Hello, and welcome to my blog! This is my first one, and I’m so glad you’re here. I aim to provide content regularly that should enhance our discussion in sessions. Or you may be stopping by to learn more about Substance Use Disorder—either way – welcome. I am grateful to anyone who wants to increase their knowledge base on this subject, as it dispels myths and decreases stigma and bias towards this debilitating disease. Did I say disease? Yes, I did…recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in 1952 (but more on that later). For now, I want to share with you some of what I’ve picked up along the way, a sort of backstage on how we approach treatment as we constantly search for what’s helpful to people. There is much to learn, and the more we know about a thing, the less intimidating it is. The more details we string together about addiction, the more options we have for dealing with it.
This first blog starts with what we clinicians call “Addiction Education.” It attempts to settle the facts on what addiction is, how it’s diagnosed and what you can do about it. Let’s get started right from the very beginning….
What is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a pattern of repeated use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances that has a measurable, significant negative impact on your mental and physical health and your quality of daily living. Usually, there is no one cause for its onset, but we do know it’s hereditary and can get directly passed down or even skip generations and get passed down. It can also be caused by trauma or depression, or anxiety as people look for relief from feelings or situations that sometimes feel overwhelming. Unfortunately, chasing the “good feeling” too often robs us of the varied feelings we need as humans to mature naturally. It also uses too much dopamine (a natural feel-good chemical in the brain), resulting in increased prolonged sadness or depression between episodes of substance use. People with SUD may feel urges to use that are not easy to control, leaving the individual compromised and feeling defenseless despite knowing the negative impacts to come. Over the years, people have repeatedly explained a feeling of powerlessness and compulsive urges to use despite the consequences. Sometimes, use can lead to overdose and death. Almost 6000 New Yorkers died of drug overdoses alone in 2021. That’s not counting alcohol and lifestyle-related deaths. In the U.S., about 22 million people have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 5 million have an opioid use disorder (OUD), and around 2 million individuals simultaneously have both OUD and AUD. Addiction is widely accepted in the medical community as a chronic disease. But people recover all the time! If you think you might be at risk for SUD, learn as much as possible about it and keep tuning in to our little blog here. There’s help available, so keep reading.
How is Substance Use Disorder diagnosed?
There are many symptoms clinicians look for when diagnosing SUD. People with SUD may experience persistent cravings or an intense urge to use. They may also find that they need more and more of their substance to achieve the same effects. The person may also experience withdrawal symptoms when not using their drug of choice. They might experience a sense of worthlessness due to their substance use or depression, anxiety, or other painful emotions. They could also have ongoing problems with interpersonal relationships, family life, work, school, and health. The common denominator always seems to come back to drugs or alcohol. A mental health professional, like a social worker or psychologist, makes a substance use disorder diagnosis. They will ask you how you use substances and if they impact your life. Additionally, they may evaluate if you are experiencing any other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety.
Effects of Substance Use Disorders
We know addiction is a progressive illness, meaning that as long as someone is using, the disease and its consequences are highly likely to increase in severity and frequency. Active using can lead to losing friendships, jobs, and physical illnesses, among other things. Too much substance use can create a host of adverse effects. For example, people who abuse alcohol may experience: * Worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety * Social withdrawal and isolation * Problems with memory and thinking skills * A distorted sense of time and self-awareness * Difficulty sleeping or staying awake inordinately long periods * Poor judgment and decision-making skills * Physical symptoms such as tremors, impaired motor control, slurred speech, heart palpitations, slowed breathing, and sometimes seizures. If a person is physically dependent on alcohol or benzodiazepines, i.e., Xanax, and stops using the substance suddenly, they may die from a seizure, stroke, or heart failure. Never try to detox yourself without contacting a professional like a Social Worker, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Detox Center, and don’t forget about 911.
Treatments for Substance Use Disorders
Many treatment options for substance use disorder range from attending a program to self-help groups to talking with a therapist. These can include inpatient treatment consisting of detox to safely and medically remove the substance from the body while being monitored by healthcare workers familiar with the process. Another example is inpatient rehab as a way to stay in a facility ranging from a few days to a year to escape the use cycle, learn about addiction recovery and stop the daily consequences. Additionally, outpatient treatment consists of group therapy online or in a facility at various times per week. Suppose someone is physically dependent on opioids; an opioid treatment center can increase engagement with recovery by visiting a center to receive medications like Methadone or Suboxone. There are peer-led groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Smart Recovery. Or maybe you want someone to talk to who specializes in addiction, like a therapist. Deciding can be overwhelming, and if you or a loved one is considering it and you live anywhere in New York State, call me – I can help you navigate and take all the heavy lifting off your back. It’s wise to have a guide who is familiar with the system and will help you with whatever you decide to do.
Conclusion
As Andy said in Shawshank Redemption, “and if you’ve come this far, maybe you’re willing to come a little further.” Keep learning. Make the call if you have questions. Substance use disorder is a pressing issue in the United States. The consequences of substance use disorder can be severe, not just for the individual but for society at large. But there is hope. There is hope that treatment can help individuals reduce their symptoms’ severity and improve health. I have years of experience – I love the conversations and employ a relatable, easy-going, engaging, eclectic Humanistic style backed by Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. There are many options, and having a safe space in the world to speak freely is vital. Over the years, I have cultivated a rich referral base for appropriate ancillary services ranging from Inpatient Detox to Inpatient Rehab to Outpatient Group Therapy to Psychiatric Addiction Medicine. Call now and remember – the best time to change was yesterday, but the second best time……is right now.
I can speak via Zoom, phone, or email if you have further questions.
Call or text 646-504-6212 for a free 15-minute consultation.
