Millions of people abuse alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications. Substance abuse can have devastating consequences on a person’s mental health, physical well-being, daily functioning, and more.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical diagnosis related to substance abuse. This article will explore:
- What substance use disorder is
- How to diagnose SUD
- What to expect in SUD treatment
- Where to find comprehensive SUD treatment and recovery support
If you or someone in your life needs treatment for substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical diagnosis. This condition involves abusing illicit, prescription, or legal substances, including drugs and alcohol.
Research from 2022 revealed that over 48 million people in the United States 12 and older lived with substance use disorder. People may begin using addictive substances for many reasons, including:
- Curiosity about the effects of drugs or alcohol
- Wanting to fit in with peers
- To manage mental health symptoms
- To cope with physical pain
People who abuse drugs or alcohol may develop dependence on them. Over time, repeated or heavy substance use can change how the body and brain work. These changes make it very difficult to stop using these substances.
Substance abuse can cause physical and psychological problems. It can impact a person’s social, financial, and legal well-being. Substance use can also spiral into a life-threatening addiction.
It can be challenging to overcome SUD. Most people require comprehensive treatment to stop using drugs or alcohol and ongoing support to avoid relapse.
What are the Diagnostic Criteria for SUD?
The first step in addressing substance use disorder (SUD) is to diagnose it. Mental health and medical professionals use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose SUD.
The diagnostic criteria for SUD are:
- Using larger amounts of a substance or taking it longer than prescribed
- Wanting to reduce or stop using a substance but not being able to
- Experiencing strong desires or urges to use the substance
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, and recovering from using a substance
- Falling behind in your responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Continuing to use a substance, even when it causes significant relationship problems
- Giving up social, occupational, or recreational activities due to substance use
- Continuing to use a substance even when it causes health problems or other harm
- Needing larger doses of a substance to get the desired effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using a substance
Drug and alcohol use disorders are complex conditions. People typically require treatment and support to overcome the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of substance dependence.
How to Treat Substance Use Disorder
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) offers guidance on addressing substance use disorder. All types of substance use disorder are complex conditions. It is essential to identify the risk factors for SUD, recognize SUD symptoms, and provide long-term treatment and support.
Comprehensive substance use disorder treatment includes evidence-based and holistic therapies. Here is an overview of what to expect in SUD treatment.
Assessments and screenings
People with SUD symptoms must undergo screenings and assessments to provide an accurate diagnosis. Assessments may include:
- Questions about past and current substance use
- Complete mental health and medical histories
- Family history of substance use and mental health conditions
- Lab testing
- Physical examination
Mental health and medical professionals may offer other screenings to identify physical and mental health conditions that may affect detox and treatment. Thorough assessments lead to better care plans.
Medically-supported detox
A medically-supported detox program supports a person’s mind and body during detox. Treatment plans include:
- Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support
- Holistic therapies to soothe the mind and body
These and other therapies can keep people safe throughout the detox process.
Treatment
Comprehensive treatment plans allow people to address the roots of substance use and addiction. SUD treatment plans include:
- Medication management
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other types of talk therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Creative expression, exercise, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies
People may attend inpatient or outpatient treatment programs, depending on their needs. Comprehensive treatment programs can help people understand the roots of substance abuse and learn practical ways to maintain their recoveries.
Aftercare
After completing treatment, people must continue to seek treatment and support for substance use disorder, including:
- 12-step meetings
- Sober living
- Therapy
- Support groups
- Holistic therapies
People must create and follow a practical relapse prevention plan that includes therapies, resources, and emergency support to protect their recovery after rehab.
Find SUD Treatment Now
If you or someone you love lives with substance use disorder, you are not alone. Find compassionate treatment and support at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our specialists today to learn more about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- American Psychiatric Association: What Is a Substance Use Disorder?
