The sooner you seek help, the greater your chances for a long-term recovery. Talk with your health care provider or see a mental health provider, such as a doctor who specializes in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry, or a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. There are effective medications that treat opioid , alcohol , and nicotine addiction and lessen the symptoms of many other mental disorders.
Regardless of the specific type of substance a person is using, there will be similar signs and symptoms. Research also suggests that having adequate social support is important during addiction recovery. Reach out to trusted friends and family who can help you through this process. Mutual support groups and 12-step recovery groups can also be a great place to find encouragement, resources, and support. Substance use disorders should be evaluated by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed counselor specializing in drug and alcohol addictions.
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Treatment for substance use disorder can be inpatient or outpatient and is unique to each individual. Outpatient treatment is a less intensive program that usually involves fewer hours and days per week. This program serves as a follow-up treatment, designed to offer a longer-term structure to those who have completed inpatient or intensive outpatient programs. There are several levels of intensity of substance use treatment.
Treatment is available, such as medication to manage withdrawal side effects, long-term medications, counseling, and support groups. SUD is a health condition that leads to a strong desire to use a substance even though it may have adverse effects on a person’s life. People with SUD may use illegal or legal drugs, including prescription medications. Your healthcare provider should review your treatment plan regularly. This may mean you try a different type of therapy or a new medication.
Substance Use Disorder Treatments
Plus, people may need different types of treatment at different times. An initial screening may be used to detect a person’s risk for SUD. Then, it may be followed by a comprehensive evaluation and referral to an addiction specialist who can further explain the various treatment options. For some people, the well-known 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, act as a helpful addition to treatment, especially for the social support these programs offer. For most people, an outpatient treatment approach will be just as effective and much more affordable than inpatient therapy. Substance use disorder (SUD) and addictions are complex and challenging conditions.
Withdrawal management
Treatment for both mental health problems and substance use disorders may include rehabilitation, medications, support groups, and talk therapy. Even someone with a mild SUD can benefit from treatment.10 If substance abuse is affecting your life and you think you may have a SUD, then it’s time to seek help. You can call a drug addiction helpline to find treatment facilities near you, or use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s FindTreatment.gov website. However, diagnosing and treating co-occurring substance use and other mental disorders is complex, because people may have overlapping symptoms.
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Keep reading to learn more about the DSM-5-TR criteria for substance use disorders and how these conditions are diagnosed. It may help to get an independent perspective from someone you trust and who knows you well. You can start by discussing your substance use with your primary care provider.
Management of substance use disorders can be challenging mentally and physically. In some cases, continued substance use may lead to a fatal overdose. If you or a loved one are getting proper support and treatment, it’s important to note that some people may relapse, or start taking substances again after they have stopped. This is common and can feel frustrating, but it’s important to continue on with your treatment journey even if you have a few setbacks. That’s why relying on your healthcare Aetna Insurance Coverage for Drug Addiction Treatment team and having a social support system can help you immensely during your recovery.
- Every person with substance use disorder (SUD) has walked a unique path.
- It’s important to note that many inpatient rehab centers are modeled around what your insurance company will pay for — not necessarily the best treatment outcome for each person.
- Below are some common signs of drug use for specific classifications of drugs.
- Getting treatment can help prevent long-term negative health effects from SUD.
- Substance use disorder (SUD) and addictions are complex and challenging conditions.
People can speak with a primary care doctor if they experience SUD symptoms or if they are concerned about a loved one who may have an SUD. Inhalants include volatile substances that produce chemicals, which a person can inhale to produce mind-alerting effects. Stimulants are drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous system. In the United States, 1 in 7 people aged 12 years and older report having an SUD.
Some of the most common substances include alcohol, opioids and marijuana. Research has found several behavioral therapies that have promise for treating individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders. Health care providers may recommend behavioral therapies alone or in combination with medications. It is important to note that people can experience tolerance and withdrawal in the context of taking prescription drugs to treat a medical or mental health condition. This does not necessarily mean that they have a substance use disorder, however. Someone with a mental health problem and substance use disorder must treat both issues.
