Substance Use Disorder SUD: Symptoms & Treatment

(stigma alert) A reference to a urine test that is positive for substance use. This term is viewed as stigmatizing because of its pejorative connotation. Instead, it is recommended to use proper medical terminology such as an individual having positive test results or currently to exhibit symptoms of substance use disorder. (stigma alert) A reference to a state of a person being abstinent from drugs of misuse. It may also be used in describing urine test results that are not positive for substance use. A mutual-help organization or peer support group for people who have been affected by a loved one’s alcohol use disorder.

An interdisciplinary field that integrates knowledge across disciplines to study the behavioral and social aspects of medical conditions and illness. Sometimes it can be easier to confront someone about their behavior when there’s a professional involved, like a therapist or an interventionist. At Footprints to Recovery, we can make recommendations for local professionals who may be able to help you speak with your loved one about their addiction. Now that you have a better idea of how to approach a conversation with your loved one about their addiction, you can feel more prepared and confident. It’s okay to feel anxious, and it’s okay for your loved one to know you feel this way.

Online Therapy: Is it Right for You?

Many who have been rehabilitated are reunited with their families and able to resume healthy daily routines. Assists employers and union representatives with policy development, drug testing, employee assistance, employee education, supervisor training, and program implementation. An alcoholic may be anxious and concerned that there will be limitations placed on how much alcohol is available in any given situation or period of time. Even in the face of wanting to stop or reduce their drug use, the person cannot do so. It’s full of tools, exercises and practical information that you can apply immediately.SMART is a non-profit organization. All proceeds go to support our fight against the addiction epidemic in America.

Experiencing feelings of fear, worry and anger are understandable and normal for someone on the sidelines trying to support a loved one. As with any other chronic illness, the more informed you are the better you will be able to support them. If you think it’s important to have someone involved but worry that it may create a problem during the intervention, consider having that person write a short letter that someone else can read at the intervention.

What is the treatment for substance use disorder?

Primary care clinicians need to be familiar with available treatment resources for their
patients who have diagnosed substance abuse or dependence disorders. The various treatment programs available across the country reflect the diverse nature of substance use disorders. When setting out on your treatment journey, it’s important to begin the process with realistic expectations. Addiction alters the chemistry of the brain, causing drastic changes the longer someone uses a substance.

• Treatment in the early stages of a substance use disorder is likely to be less intense, less disruptive, and cause less anxiety.
• Seek professional help on how to approach your loved one about their substance use so they can get the proper treatment.
• Important differences in language persist between public and private
  sector programs and, to a lesser extent, in treatment efforts originally developed
  and targeted to persons with alcohol- as opposed to illicit drug-related problems.
• If you are stressed out due to their issues, in addition to your own, it creates resentment and strain.
• While these are not definitive signs, if they are accompanied by secretiveness or defensiveness, they could provide helpful clues as to whether something is wrong.
• Find information on locating practitioners and treatment programs authorized to treat addiction and dependence on opioids, such as heroin or prescription pain relievers, at SAMSHA.gov.

By taking care of yourself through exercising, getting plenty of sleep, socializing and getting support, you may be better able to help your loved one when they are ready to accept the help. Continue to hold them accountable to expectations and offer help to direct them to the treatment they need. Don’t expect addicts to keep promises, they are not able to do so while in the process of their disease. If you need assistance with financial issues or legal issues it may be helpful to talk to attorney providers that are covered. There are organizations that provide services on a sliding scale fee and you can often find those by calling your local Mental Health Agency or United Way. In some cases, your loved one with an addiction may refuse the treatment plan.

We offer counseling and other therapy options, like:

There are many well-known brands of benzodiazepines, including Xanax, Diazepam, Valium, and Klonopin. Some people have legitimate prescriptions but may have used deceptive means to get them from more than one doctor. Currently, doctors do not have the benefit of a national database that stores information on a client’s active prescriptions. The illegal circulation of benzodiazepines does not only happen on the street, it also happens sober house when those holding a prescription (who may not have an abuse problem) share these drugs with others. Unfortunately, public perception of alcohol may be that since it is legal, it is not a drug, but it is, and a lethal one at that. The history of alcohol and the Prohibition (1919 – 1933) lay bare that this drug is legal mainly because of its popularity and commercial profitability, not because of its widespread acceptance.

Try to understand how substance misuse became a routine part of their life and ask how you can best support them. It’s natural to get frustrated with your loved one when you see them doing something that’s harmful to their health. For your own well-being, you may occasionally need to limit your contact if that person is actively using substances or alcohol. It not only affects the person who is suffering, but everyone close to them.