Substance Use Disorder : Knowing the Basics

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a condition where a person has an uncontrollable urge to use substances like alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, even when they know it’s causing harm. This intense focus on the substance can interfere with daily life, leading to problems at work, school, and in relationships.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people start using drugs for a variety of reasons, including:

• To feel good—a sense of pleasure, "high" or "intoxication."

• To feel better: reduce tension, forget troubles, or become numb.

• To do better means to improve one's performance or thinking.

• Curiosity and peer pressure, or experimentation.

  
  

SUD affects the brain, leading to changes in behavior and thinking. Over time, a person may need more of the substance to feel the same effects, a phenomenon known as tolerance.

When they stop using the substance, they might experience withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings, which can be very difficult to manage.

Symptoms of SUD can be grouped into four categories:

1. Impaired Control: Strong cravings and unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use.

2. Social Problems: Failing to fulfill responsibilities at work, school, or home due to substance use.

3. Risky Use: Using substances in dangerous situations or continuing use despite knowing the risks.

4. Drug Effects: Developing tolerance and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.

   
   

SUD often occurs alongside other mental health issues, which can either trigger or worsen the disorder.

Treatment for SUD 

1. The treatment of substance use includes a combination of 

2. Medication 

3. Therapy 

4. Support Groups like Alcohol Anonymous 

5. 
   

Let's dive into some Pyschotherapies that can help you.

• Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a type of mental health therapy that takes place in the community rather than a hospital or residential facility. ACT is quite personalized. Your treatment approach will be tailored to your individual strengths, requirements, and future goals.

  
  

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can assist you in identifying harmful patterns of behavior and thought. You'll develop goals for healthy methods to cope.

  
  

• Contingency Management: This style of therapy pushes you to establish personal goals. When you achieve a goal, you receive a reward.

  
  

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a sort of talk therapy, comparable to CBT. It's intended to help you handle strong emotions and understand how your ideas influence your actions.

• Family therapy improves relationships and behaviors within a family or group setting.

  
  

• Motivational Enhancement Therapy encourages you to develop realistic goals. A mental health professional will inspire you to take actions toward your goals.

  
  

• Therapeutic Communities (TCs) are long-term residential treatment programs that help you build new, healthier values and behaviors connected to substance use and other co-occurring mental health issues.

Source:

What is a Substance Use Disorder? By American Psychiatry Association (https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction-substance-use-disorders/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder)