Substance Abuse Disorders

Substance abuse disorder is a disease that that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control using a substance, whether legal or illegal. Substances can include illegal or legal drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and prescription medication. Someone suffering from substance abuse disorders will continue using the substance even though it is causing them harm.

In some cases, substance abuse disorders begin with experimental use of a recreational drug or alcohol in social situations, and for some, the consumption of the substance becomes more frequent, turning into a need for the substance. In other cases, specifically with opioids, substance abuse starts with exposure to prescribed medications, or getting the medication from a loved one who has been prescribed the medication. The risk of addiction and how fast the onset of addiction varies by substance. As substance abuse continues, you will find it more and more difficult to go without the substance. Attempts to stop using the substance may cause intense cravings and cause withdrawal symptoms, oftentimes making you feel physically sick. 

Symptoms

People with a substance abuse disorder may have distorted thinking and behaviors. Repeated substance abuse can cause changes in the way the brain functions. These changes can last a while after the immediate effects of the substance wears off. Other symptoms include feeling that you have to use the substance regularly, spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance, cravings to use the substance, and continuing to use the substance, even when it causes problems in relationships, work, school, or at home. The DSM 5 outlines all of the criteria for a substance abuse disorder. These are just a few examples. 

Seeking Help

Treatment for substance abuse disorders is available and is quite effective. The first step is recognizing that there is a problem or disease at hand. Next, a medical professional should perform an assessment of symptoms to identify if you have a substance abuse disorder. Once diagnosed, treatment usually begins. Treatment may include a mix of medications and individual or group therapy sessions. Medications are often used to help with those addicted to drugs, as they can help manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and to prevent future relapses. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help those with a substance abuse disorder better understand their behavior and motivations, develop higher self-esteem, cope with stressors, and address other psychiatric problems. 

About Us

Divinity Recovery has licensed staff and fully state of the art facilities for everything in the substance abuse disorder treatment space. We have decades of experience between our on-staff providers and therapists. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of care for every client. We pride ourselves in providing confidential, caring, and certified addiction treatment for those with a substance abuse disorder. 

If you are struggling with a substance abuse disorder, please give us a call today. Your information will stay 100% confidential. Your privacy is a priority. Please contact us if you or a loved one is battling a substance abuse disorder.