Millions of Americans need treatment for substance abuse Treatment or substance use disorder (SUD). Effective treatments are available and help is possible. But recovery takes time, is a lifelong process and depends on many factors including the type and severity of SUD, how you treat it and what support system you have in place.
Substance abuse changes the chemical makeup of your brain and affects how you make decisions. This makes it hard to control your behavior even when you try to stop using substances. Substance use disorder develops when you take drugs or alcohol to feel good, cope with problems, or relieve pain. Substance abuse can lead to health, social and legal problems. It can also harm your family and friends. SUD is one of the leading causes of preventable illnesses and premature death in America.
People who have a drug or alcohol use disorder may have more trouble staying healthy and doing well at work, school or home. This can lead to a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable and a loss of energy. They often have a poor diet, sleep patterns and exercise routine, and can become depressed or suicidal. Their relationships with family members, friends and co-workers can change, and their lives can be disrupted.
SUD can be treated with medications or therapy. Talk therapy, called counseling or psychotherapy, helps you find healthier ways to deal with your problems and emotions. Some types of therapy are one-on-one with a therapist and others are group-based. Examples of evidence-based therapies are cognitive behavioral therapy and 12-step programs.
The most important thing in treating SUD is recognition of the problem. This can be difficult because of the stigma associated with having a problem with substance misuse and the difficulty in getting help. People who have a SUD often hide their problem because they fear being judged or do not believe they can recover. SUD can be caused by a number of factors including genetics, traumatic events and some diseases like HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B or C. It can also be a result of other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety or depression.
A healthcare provider can diagnose SUD based on your symptoms and history of substance use. They will ask you about your drug or alcohol use, and look at records from your medical provider and prescription drug monitoring program. They can also do a blood test to check your liver function and blood sugar level and order X-rays or CT scans. They will also look at your family and personal history. Many people who have a SUD have another mental health condition and may have to be treated at the same time. A trained healthcare provider can decide what treatment is right for you. They can also refer you to a specialist. This could include a psychiatrist or a psychologist. They can also recommend a support group, such as Narcotics Anonymous. They can help you stay in recovery after you leave treatment.
