Substance abuse occurs when an individual is using a substance in a way that negatively impacts their life. A person with a substance use disorder relies heavily on a particular crutch, like drugs or alcohol, to the extent that it interferes with going to work or connecting with family. Addictions like this can also be detrimental to their physical or mental health.
With the support of centers like the Alvarado Parkway Institute, those who are struggling with substance addictions can get the resources and treatment they need. This article will examine the typical substance use disorder recovery process and how it works.
How Is a Substance Use Disorder Diagnosed?
Substance use disorders are defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Mental health professionals use this manual to diagnose mental health and addictive disorders.
The 2022 edition of the DSM-5 included additional disorders like stimulant-inducing cognitive disorders. Long-term use of substances can impact your nerves and the balance of chemicals in your brain, leading to additional disorders.
Some of the criteria for substance use disorder include:
- Neglecting other parts of your life due to substance use, like work or relationships.
- Taking the substance for longer than you need to (like prescription medication).
- Experiencing cravings to take the substance.
- Wanting to, but being unable to, cut down on the substance.
- Putting yourself in dangerous situations to obtain or use the substance.
If someone is experiencing some or all of these symptoms, they may have a substance abuse disorder.
How Is Substance Use Disorder Treated?
The length and type of treatment depend on the severity of an individual’s substance use disorder. If a user has an extreme addiction that impacts their mental and physical health, they will likely undergo withdrawal therapy to detox from the substance in a medically monitored environment. Healthcare professionals are on hand throughout withdrawal to help them manage the symptoms and take care of their mental and physical health.
A combination of therapies may also be recommended to help someone recover from addiction. Therapy treatments may include individual, group, or family therapy. The person may detox with inpatient treatment, then move to outpatient programs as they progress through recovery.
Medicine may also be prescribed for safely detoxing or in order to help better manage a mental health diagnosis. Every treatment plan for addiction recovery is tailored to the individual, their needs, and their struggles.
What Happens at a Residential Treatment Facility?
After receiving a diagnosis of substance use disorder, a medical professional may suggest going to a residential treatment facility. This is a form of inpatient care and means that the affected individual will stay at a residential facility once stabilized from detox. They will continue to receive support while learning about their disorder and learning healthy coping skills.
Residential treatment facilities provide 24/7 support by ensuring medical and mental health professionals are available at all times. Patients participate in group and individual therapy sessions then gradually transition to outpatient treatment, moving further through the recovery process and into wellness.
What Is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment might be recommended for either mild addiction treatment early on, or later in a more severe addiction recovery treatment plan. Outpatient treatment means an individual goes home each day, but attends programs during the day, 3-5 days a week depending on the level of care needed.
How Are Healthier Alternatives To Substances Discovered?
Part of an individual’s wellness journey and substance use disorder recovery is reconnecting with the activities they enjoyed before their addiction. Patients may also be exposed to new and healthier alternatives to substances for the first time.
Part of many addiction recovery programs include classes in stress management and trigger identification to help patients identify what leads them to rely on substances. Once these triggers are identified, individuals can learn how to better manage their triggers and find healthier solutions to cope.
Healthier alternatives may include exercise, meditation, or creative outlets like art or music. These activities all release mood-boosting hormones in ways that are more beneficial to the human body than taking substances.
How Do You Get Support For Substance Use Disorders?
In addition to substance recovery treatment, residential facilities can help patients create a support network of individuals who understand them and their addiction. Individuals who are battling addictions should always contact friends and family and lean on their support networks whenever possible. While family relationships can sometimes be complex, attending family therapy may form a key part of someone’s journey to wellness.
How To Focus On Mental And Physical Health
Part of an individual’s addiction recovery includes improving their mental and physical health. Therapy sessions with a trained professional can help them work through and identify additional mental health conditions that might have triggered an addiction. Exercise can also help with boosting mental and physical health. By taking care of both their body and mind, individuals who are recovering from addiction can address all the symptoms associated with their addiction and truly heal.
How Can You Find A Substance Use Disorder Counselor?
Talking to one of the substance use disorder counselors at Alvarado Parkway Institute can help you or your loved seek diagnosis and treatment for substance use. Our approachable and friendly team will discuss the process and help you decide if an addiction recovery program could help you.
How To Begin Substance Use Disorder Recovery
Once you have reached out to a recovery center like Alvarado Parkway Institute, you can begin your journey to wellness. Our expert team of medical and mental health professionals will work to diagnose your substance use disorder and its level of severity, and then help you get the support you need to detox and work through an addiction recovery plan safely.
Do you or a loved one need support for substance use disorder? Contact our team at 619-333-7050 for information on addiction recovery today.
