Road to Recovery: Getting Help with Substance Abuse
Addiction can feel isolating and overwhelming, but treatment is available. Learn about what factors to consider when getting help with substance abuse.
why is it important to get help with substance abuse?
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a serious condition in which people keep using drugs or alcohol even though it affects them. It can affect their bodies, minds, relationships, and quality of life. It’s important to notice the early signs of SUD to deal with the problem and stop it from worsening. SUD symptoms include mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, neglecting responsibilities, money issues, health issues, and feeling sick when trying to quit. Getting help with substance use disorder is very important to reduce the negative effects of SUD and help people heal.1
Insight Into The Risk Factors of SUD
Gaining insight into the risk factors that may contribute to the onset of SUD is vital. These risk factors can differ from one person to another. Some things can make it more likely for someone to have problems with drugs or alcohol.
These might include genes that make a person more likely to have substance issues, traumatic childhood experiences, ongoing familial neglect or tumultuous relationships, mental health challenges, pressure from friends, the availability of drugs or alcohol, and other personal or socioeconomic factors.
Knowing about these risk factors can help us spot problems early and get help to prevent things from getting worse. Getting help with substance abuse as soon as possible is important to stop it from worsening.
Signs and Symptoms of SUD
Physical Changes
SUD can cause noticeable physical changes in individuals. These may include changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and physical health. A sudden loss of appetite or weight, poor hygiene, or sleep disturbances can also result from substance use disorder.
Behavioral Changes
Substance use disorder can cause behavioral changes that can often be alarming to others. Individuals experiencing addiction may become more secretive, withdraw from social activities, and neglect their work, school, and home duties. It’s important to notice these changes and take action to offer help with substance abuse. It can make a big difference in supporting people as they improve.
Emotional Changes
SUD can also impact an individual’s emotional well-being. Mood swings, irritability, and changes in motivation can be noticeable. For example, sudden mood swings or unexplained irritability, loss of interest or motivation in previously enjoyed activities, and changes in emotional stability or regulation often stem from substance misuse.
It’s crucial to remember that SUD’s signs and symptoms can vary from individual to individual. Not everyone may exhibit all these signs, especially when seeking help with substance abuse.
Risk Factors for Developing SUD
Substance use disorder (SUD) can occur when certain factors increase addiction risk. To prevent substance abuse, it is crucial to understand what factors can increase the likelihood of addiction.
Interventions and prevention strategies can help with substance use disorders and improve well-being. Some common risk factors for developing SUD include:3
Genetic Factors
Genetics can contribute to developing substance use disorder. People with a history of drug abuse in their family may be more likely to have SUD. Some genes affect how our bodies process drugs and alcohol, how our brains react to them, and how we feel about using or quitting.
Understanding how genes affect substance use disorder is important because it can help individuals with biological predispositions toward SUD take precautions with substance use and make informed decisions for themselves. These cautionary steps can include talking to a genetic counselor, getting personalized treatment plans, and considering our familial history with addiction. These strategies can help prevent, treat, and support recovery from substance abuse.
Environmental Factors
Substance use disorder is more likely to happen if you grow up where drug use is common, if you were abused or hurt as a child, or if you are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Stress, peer pressure, and not having healthy role models and coping mechanisms can all increase the risk of SUD.
Access to help with substance abuse, like supportive resources and interventions, can help reduce these risks and help people get better.
Mental Health Conditions
Sometimes, people who have mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety might turn to substances or alcohol to cope. It can make it more likely for them to have a substance use disorder, which is a problem with drugs or alcohol. It’s important to understand that mental health and substance abuse are connected. When people suffer from mental health conditions and substance use disorder simultaneously, this is known as a co-occurring disorder.
This is why trauma-informed care and dual diagnosis is so crucial to sustainable recovery. Recognizing this connection and providing appropriate help with substance use and the root of the problem – mental health challenges – can help to not just treat the symptoms, but pave the way for lasting wellness.
Personal Factors
Person factors and traits can also increase the risk of substance use disorder. These include impulsivity, low self-esteem, lack of self-control, and risk-taking. Many of these factors are heavily influenced by upbringing and past experiences, and can be addressed and overcome through therapy. Therapists can help with substance abuse as counselors can help individuals to develop high self-worth, healthy coping strategies, and provide them the support necessary for overcoming SUD.
Social Factors
Social factors, such as peer pressure and societal perception, can also contribute to the development of substance use disorder.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can be a significant risk factor for developing a substance use disorder. Impressionable individuals – particularly younger people, such as college students – are particularly vulnerable to peer influence, and may engage in drug or alcohol use as a result of wanting to fit in with their peers or make social connections.
Societal Perception of Substance Use Disorder
Social stigma can have a powerful impact on individuals, and can often lead to the development of substance use disorder. The fear of judgement or rejection from others creates an environment where people are more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. This cycle is difficult to break, as the associated shame and guilt further perpetuates the problem.
Further, societal stigma surrounding SUD can be a major barrier to seeking treatment and support, which can lead to more serious health complications if untreated. It is important that we create an environment of acceptance and understanding so individuals feel comfortable accessing the help they need. It is crucial that we approach substance use disorder from a place of compassion and education, wherein we recognize that addiction is a disease and encourage individuals struggling with it to seek the help they need and deserve.
