Substance Abuse

Substance use disorder treatment is often long-term and may require ongoing support to maintain recovery. Their team at KAVN Health in Columbia, Maryland, offer expert support for people affected by substance use disorder. They understand how important it is for patients to have a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses their needs and goals. Call KAVN Health or schedule an in-person or telemedicine consultation online today for expert help with your substance misuse issues. Telemedicine appointments are available for patients living in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Washington, DC. 

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder, sometimes commonly called substance abuse, is characterized by the repeated use of alcohol or drugs, causing significant harm and/or distress. It’s a complex condition that alters brain function and behavior.

Substances commonly misused include:

• Alcohol
• Prescription opioids like oxycodone
• Illegal opioids (heroin)
• Stimulants (amphetamines)
• Cannabis (marijuana)

Substance use disorder’s severity ranges from mild to severe, depending on the patient’s symptoms.

What symptoms indicate someone is struggling with substance abuse?

Substance use disorder symptoms vary depending on which substance you use and your individual makeup, but common ones include:

Impaired control

You have trouble controlling substance use and often take more than you intended or continue for longer than you’d planned.

Social impairment

You continue to use the substance even though it causes problems in your social life, at work, or when engaging in recreational activities.

Risky use

You take risks while under the substance’s influence, for example, driving or engaging in unsafe sex.

Tolerance

Tolerance builds up because your body becomes used to the substance, so you need more of it to achieve an effect.

Withdrawal symptoms

You suffer from physical and psychological issues like sweating, nausea, tremors, headaches, diarrhea, and dizziness when denied the substance.

Neglecting responsibilities

Your substance use causes you to underperform at work, school, or home.

Failed attempts to quit

You’ve tried to cut down or control your substance use without success.

Continued use

You continue taking the substance despite knowing its misuse is causing physical and psychological problems.

What treatment do I need for substance use disorder?

The first step for many with SUD involves detoxification, where the KAVN Health team safely manages withdrawal symptoms as your body clears the substance.

Medications help to lessen withdrawal symptom severity and reduce cravings, making it easier to stay off the substance. Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone treat opioid use disorder, while disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone treat alcohol use disorder.

Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing help you modify thoughts and behaviors related to substance use and learn coping strategies to prevent a relapse. Family therapy is also invaluable.

The KAVN Health team encourages patient participation in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) that provide ongoing support for people in recovery.

Call KAVN Health or schedule a consultation online today if you recognize substance use disorder’s symptoms.