As the holidays are among us and bring many reasons to celebrate, it is the perfect time to raise awareness and educate ourselves on the effects of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Drinking too much alcohol or using drugs can have a direct impact not only on an individual’s health and safety, but that of their families and communities as well.
What are substance use disorders?
Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are treatable, chronic diseases characterized by a problematic pattern of use of a substance or substances leading to impairments in health, social function, and control over substance use. It is a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite harmful consequences.
The main words used medically to describe substance abuse or dependence include the following:
Substance (drug) abuse (alcohol or other drugs)
Substance abuse is the medical term used to describe a pattern of using a substance (drug) that causes significant problems or distress. This may be missing work or school, using the substance in dangerous situations, such as driving a car or lead to problems that interfere with friendships, family relationships, or both.
Substance (drug) dependence
Substance dependence is the medical term used to describe abuse of drugs or alcohol that continues even when significant problems related to their use have developed. Signs of dependence include:
What causes substance abuse or dependence?
There are many cultural and societal factors that determine what is acceptable or allowable forms of drug or alcohol use. Public laws determine what kind of drug use is legal or illegal. The question of what type of substance use can be considered normal or acceptable remains controversial. Substance abuse and dependence are caused by multiple factors, including genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, and psychiatric problems. But any one of these factors may vary or have the biggest influence on any one person, as not every person is alike.
The good news is that no matter how severe the problem may seem, evidence-based treatment with behavioral therapies, mutual-support groups, and/or medications can help people achieve and maintain recovery.
What are the types of treatment available for substance abuse or dependence?
There are many options that have been successful in helping to treat drug and alcohol addiction, that include:
Detoxification can help in the medical treatment of an alcoholic or drug addict involving abstention from alcohol or drugs until the bloodstream is free of toxins. While this is not in itself "treatment," it is a first step in the process. Patients who follow the advice from the medical treatment team after detoxification usually have a higher success rate of remaining drug free.
Behavioral therapy or counseling can help patients modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use, increase healthy life skills, and persist with other forms of treatment. Examples of behavioral therapy are brief interventions and reinforcement approaches, treatments that build motivation and teach skills for coping and preventing relapse, and mindfulness-based therapies.
Medications and devices can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and treat co-occurring conditions.
Please note: People with severe alcohol and substance abuse problems may need medical help to avoid withdrawal if they decide to stop usage. Alcohol and drug withdrawal is a potentially life-threatening process that can occur when someone who has been using heavily for a prolonged period of time suddenly stops. Doctors can prescribe medications to address these symptoms and make the process safer and less distressing.
Mutual-support groups provide peer support for stopping or reducing alcohol and drug use. Group meetings are available in most communities, at low or no cost, at convenient times and locations—including an increasing presence online. Recovery programs based on mutual peer support, and many different behavioral therapies, involve social support and are very helpful for people struggling with addiction and maintaining sobriety.
Evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can help identify those underlying issues that could lead to the potential use of drugs and alcohol.
Long-term follow-up can also help to prevent relapse.
Patients can receive treatment in many different settings with various approaches, so it’s important to find the right fit for your recovery or that of the person you’re supporting in this process.
If you are concerned about your alcohol or substance use and would like to learn more about treatment options, please click the link to either our adult substance abuse program for outpatient care services or our medical stabilization program for inpatient services.