need. Don’t leave unused medications around your home. Instead, dispose of them safely or request a free medication lock box.
Seek help with your mental health.
Substance use disorder often co-occurs with other mental health challenges, like depression, anxiety or trauma. Getting help for underlying concerns helps prevent turning to substances as a coping mechanism.
Practice self-care.
Maintaining your mental wellness is important, from practicing stress management to developing skills and strategies to cope with tough times.
Get involved.
Partner with a local prevention provider, community group or your city government to help identify issues and employ strategies to prevent substance misuse. By advocating for prevention, you can strengthen your community, schools, organizations and local businesses.
Substance Use Treatment Providers
Recovery is possible, and treatment works. Professional providers are available across South Dakota using our interactive map. This directory provides information on substance use treatment services. Enter an address, city or county below to find services near you.
Dakota Counseling Institute
910 West Havens, Mitchell, SD 57301
Community Counseling Services
357 Kansas Ave, SE, Huron, SD 57350
Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services
1028 Walnut St, Yankton, SD 57078
Brookings Behavioral Health & Wellness (East Central Behavioral Health)
211 4th Street Brookings, SD 57006
Northeastern Mental Health Center
14 South Main Street, Suite 1E, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Avera St. Luke's Addiction Care Center
620 3rd Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Action for the Betterment of the Community
1428 Short Track Rd, Sturgis, SD 57785
USD - Student Counseling Center
414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069
Dr. Mark Bontreger
525 5th St SE l 13, Watertown, SD 57201
Human Service Agency
119 19th St NE, Watertown, SD 57201
Three Rivers MH/CD Center
11 4th St E, Lemmon, SD 57638
South Dakota Urban Indian Health
1200 N West Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
South Dakota Urban Indian Health
339 S Pierre St, Pierre, SD 57501
Addiction Recovery Center of the Black Hills
112 N Chicago St, Hot Springs, SD 57747
Northeastern Mental Health Center
321 2nd Ave E, Mobridge, SD 57601
Three Rivers MH/CD Center
711 Main Street, Timber Lake, SD 57656
Northeastern Mental Health Center
101 W 11th Ave, Webster, SD 57274
Addiction Recovery Center of the Black Hills
1520 Haines Ave, Rapid City, SD 57701
Northeastern Mental Health Center
1005 W 1st St, Redfield, SD 57469
Human Services Agency
121 19th St NE, Watertown, SD 57201
Human Services Agency
221 S Main St, Milbank, SD 57252
Compass Point (Northern Hills Alcohol and Drug Services, Inc.)
710 E Colorado Blvd, Spearfish, SD 57783
Southeastern Behavioral Healthcare
500 East 54th St N, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Keystone Treatment Center (Bowling Green Inn)
1010 E 2nd St, Canton, SD 57013
Southern Plains Behavioral Health Services
514 3rd St, White River, SD 57579
Avera Addiction Care Center
6140 S Curae Ln, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Avera Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic
2412 S Cliff Ave Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Bartels Counseling Services
7520 S Grand Arbor Ct Ste 145, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Choices Recovery Services
622 S Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
PrairieView Prevention (Dakota Drug and Alcohol)
822 E 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
First Step Counseling Services
4320 S Louise Ave Unit 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Linking the Gap Counseling, LLC
3500 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Sioux Falls Treatment Center
2519 W 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
The Link Triage Center
132 North Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Volunteers of America – Dakotas
1309 W 51st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Native Healing Program
1205 East Saint James Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
Pennington County Sheriff's Office Addiction Treatment Services
321 Kansas City St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Project Recovery (Stephen Tamang MD Consulting Services, P.C.)
625 Flormann St, Rapid City, SD 57701
ROADS Outpatient Treatment Program, Inc
103 E Omaha St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Wellfully (Wellspring, Inc.)
22 Waterloo St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Youth and Family Services
1920 N Plaza Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702
Dakotah Pride Treatment Center (Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe)
Dakota Ave, Agency Village, SD 57262
Rosebud Intensive Methamphetamine Treatment Program
225 N. BIA 9 Soldier Creek RD, Rosebud, SD 57570
Main Gate Counseling Services
208 S Main St, Winner, SD 57580
Great Plains Area Youth Regional Treatment Center
1401 10th Ave W, Mobridge, SD 57601