Substance abuse is all around us: Binge drinking in college, smoking marijuana to get through the day, using more prescription drugs than intended to numb pain, dabbling with illicit substances like cocaine or heroin. Substance abuse looks different for everyone, but millions of people are doing it regularly.
What’s more is that a significant number of individuals become addicted. According to the latest national data available, an estimated 48.4 million people in the United States (17%) have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD). So many others are still skirting under the radar, too, struggling with a drug problem but unsure where or how to get help.
If you or a loved one is battling a substance use disorder (or a suspected one), it’s important to know that treatment is available and recovery is possible. Let’s learn more about SUDs and the different treatment options for substance use disorders.
What is a substance use disorder (SUD)?
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a health condition that is caused by repeated drug or alcohol abuse, over a period of time. While commonly referred to as “addiction,” substance use disorder is the appropriate, diagnostic term. It indicates that a person has used drugs or alcohol to the point in which their brain chemistry has changed, and their body now relies on substances to function or feel good.
A person is typically diagnosed with a substance use disorder when their drug or alcohol abuse has significantly impaired or hindered their life in some way. The changes in the brain, caused by repeated substance use, manifest as compulsive cravings, lack of control over substance abuse, and a drive to continue using, despite the negative consequences in the person’s life. They may withdraw from family and friends, develop physical side effects, disregard obligations at school or work, and put themselves in harm’s way in order to procure and use drugs—not because they want to, but because their brain and body are telling them to use.
For this reason, substance use disorders are considered chronic diseases. And as with other chronic illnesses (asthma, hypertension, etc.), recovery requires long-term attention, treatment, and care.
Common treatment options for substance use disorders
Before unpacking the different treatment approaches for substance use disorders, let’s first review the possible SUD treatment settings available to you. As you research “substance use disorder treatment,” you’ll find that there are both outpatient and inpatient facilities offering these services:
- Inpatient or residential SUD treatment is best for individuals who require a structured, highly supportive environment to begin their recovery. These are individuals struggling with moderate to severe substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and/or a history of relapse. They may also be folks who lack a supportive or safe environment at home. In residential care, clients live at the facility in which they’re receiving treatment. They benefit from round-the-clock support, a community of peers in similar shoes, and access to an array of resources to bolster their healing journey. Within this environment, they can focus fully on healing without outside distractions or triggers.
- Outpatient treatment for substance use is generally a good fit for people who have a stable living environment, a lower risk of relapse, or who are stepping down from a higher level of care. Outpatient SUD treatment programs offer more flexibility than the intensive, inpatient environments—enabling individuals to attend therapy and treatment sessions while continuing to balance work, school, or family responsibilities at home.
Once you decide which treatment setting best fits your needs, you can then explore the different substance use disorder treatment options offered by providers. (We’ve broken these down below.) However, it’s worth noting that not one, single type of treatment will work for everyone. Every individual has different needs and responses to treatments. Additionally, it’s possible that multiple types of treatment will be needed for a full recovery. Substance use disorders are complex, and therefore require different layers and approaches, which can evolve over time.
The best course of action is to speak with a treatment provider or clinical practitioner about your options. They will review your condition, symptoms, and needs with you, and develop a recommended treatment plan. This treatment plan will likely include a combination of evidence-based treatment options, such as:
- Evidence-based behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapies are considered to be a cornerstone of substance use disorder treatment. These include approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing, which all help individuals to understand the underlying causes of their substance use. Behavioral therapies also work to identify a person’s triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms when dealing with difficult emotions, symptoms, or cravings. Long-term, behavioral therapies work to reshape a user’s thought patterns, preparing them for a sustainable recovery.
Learn more about the different types of therapy here.
- Medication-assisted treatment
Sometimes, medications are also used to support SUD recovery, particularly during detox and early sobriety. This is because certain medications can help manage acute withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, or treat co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is commonly used for opioid use disorders, for example, but is most effective when combined with therapy and clinical support.
- Holistic therapy methods
The best substance use disorder treatment programs will incorporate holistic therapies into a client’s plan, helping to support the whole person and not just the addiction. Holistic practices may include mindfulness, meditation, yoga, fitness, art therapy, or experiential therapies. These approaches can help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and promote overall well-being. They are best utilized when combined with more traditional, clinical treatments like CBT.
- Lifestyle changes
Recovery begins in a treatment program, but it takes a lifelong commitment. As such, it often requires a person to make meaningful changes to their daily habits, routines, and environments. At Turnbridge, we teach individuals about the lifestyle changes required to maintain recovery long-term. These can include building a structured routine, improving sleep and nutrition, engaging in physical activity, and developing a sober support network to lean on for the long-haul. Life skills—such as communication, stress management, and relapse prevention planning—are also key to maintaining sobriety beyond treatment.
Overcoming a substance use disorder with the right treatment
“When a person is ready to seek SUD treatment, it may feel challenging to get started and to find the right approach. But, there’s a way forward for everyone. For some, medications for opioid or alcohol use disorder might work; for others, having a supportive peer—a person in recovery who can help—in their corner might make a world of difference; or perhaps mutual-support meetings or trust in religious faith are the recipe for success. Often treatment and recovery include a combination of these approaches, and each individual finds their own path.” – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
Substance use disorder treatment is not one-size-fits-all; it’s important to find a program and approach that really resonates with you. Speaking to a treatment professional, or even your primary care provider to start, will help you understand exactly what you need from an SUD treatment center.
When you feel ready to get started, know that Turnbridge is available to talk. Turnbridge is a recognized substance abuse and mental health treatment center specializing in the unique experiences of teens and young adults. With both inpatient and outpatient programs available, as well as a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches in our toolkit, we develop personalized treatment plans for every client that walks through our doors. We are here for you.
Call 877-581-1793 today to learn about our treatment programs and services.