Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complicated and difficult problem that impacts on millions of people and families. Once an individual is addicted to alcohol, drugs, or other substances that are addictive; it can have almost a negative influence on all areas of his/her life such as mental and physical condition, relationships, career and daily operation. Solutions Healthcare offers sensitive and evidence-based substance use disorder therapy, which is meant to help a person live a healthier life and recover permanently.
What is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder entails a chronic medical and behavioural condition that an individual has the compulsive desire to keep on using alcoholic substances, drugs or other substances despite its initial harm. Individuals are still in the position of taking in substances even though they are aware of the physiological, social, or psychological problems induced by the use of the said substances.
An acceptable definition of substance use disorder is:
A psychological disorder where further abuse of the substances causes severe impairment, suffering or failure to perform normal duties in day to day life.
Substance use disorders may be mild or severe and usually deteriorate without the right treatment and assistance.
What are the Types of Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorders could be legal substances, illegal substances and prescription substances. The most prevalent ones are:
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol substance use disorder is a most prevalent diagnosed disorder and is manifested by the repeated and excessive use of alcohol that affects responsibilities, health and relationships to others.
Drug Use Disorders
The following are the abuses or addictions to the drugs:
- Opioids (narcotic based on opiate or heroin).
- Narcotics (drug cocaine, methamphetamine, AD drugs)
- Narcotics ( benzodiazepine, or depressants ).
- Cannabis
- Inhalants
- Psilocybin drugs or hallucinogens.
Multiple Substance Use
Not every one of them is the abuser of a single drug, which means that the abuse of multiple drugs can be linked to more risks and treatment challenges.
What are the Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder?
The symptoms are relative to the substance and the degree of severity, but it is frequent to have:
- Potent urges or the urge to drink or take drugs.
- The individual will need more of the substance as time goes on to achieve the desired effect (tolerance).
- Failure to employ withdrawal symptoms.
- Wasting a lot of time on getting or taking drugs.
- Despite any health or personal issues, continued usage.
- Dissatisfaction with work or work.
- Behavior Change, mood or personality change.
The earlier such symptoms will be identified, the greater the opportunities that the situation will be corrected and healed.
What are the Signs of a Substance Use Disorder?
Evident signs are those that are apparent to relatives, colleagues or friends and they include:
- Poor performance at the workplace or at school.
- Financial problems
- Increased secrecy or lying
- Sleeplessness, or anorexia nervosa.
- Weight decrease or increase with no reason.
- Red eyes or corrupted body.
- Isolation from others
- Risky behavior (e.g. driving under the influence).
When the loved person demonstrates a series of warning signs, then one is better to seek professional help.
What Causes Substance Use Disorder?
Reason can hardly be thought of. Instead, the development of substance use disorders is rather likely to be a consequence of a complex of biological, psychological, and environment-specific factors. These may include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Mental illnesses that comprise anxiety, trauma, depression or PTSD.
- Chronic stress
- Substance use in the family.
- Exposure at a young age
- Social or Environmental pressure.
Even drugs may result into severe changes in the reward system of the brain and it is difficult to quit without any help.
What are the Risk Factors for a Substance Use Disorder?
Some aspects predispose people to substance use disorder with some of them including:
- The age at which first a substance was used was early.
- Childhood trauma or unresolved trauma.
- Lack of family support
- Mental health disorders that are not treated.
- Exposure to drugs in the society or family history.
- Persistent or chronic pain or medical conditions that are in need of medication.
- Homes, school, or work stress.
The knowledge of these risk factors facilitates early prevention, intervention and treatment.
How is Substance Use Disorder Diagnosed?
A medical worker will assess:
- Substance use history
- Behavioral changes
- Physical health
- Mental health symptoms
- Effects of substance use on everyday living.
The most popular criteria used to diagnose it is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These criteria examine the severity level that is mild or severe based on the number of symptoms.
How is Substance Use Disorder Treated?
Treating the substance use disorder deals with treatment of the entire individual, your mind, body and emotional health.
1. Medical Detox
The first, according to many, is the medically-assisted withdrawal especially in the situation of addiction to alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines.
2. Inpatient or Residential Treatment
Gives 24/7 assistance as a result of the triggers and the daily stress.
3. Outpatient Treatment Programs
Enables people to go through therapy and treatment and not to lose work, school or personal commitments.
4. Behavioral Therapy
Some of the evidence-based approaches are:
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Treatment: Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Trauma-informed therapy
5. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Drugs can be taken to decrease craving and normalise the brain chemistry.
6. Family Therapy & Education
Helps restore the trust and enhance the family system.
7. Long-Term Aftercare
Recovery continues through:
- Support groups
- Relapse-prevention planning
- Continued therapy
- Alumni programs
Care at Solutions Healthcare
We believe that anybody can be healed at Solutions Healthcare. We are also committed to a caring and affectionate employees who provide tailored treatment plans to meet each aspect of the substance use disorder, which include physical, emotional, and psychological tensions.
We offer:
- Evidence-based intensive programs and outpatient programs.
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Mental health assistance co-occurrence.
- Recovery planning of individuals.
- A free and safe atmosphere.
Healing process begins with the first step.
📞 Solutions Healthcare
Call Now: (386) 866-3600
FAQs
Q. What is the definition of substance use?
Substance use is discussed as consumption of alcohol, drug, or other chemical substance either on the occasional, the social or in a pattern that is subject to misuse or dependency.
Q. What are the three types of substance use?
There are three big categories that are:
- Use (non-problematic)
- Misuse (harmful use)
- Drug addiction (dependency).
Q. What is an example of substance abuse?
These may be cases of binge drinking, abuse of prescription painkillers or illegal substance use in a manner that produces harm or impairment.
Q. What are the 5 stages of a substance use disorder?
The typical stages include:
- Experimentation
- Regular use
- Risky use
- Dependence
- Addiction
Q. What are the 4 C’s of addiction?
There are 4 C’s that are regularly used in explaining addiction and they include:
- Compulsion
- Craving
- Consequences
- Control loss
