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Nearly 50 million people in the United States struggle with substance use disorder (SUD). At Hampstead Therapy and Wellness, based in Hampstead, North Carolina, Holly Giarratano, LCMHC-A, and James Manning, MD, diagnose and treat substance misuse to help you break an addictive habit and maintain your sobriety for a lifetime. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.
Substance Abuse Disorder Q & A
What is substance use disorder?
Substance use disorder is a mental health condition characterized by the inability to stop using harmful, addictive substances despite their known negative health effects. Examples of such substances include nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamines, opioids, and numerous other drugs. Alcohol use disorder is the most common substance use disorder in the United States.
Substances in these drugs affect how your brain functions, releasing dopamine in your brain that makes you temporarily feel good until it wears off. See the experts at Hampstead Therapy and Wellness if you struggle to break an addiction on your own.
Which symptoms can substance use disorder cause?
Substance use disorder is characterized by the following signs and symptoms:
- Frequent intoxication (being drunk or high)
- Needing more of a substance to produce the same effects
- Not being able to stop using harmful substances despite wanting to
- Having a strong desire to use harmful substances
- Making unsafe decisions to ensure you have access to drugs or alcohol
- Withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit
Examples of withdrawal symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, sweating, mood changes, and muscle cramping.
An addiction may also cause you to perform poorly at school, work, or at home. And it increases your risk of accidents.
What may increase the risk of substance use disorder?
The causes of substance use disorder aren’t entirely understood. However, its risk factors include trying addictive substances at an early age, using highly addictive substances, peer pressure, and having other mental health conditions, such as ongoing stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression.
A family history of substance use disorder and having easy access to addictive substances are risk factors, too.
How is substance use disorder diagnosed?
The Hampstead Therapy and Wellness experts complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine if you have substance use disorder or another mental health condition. They ask about your habits, lifestyle, medications, medical history, moods, emotions, behaviors, and thoughts to establish the most effective treatment plan.
How is substance use disorder treated?
Treating substance use disorder at Hampstead Therapy and Wellness involves counseling, medication management (Suboxone® or other medications), and making lifestyle modifications. It’s also helpful to avoid people, places, or situations that may trigger a relapse.
These treatments help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. If you have a severe addiction requiring an inpatient treatment program, the Hampstead Therapy and Wellness team offers referrals.
They schedule counseling sessions and provide medication refills as often as needed to ensure a successful, lasting outcome and exceptional quality of life.
Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Hampstead Therapy and Wellness by phone or request one online today to get treated for substance use disorder.