Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Are you struggling to stay sober?
Amend Treatment is here to help. We offer a full range of treatment options for adults who are looking to recover from substance use disorder. Our team of compassionate mental health professionals will help you identify the underlying issues and provide you with the tools you need to stay sober long-term.
You don’t have to go through this alone anymore – our team is ready to guide you on your journey toward sobriety using evidence-based therapies in a safe, substance-free environment.
Take the first step today and call Amend Treatment at (833) 912-6363 to learn more about substance use disorder treatment.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Are you struggling to stay sober?
Amend Treatment is here to help. We offer a full range of treatment options for adults who are looking to recover from substance use disorder. Our team of compassionate mental health professionals will help you identify the underlying issues and provide you with the tools you need to stay sober long-term.
You don’t have to go through this alone anymore – our team is ready to guide you on your journey toward sobriety using evidence-based therapies in a safe, substance-free environment.
Contact Amend Treatment to learn more about substance use disorder treatment.
Overview
Substance use disorder is a condition in which a person develops an inability to control their use of drugs or alcohol. Those who suffer from substance use disorder typically experience legal issues, physical and mental health issues, or impairments in daily functioning.
Impaired control is the most visible symptom of substance use disorder. This issue makes it difficult for someone to limit their drug or alcohol intake, which can lead to a pattern of compulsive use and heart disease.
Without proper treatment, substance use disorder can also lead to the development of additional mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression. People with two or more mental health disorders, known as co-occurring disorders, require specialized co-occurring disorders treatment.
9.5 million adults have both a substance abuse disorder (SUD) and a mental illness.
Though there are some who are able to control their use of drugs or alcohol on their own, the majority of people require assistance from a mental health professional.
Symptoms
The symptoms of substance use disorder often vary depending on the individual. However, many people with substance use disorder experience a loss of control.
In some cases, this means that an individual is no longer able to manage their intake of drugs or alcohol. In other cases, it can mean that a person struggles to limit how much they drink or use each day. Substance use disorder may also lead to the development of compulsive behaviors around drugs or alcohol.
People who develop symptoms of substance use disorder may also experience physical symptoms. These symptoms are often related to an individual’s tolerance for the drug or alcohol, as well as their body’s attempts to break down and process the substances.
The most common symptoms of substance use disorder fall into three categories and include the following:
- Craving or a strong desire to use drugs or alcohol
- Inability to control drug or alcohol intake
- Preoccupation with the substance
- Using drugs or alcohol in spite of negative consequences
- Withdrawal symptoms when a person doesn’t have access to their substance of choice
- Substance use that interferes with a person’s daily activities
- Limited social, occupational, or recreational activities
Behavioral symptoms:
- Decreased performance at work or school
- Secretive
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in personality or mood
- Periods of hyperactivity
- Lacking motivation
- Feeling anxious or depressed
Physical symptoms:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Changes in weight
- Deteriorating physical appearance
- Poor hygiene
- Slurred speech or impaired coordination
Social symptoms:
- Changes in friends
- Financial problems
- Legal problems
- Strained relationships with friends, family, or significant other
Causes
Substance use disorder is caused by a wide range of factors that vary from person to person. These factors often combine for some individuals, which increases the risk for substance abuse.
Some of the reasons people develop substance use disorder include the following:
Genetic factors
Substance use disorder does seem to run in families, so there is evidence that genetics may play a role.
Environment and peer pressure
Substance abuse is more common among people who live in poverty or work blue-collar jobs. Substance abuse can often be attributed to the environment in which a person is raised, as well as the types of friends they have.
Underlying mental health conditions or personality traits
Substance abuse can often worsen symptoms of other psychological disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. In addition, people who have strong personality traits such as impulsivity and being an extrovert are also more likely to develop substance use disorder. Substance abuse can also be related to traumatic experiences or medical conditions.
Though substance use disorder can affect anyone, there are some populations that tend to develop the condition more often.
- Individuals who have experienced childhood trauma or abuse are more likely to struggle with substance use disorders.
- Individuals who work in certain occupations may also be at a higher risk of developing substance use disorder. For example, individuals who work as first responders or law enforcement agents have been found to have a higher rate of opioid abuse than those who do not hold similar jobs.
- Individuals who have a mental health diagnosis, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
- Individuals with a family history of substance use disorder are also more likely to develop the condition.
Risks
There are many risks associated with substance use disorder. These risks can be categorized into two groups – short-term risks and long-term risks.
Short-term risks of substance use disorder:
- Weight gain or loss
- Increased risk of overdose
- Accidents and injury
- Violence
- Legal issues
- Financial issues
- Loss of livelihood
Long-term risks substance use disorder:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Liver disease
- Cancer
- Respiratory diseases, such as lung infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Nerve damage (neuropathy) in the hands and feet
- Seizures
- Mental health problems, including depression or suicidal thoughts.
Treatment
There are several ways to approach substance use disorder treatment. A mental health professional will be able to recommend the best approach for your individual needs after the initial consultation.
Substance use disorder treatment centers may offer specialized services, so it’s important to consider your needs before applying.
Some facilities, like Amend Treatment, offer residential treatment for people with co-occurring disorders involving substance use while others offer more intensive treatment for people who need help during the detoxification period.
Some of the more common types of treatment include the following:
- Detoxification is often the first step for people who are addicted to a substance. During this process, an individual safely removes the substance from their body using replacements, such as methadone or buprenorphine. After detoxification, an individual will typically be placed on a long-term drug replacement therapy plan in order to prevent physical withdrawal symptoms.
- Inpatient Treatment is another form of substance use disorder treatment. During this time, an individual will live at a facility and receive 24-hour care from medical professionals. This type of facility is ideal for people who are struggling with severe substance use disorder. Facilities
- Outpatient Treatment allows individuals who struggle with addiction or alcoholism to be admitted into a facility but attend classes during the day before returning home. Substance abuse outpatient treatment is often used for people who need to maintain their daily responsibilities while receiving help for substance use disorder.
- Teleconferencing Services are available to individuals who need help with substance use disorder from the comfort of their own homes. Substance abuse counselors can offer support to people in various types of settings, including online.
- Group Therapy is a form of substance use disorder treatment where an individual meets with others in order to discuss the challenges they face and how to overcome them through positive reinforcement and motivation. These types of groups are often led by trained professionals and included during inpatient treatment.
- Individual Therapy is when an individual meets with a therapist in order to discuss the challenges they face. Substance use disorder treatment will typically involve aspects of both group and individual therapy in order to address any underlying mental health conditions that may be related to the substance abuse.
- Supportive Housing is a form of substance use disorder treatment in which an individual who has begun their recovery period will live in a residence with others who are working on similar goals. Substance use disorder is often accompanied by mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, so supportive housing is helpful for individuals who need to maintain sobriety while living in a safe environment.
- Support Groups are a form of substance use disorder treatment that allows individuals who are in early recovery to meet with others who are working towards similar goals. These groups often take place during outpatient treatment and can be led by professionals or people who have successfully completed the program themselves.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment at Amend Treatment
Are you ready to get sober in a safe, supportive environment?
Amend Treatment offers residential treatment, teletherapy, and aftercare for people experiencing symptoms of co-occurring disorders involving substances use.
We understand how difficult it can be to experience the symptoms of substance use disorder. Our team is ready to guide you on your journey toward sobriety using evidence-based therapies in a safe, substance-free environment.
Contact Amend Treatment to learn more about substance use disorder treatment.