Get Help With Substance Abuse: What Treatment Options are Available?
For those seeking help with substance abuse, numerous treatment options are available. The appropriate course of action may vary depending on the substance use disorder (SUD) severity, the substance being misused, and the individual’s unique needs and circumstances. When obtaining help with substance abuse, diverse avenues exist to find the most effective treatment approach.
Some common treatment options to help with substance abuse will be detailed below.4
Detoxification (Detox)
Detoxification is often the first step in treating SUD. It involves clearing the body of the substance of abuse under medical supervision.
Detoxification can be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting and may include medical and psychological support to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure the safety and comfort of the individual.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Inpatient rehabilitation, or residential treatment, involves staying in a specialized facility where individuals receive round-the-clock care and support.
Inpatient rehabilitation includes individual and group therapy, counseling, and other evidence-based therapies. It provides a structured environment away from triggers and substance access, which can benefit individuals with severe SUD or co-occurring mental health disorders.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Those looking to overcome SUD can get help in outpatient rehab while living at home and fulfilling their normal obligations. Outpatient rehab includes regular therapy, counseling, and support groups without having to stay in a treatment center.
This treatment is usually for people with mild to moderate drug problems and stable, supportive homes. It’s good for people who don’t need to stay in a treatment center but want help quitting drugs while learning the tools and techniques to help alleviate risk of relapse.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves using medications combined with therapy and counseling to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and promote recovery. MAT is commonly used for opioid and alcohol addiction and may include medications such as buprenorphine or naltrexone, depending on the individual’s needs and the type of substance being abused.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavior therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing, are often used to treat SUD.
These therapies try to find and address the underlying problems that lead to substance misuse. They also help people learn how to deal with stress and change bad habits and ways of thinking.
Aftercare and Support
Aftercare and ongoing support are crucial to recovery. Rrhis may include continued therapy, counseling, support groups, and prevention strategies to help individuals maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse.
Seeking guidance from a qualified healthcare professional is crucial to determining the most suitable treatment option for an individual’s unique needs and circumstances, especially when seeking help with substance abuse.
Rise Above Treatment: A Resource for Support and Help with Substance Abuse
At Rise Above Treatment, we know that you are greater than the sum of your challenges. We know that each individual who comes to us for support is capable of healing and of leading the healthy, happy, and fulfilled life they deserve.
We provide many services to help individuals overcome addiction and achieve long-term recovery. We believe that each person benefits from a personalized recovery plan, and our compassionate and highly-skilled staff will work with you to tailor treatment to your unique needs, circumstances, and experiences.
Holistic Approach
Rise Above helps individuals regain autonomy over their lives. With our whole person approach to substance use disorder, we take into account the physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and mental challenges influencing addiction. Our personalized treatment plans include reviewing an individual’s substance abuse history, mental health conditions, and other factors contributing to addiction.
Evidence-Based Therapies
At Rise Above, we use both holistic treatment opportunities and evidence-based therapies to ensure optimal wellness. We offer opportunities for cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and group therapy to give clients the resources and support they need to create positive change within themselves.
We help people understand addiction, manage stress, and improve their mental health.
Medical Support
At Rise Above Treatment, we prioritize client health during treatment. This may involve helping people safely detox from drugs or alcohol. Individuals addicted to opioids can also receive MAT.
This medication reduces cravings and makes quitting easier. In our inpatient Murrieta detox, our Rise Above staff will provide individuals with ongoing 24 hour support, monitoring, and carefully administered treatment.
Relapse Prevention
We believe that it is essential to not just treat people to recover while they’re here, but to set them up for lasting success and sobriety once they return home and re-integrate into their lives.
Our talented and compassionate Rise Above staff teaches clients to identify triggers, manage cravings, and avoid relapsing.
Supportive Environment
At Rise Above Treatment, we provide a safe and caring environment for people who need help with substance abuse. We believe that if we nurture the positive values within clients during their stay, we can teach them how to continue abstinence throughout their lives.
Customized Treatment Plans
At Rise Above treatment, we know addiction affects everyone differently. That’s why they create unique plans for each person to help with substance abuse.
These plans are made based on what each person needs, and they can include different types of therapies, counseling, education, and other resources that create a safe space for continued healing and growth.
Reach out to Rise Above Treatment Today For Help With Substance Abuse
It’s essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of substance use disorder to address it adequately. It’s crucial to pay attention to any changes in behavior, emotions, or physical health that might indicate a problem with substance abuse. If we notice these signs in ourselves or in someone we love, we should take proactive steps and seek help with substance abuse early on.
Rise Above Treatment provides a safe, supportive, and healing environment where people who need help with substance abuse can get the support they need. We’re here to guide Murrieta, California residents toward a brighter future, uninhibited by the constraints of substance misuse.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one could benefit from professional help with substance abuse, know that you’re not alone. Don’t hesitate to contact Rise Above Treatment or other appropriate resources for assistance. We’re here to help you get better.
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Are you ready to Rise Above your mental health and addiction challenges?
Reach out to us today. Let us provide the support and guidance needed for sustainable recovery and wellness, allowing you to lead the happy, healthy, and fulfilling life you deserve.
