Addiction and Substance Misuse: Symptoms, Recovery Strategies, and Available Resources

Substance Misuse and Dependency: Signs, Therapies, and Support Services

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a complex condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, regardless of age, gender, or economic or social status. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 20 million Americans ages 12 and older had a SUD in 2018.

SUD stems from the recurrent use of alcohol or other substances despite harmful consequences. The exact causes of SUD are unknown, but factors such as genetics, personality traits, stress, the substance's action, family history, peer pressure, mental health conditions, exposure to trauma, and family history may play a role.

Recovery from SUD requires a strong commitment and treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Treatment for SUD can be delivered in two basic settings: inpatient and outpatient. For most people, an outpatient treatment approach will be just as effective and much more affordable than inpatient therapy.

The continuum of care for SUD treatment, from most intensive to least, includes inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment. These levels of care are designed to provide the necessary support and resources for individuals at different stages of recovery.

Substances for which a person may form a SUD include alcohol, cannabis, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, tobacco, and more. The signs and symptoms of SUD vary widely but may include continued use despite negative effects, craving, regular overconsumption, worrying about overuse, using in unsafe situations, giving up previously enjoyed activities, spending a lot of time using or recovering, neglecting responsibilities, building up a tolerance, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, and more.

Addiction can also involve behaviors like gambling, sex, internet or social media, shopping, video games, and food. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are well-known 12-step programs that can act as a helpful addition to treatment, especially for the social support they offer. Double Trouble in Recovery is a 12-step fellowship for people managing both a mental illness and substance use disorder.

Three basic models for SUD treatment are the medical model, psychological model, and sociocultural model. Psychological therapies commonly used in treating SUD include motivational interviewing (MI), motivational enhancement therapy, prize-based contingency therapy, Seeking Safety, and Guided self-change.

The National Harm Reduction Coalition is an advocacy group for people with SUD, providing resources and support for those affected by substance use. Drugs and Me offers an extensive list of educational materials for various types of substance use. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services and Administration's (SAMHSA) national helpline is a free and confidential 24-hour referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders.

It's essential to remember that SUD affects everyone differently, and treatment should be tailored to the individual's unique needs. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, resources are available to help. Reach out today for support and guidance on the road to recovery.