Substance use disorder is a severe mental health condition that can impact one’s personal, professional and social life. For some individuals, it may become a chronic issue that cannot be overcome without outside help. Learning about the signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder, its causes, and potential treatments can provide essential insights into effectively managing this disabling illness.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what constitutes substance abuse disorder, explain its risk factors and effects on mental health functioning and outline clinically proven ways to successfully recover from this form of addiction with the help of inpatient and outpatient rehab Los Angeles.
Table of Contents
What is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder is known as a mental health condition involving the compulsive and frequent use of drugs or alcohol, leading to negative consequences. While addiction can disrupt many aspects of one’s life, it is often characterized by destructive patterns of abuse and dependence on the substance in question.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) specifies nine criteria for identifying substance use disorder. These symptoms can range from a strong urge to take the substance to withdrawal symptoms when unable to do so. Others include neglecting responsibilities to get high, continuing to use despite negative consequences, and needing more significant amounts of the substance to achieve the same effects.
Co-Occurring Mental Disorders
Substance use disorder is often associated with other mental health disorders, for example, anxiety and depression.
Sometimes, a person’s pre-existing mental illness may increase their risk of developing an addiction issue. This phenomenon is known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder.
How Common Is Substance Use Disorder?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that an estimated 21.7 million people aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder in 2018. Of those, 7.5 million had an alcohol use disorder, and 8.1 million had a drug use disorder.
Signs And Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
The following are common signs and symptoms of substance use disorder:
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home.
• Difficulty managing finances due to spending money on drugs or alcohol.
• Taking risks when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Increased tolerance for the drug, requiring more significant amounts to achieve the same effects.
• Withdrawal symptoms when unable to obtain or use substances.
• Isolation from family and friends.
• Legal troubles due to drug-related activities.
Remember, not all these signs and symptoms indicate a severe substance use disorder, but they can gradually lead to one if the proper treatment isn’t applied on time.
Common Risk Factors That Contribute To Substance Use Disorder And Other Mental Disorders
The threat of developing a substance use disorder increases with certain conditions. These can include genetic susceptibility, social influences, and environmental factors.
Genetic Susceptibility
In many cases, a person’s genetic makeup can play a role in developing an addiction. Research has shown that certain genetic variations make individuals more susceptible to substance use disorder.
Social Influences
Exposure to drug or alcohol use at an early age is associated with higher addiction rates in adolescence and adulthood. Additionally, living in environments where substance use is the norm can increase one’s risk of developing a substance use disorder.
Environmental Factors
Certain environmental conditions, such as poverty or trauma exposure, may also be associated with greater vulnerability to developing an addiction.
Additionally, research has found that people who experience chronic stress are at higher risk for engaging in self-medicating behaviors such as drug use.
How To Overcome Substance Use Disorder
Treating substance use disorder can be a long and challenging journey, but it can lead to healthier and more fulfilling lives.
The first step to recovery is recognizing that there is an issue and seeking professional help.
A qualified mental health care provider or addiction specialist should be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and the best course of treatment.
Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab Los Angeles
Inpatient rehab involves staying in a residential facility for an extended period, where intense supervision and therapeutic interventions are provided. This is often recommended for individuals with severe addictions or multiple co-occurring mental health disorders.
Outpatient rehab allows individuals to receive treatment while living at home and attending regular therapy sessions. This type of rehab is often recommended for milder addictions or those unable to commit to an inpatient program.
At Summit Estate, we provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehab Los Angeles services focusing on individualized care plans, evidence-based treatments, and holistic approaches. Our rehab treatment aims to foster long-term recovery and improved quality of life.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies are the cornerstone of treating substance use disorder and other mental health issues. The most common approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing.
These treatments can help individuals understand how their behaviors, emotions, and thoughts contribute to their addiction while teaching them skills to cope with cravings, manage stress, and navigate difficult situations.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often used to treat substance use disorders when other approaches are ineffective. This involves taking medications that reduce the urge to use drugs or alcohol and relieve withdrawal symptoms. Commonly prescribed medications include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.
How to Help a Friend or Family Member Struggling With Substance Use Disorders
Watching someone, you care about struggle with a substance use disorder can be challenging.
The best method to help is by being supportive and providing resources. Educate yourself on the risks and signs of addiction, encourage them to seek professional help, and attend counseling sessions or support groups if willing.
Related Conditions
A few substance use disorder-related conditions are:
Opioid Use Disorder
A condition characterized by recurrent opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress.
Alcohol Use Disorder
A condition characterized by recurrent alcohol use that causes significant impairment or distress.
Cannabis Use Disorder
A condition characterized by recurrent cannabis use that causes significant impairment or distress.
Stimulant Use Disorder
A condition characterized by recurrent stimulant use that causes significant impairment or distress.
These conditions are all treatable with the right approach and should not be taken lightly, as they can lead to severe consequences if left untreated.
Preventing a Relapse
Once you become dependent on a substance, you risk relapsing into an addictive pattern. Even if you’ve had treatment and haven’t used the drug in a while, if you do start using it again, it’s possible that you won’t be able to manage it this time.
Follow Your Treatment Plan
One of the most key things you can do to prevent a relapse is to follow your treatment plan. This may include taking medications as prescribed, attending therapy sessions, and participating in support groups. Doing this will help keep your recovery on track and reduce the chances of a relapse occurring.
Develop Healthy Habits
Developing healthy habits and activities to replace the ones linked to your addiction is also essential. This includes exercising, eating healthy nutrition, and engaging in social activities.
Avoid High-risk Situations
Finally, avoid high-risk situations that can lead to a relapse. This includes staying away from people who use drugs or alcohol and avoiding places you used to use.
By taking these steps, you can stay on track with your recovery and prevent a relapse from occurring.
Find Help and Support
If you or someone you know is fighting substance use disorder, getting help and support is essential. Many different resources are available, such as therapists, support groups, and treatment centers.
Additionally, seek out individuals and organizations offering additional guidance and advice. By getting the right kind of help, you can fully recover and live a healthy, productive life.
