What is Substance Use Disorder?

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a treatable, chronic mental health condition that involves problematic use of substances. A person with SUD may have an overpowering desire to use, increased tolerance to the substances they are using, and withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the substance.

Common addictive substances include:

Alcohol

Marijuana

Methamphetamines

Benzodiazepines

Cocaine

Opioids

_{“Substance Use Disorder (SUD): Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 10 September 2024.}

What are the symptoms?

The likelihood of a person developing SUD, as well as their symptoms, vary from person to person and depend on multiple factors, including which substances they are using and how they are using them.

Individuals struggling with SUD may experience:

Taking a prescription longer or in larger doses than prescribed

Spending a lot of time obtaining or recovering from use of a substance

Having a strong desire to use

Continuing to use despite ongoing challenges or side effects

Being unable to cut down or control substance use

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms

Friends and family may notice:

Issues fulfilling work or school obligations

Engaging in risky behaviors

Loss of interest in social activities

Secretive behaviors

Loss of appetite

Loss of interest in personal care

Sudden changes in mood or behavior

Hostility or denial when confronted about substance use

Confusion

_{“Psychiatry.org - What Is a Substance Use Disorder?” American Psychiatric Association. Accessed 10 September 2024.}

What are the treatments?

Treatments for SUD are highly individualized, but often require continuing support – as SUD is considered a chronic condition. Since people with SUD often have co-occurring mental health conditions, many professionals treat them together.

Common therapies include:

Detoxification

1:1 and Group Talk Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Step 1

Detox

Over the course of a week or more, the client will work with an inpatient or outpatient detox facility to get sober. Steps will be taken to encourage abstinence while the person recovers from any withdrawal symptoms.

Step 2

Treatment

Once sobriety has been achieved, the person will be transferred to a recovery program, like Rotary, where they can process what has happened, learn to maintain healthier habits, and set goals for their future.

Step 3

Support

Once a person reaches the point where their recovery can be self-directed, they graduate their recovery program. Some recovery treatment centers also offer ongoing support to help prevent relapse.

Partial Hospitalization

Partial Hospitalization Programs are for those who need extended daily treatment, but may not need 24/7 medically managed care. Services include therapy, recovery workshops, and educational seminars.

Intensive Outpatient

Intensive Outpatient recovery fits best for people who wish to step down from residential services or step up from general outpatient. This program offers group and 1:1 therapy services that help patients build recovery skills.

General Outpatient

For clients ready to transition to a less intensive level of care, General Outpatient programs help you reinforce and maintain skills for a substance-free lifestyle with high-quality counseling on a more flexible schedule.

What is addiction?