Substance use disorder, or SUD, is a chronic disease characterized by frequent and repeated use of substances that can lead to tolerance, dependence, or addiction. People who have SUD may not be able to stop using alcohol or drugs even if they want to.
Substance use disorder is an umbrella term for a group of behavioral health conditions that can lead to serious physical or mental health problems. It’s also known as addiction or dependence.It affects your brain, which controls your body’s functions and how you feel. When you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, you might start using them more often and in larger amounts than before. This can lead to psychological and even physical changes, including:
- A tolerance for the drug
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Using other drugs and alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms
Seek Professional Help For Better Results
- If you’re concerned that your substance use is causing problems in your life, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. If you’re concerned about someone else’s substance use, the best thing you can do is talk with them about it and encourage them to get help.
- If you’re using more than usual, if you’re having trouble quitting or cutting back on your drinking or drug use, if your friends and family are concerned about your drinking or drug use, or if you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), it’s time to seek help from addiction.
Recovery Starts Within
Substance abusers may find it challenging to admit that they have a problem, but once that is done, they can call the addiction hotline and get the right assistance. You can call the helpline for free anytime and share your concerns and addiction challenges. You can also call if you’re worried about someone else’s drug or alcohol use.
The people who answer the phone are trained to help you understand what’s going on with your addiction and how to get help. Substance abuse hotlines offer support and resources to people who are struggling with serious addiction. They can help you find the treatment options that are right for you, even if they aren’t covered by insurance.
How To Properly Treat Substance Abuse Or Addiction
There are many different treatments for substance abuse or addiction. The best course of action will vary from person to person, and it’s important to consult with a professional about your options. Here are some of the well-known treatment options for substance abuse:
- Inpatient treatment: This is when you live in a treatment facility for an extended period of time (usually 30 days or more) and receive 24/7 care from medical professionals.
- Outpatient treatment: This is when you visit a treatment facility on a regular basis without staying overnight. You’ll meet with trained experts and doctors during these sessions and they will teach you how to win from your addiction battle.
- Detoxification: Detoxification involves going through withdrawal symptoms while under medical supervision so that they won’t be fatal in any way (such as seizures).
