Substance abuse Treatment or substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical and psychological treatment for people who are dependent on alcohol and/or drugs. Dependency is a chronic condition that affects the brain's reward and motivation centers, and can cause problems with memory and learning. People with SUD often seek substances to feel good and escape from problems. They often build up a tolerance to drugs or alcohol and need higher amounts to feel the same effect, which increases their risk of overdose and death. SUD also causes a variety of other behavioral and emotional problems.
SUD can be difficult to diagnose and treat because it's a complex problem, and many different things can cause it. For example, a person may use substances to self-medicate for depression or anxiety, or because of social pressure or curiosity. Some people with SUD develop addictions to behaviors, such as gambling (gambling disorder).
During treatment, a patient will receive support and guidance from a trained therapist or counselor. The treatment plan will include the goal of breaking the addiction cycle. It will be customized to the person, taking into consideration their history, goals and needs. Treatment can be inpatient or outpatient and may involve a combination of different therapies.
There are a number of treatments for drug addiction, including individual and group therapy, family therapy and psychoeducation. Talk therapy, or counseling, is usually the first step in treatment. It is a type of psychotherapy that involves meeting with a therapist one-on-one for an extended period of time to talk about the issues that are causing the drug abuse. Some types of talk therapy include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family systems therapy.
Other forms of drug rehab include residential treatment, medication management and peer support. Medications that are used to treat SUD include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and opioids. When someone has a prescription for these medications, they should always take them exactly as prescribed and not share them with others. When these medications are no longer needed, they can be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
A person's risk for developing a drug use disorder increases during times of stress or change, such as divorce, loss of a job, death of a loved one or moving to a new home. People who are experiencing these challenges should try to find healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercising, meditating or learning a new hobby.
If you have a drug addiction, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment right away. Contact your primary care provider or ask for a referral to a specialist in addiction treatment. When you go to the appointment, bring a trusted friend or relative with you for support. In addition, you might consider joining a self-help support group to decrease your sense of isolation and help you stay focused on recovery. A therapist or licensed counselor can recommend a suitable group in your area. You can also search for one online.
