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Substance abuse use disorder, is a medical condition characterized by the repetitive and harmful use of substances such as drugs or alcohol. It is considered a mental health disorder that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to significant impairment or distress in their daily life.
Substance abuse disorder is diagnosed when an individual exhibits a pattern of problematic substance use that causes significant impairment or distress, as evidenced by specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These criteria include:
1. Impaired control: The person struggles to control their substance use, often consuming larger amounts or using for a longer period than intended.
2. Social impairment: The person's substance use interferes with their social or occupational functioning. They may neglect responsibilities, experience relationship problems, or withdraw from social activities.
3. Risky use: The person continues to use substances despite being aware of the physical or psychological harm it causes. They may engage in risky behaviors while under the influence, such as driving under the influence or having unprotected sex.
4. Pharmacological criteria: The person may develop tolerance, requiring increased amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop or reduce substance use.
Substance abuse disorder can have serious consequences on a person's physical and mental health, relationships, work or school performance, and overall well-being. It may lead to a range of problems, including financial difficulties, legal issues, and physical health complications.
Treatment for substance abuse disorder typically involves a combination of therapies, such as counseling, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment, depending on the specific substance and individual needs. The goal is to help individuals achieve and maintain long-term recovery, improve their quality of life, and reduce the harm caused by substance misuse.
Substance Abuse Q & A
What is substance abuse?
Substance abuse, also called addiction, involves the persistent misuse or overuse of drugs or alcohol. Not all forms of substance abuse are exactly alike, but all types of substance abuse can benefit from individualized mental and behavioral health care.
The experts at Live Life Wellness Clinic LLC specialize in treating substance abuse related to:
- Alcohol
- Opioids
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Stimulants
Your first visit involves a comprehensive evaluation including a review of your medical history and a detailed psychiatric assessment. There can be many causes and contributing factors to substance abuse, including a traumatic past, mental health conditions, and chronic pain.
What are the signs and symptoms of substance abuse?
The experts at Live Life Wellness Clinic LLC review your symptoms as they complete your initial evaluation.
Even if you don’t recognize or acknowledge symptoms of substance abuse in yourself, you might notice them in a loved one who can benefit from treatment. Someone you love might also recognize the signs in you before you do.
Some signs and symptoms of substance abuse vary based on the substance. You might notice or experience:
- Increased impulsivity
- Cravings
- Withdrawal symptoms when you stop using
- Relationship problems revolving around substance use
- Reduced activities
- Social withdrawal
- Increasing tolerance of the substance
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Declining performance at work or in school
Substance abuse can eventually have a broad negative impact on your life, disrupting your sleep, interpersonal relationships, professional life, and other aspects. You can also get in legal trouble as a result of substance use or behaviors related to it, like getting a DUI.
Which services can help with substance abuse?
Live Life Wellness Clinic LLC offers several services to help you recover from substance abuse and reorganize your life. You might benefit from:
Recovery detox
Recovery detoxification helps you get the substance out of your system while managing any withdrawal symptoms that occur.
Counseling
Live Life Wellness Clinic LLC offers individual, group, and family counseling. In counseling, you work toward personal goals related to recovering from substance abuse and avoiding relapse.
Housing assistance
If you experience homelessness related to substance abuse, the resource assistants at Live Life Wellness Clinic LLC provide housing assistance services.
Some people benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for certain types of substance abuse.
Call Live Life Wellness Clinic LLC or schedule your initial consultation online for substance abuse treatment today.