Often referred to as substance abuse, substance use disorder affects millions of Americans every year. Whether it is drugs like opioids or marijuana or alcohol, substance use disorder is dangerous and costly. Therefore, we all need to know what is SUD. First Step Center can not only educate you but has the necessary treatment programs to address nearly every kind of substance use disorder.
What is SUD?
Substance use disorder is a disease that causes individuals to be unable to control their use of alcohol, drugs, or medications. Often, professionals will use substance use disorder interchangeably with substance abuse. Essentially, the condition occurs when an individual is unable to control their use of a substance. While drugs or alcohol are frequently the most damaging substances abused when someone is suffering from SUD, they aren’t the only ones. Individuals can experience SUD with nearly any substance. Because of this, professionals need to be able to identify is someone is a candidate for substance abuse treatment. While addiction clearly makes someone a candidate, there are other signs. Knowing what SUD is means being on the lookout for potential symptoms. Thus, the National Institutes of Health developed diagnostic criteria for SUD including:
- Using in larger amounts or for longer than intended
- Wanting to cut down or stop but not being able to
- Losing time to recovering from use
- Constant cravings
- An inability to manage commitments
- Continuing to use even when it damages relationhsips
- Giving up activities to use
- Continuing to use even when doing puts an individual in danger
- Continuing to use even when it makes physical or psychological problems worse
- Increasing tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
If you or a loved one exhibits these signs regarding alcohol, drugs, or medications or prescriptions, then they are likely suffering from substance use disorder. Knowing what is SUD allows you to get the help you need or aid a loved one in doing so.
Treating Substance Use Disorder
There are a variety of treatment programs to help individuals overcome their substance abuse or addiction. At Frist Step Center, our team has the expertise to help nearly any substance use disorder. In treating SUD, our goal is to identify underlying issues and treat those issues. At the same time, we make sure individuals develop the rehabilitation program they need for their unique situations. For example, some individuals may best benefit from a residential treatment program where they work through their SUD with therapies like:
- Emotional regulation therapy
- Neurofeedback therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Nutrition therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Likewise, some individuals may best be served in an intensive outpatient program or a gender-specific program like women’s or men’s only rehabilitation.
First Step Center
Our team of compassionate, experienced professionals wants to help you or your loved one make a lasting recovery. Substance abuse doesn’t need to define you. You can get your life back on track and heal. Call First Step Center today at 866.832.6398. We can guide you along and give you the answers you need.
