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What is substance abuse treatment?

Substance abuse treatment is a branch of mental health care focused on drug and alcohol addiction. It uses psychotherapy, medication management, and one-on-one coaching to ease withdrawal so that you can live a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) vary in intensity, from mild to severe. Regardless, if you think you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, seek professional help, as dependence on mind-altering substances can negatively affect your relationships, health, and quality of life. 

Should I consider substance abuse treatment?

Consider substance abuse treatment at Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services if you:

  • Can’t seem to reduce or control your substance use
  • Continue using substances, even when they cause relationship problems
  • Have issues fulfilling work or personal responsibilities
  • Feel a strong desire or urge to use the substance
  • Spend lots of time obtaining a substance, using it, or recovering from its effects
  • Experience withdrawal symptoms

Treatment can help you overcome addiction and live a healthier life. 

How is substance use disorder diagnosed?

Your Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services provider reviews your medical records and asks about your substance use, including what substances you take, the frequency of consumption, and your habit’s effect on your personal and professional life. Answer their questions honestly. The team won’t judge you, but your responses help guide treatment. 

Next, your provider has you fill out a questionnaire and complete a psychiatric evaluation. Then, they compare that information with the criteria for substance use disorder in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5). If you meet the criteria for SUD, your provider confirms the diagnosis. 

What does substance abuse treatment involve?

The Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services team tailors substance abuse treatment to each person’s needs. Even so, most care plans include:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy involves talking one-on-one with a qualified mental health professional. This lets you look closely at your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It teaches you how to replace unhealthy habits, like drug and alcohol use, with healthier, more constructive alternatives. 

Medication management

Weaning off substances like opioid painkillers and alcohol can be potentially life-threatening. Medications like methadone and naltrexone can relieve cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms, allowing you to quit substance use safely. 

Stress management

Many people use substances, like drugs and alcohol, to cope with overwhelming stress. Stress management teaches you how to center yourself and address difficult emotions in healthier ways.

Call Cactus Serenity Integrated Health Services to learn more about substance abuse treatment, or book a consultation online today.