Dealing with substance use disorder or addiction without expert assistance can feel overwhelming. Seeking professional help ensures that both the physical component, such as withdrawal symptoms, and the psychological element are appropriately managed. A well-rounded treatment program balances medical care with emotional support, giving patients the tools to rebuild their lives. Substance abuse refers to the excessive or harmful use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances. It often starts with recreational drug use or casual drinking but can escalate into a destructive pattern of behavior that significantly disrupts one’s life.
How Does Misuse or Abuse Lead to Dependence?
At Northpoint Washington, we specialize in evidence-based programs that address every stage of Alcohol Use Disorder addiction recovery. Originally from Nashville, TN, Jordan moved to Colorado with her family at age five. She has worked in behavioral health since graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2019. Jordan developed her clinical approach in various inpatient, hospital, outpatient, and private practice settings.
Recovery After Treatment
It is important to understand the difference between substance use and abuse, and especially against addiction, as what’s normal and innocent to you, may in fact rank as abuse. Such levels of use are normally relaxed, where control is present, where the intentions to merely consume sensible levels of substances is present, and where such substances have a clear, short-term purpose. Substance use is where drugs and/or alcohol are used casually, are used following prescription guidelines, are used irregularly, and are even used through a single exposure. https://makeup.leesinstitute.com/2020/01/21/mixing-alcohol-with-prescription-drugs-risks/ Yet, actions are very different, where substance use is commonly irregular or a single encounter, deviating from substance abuse which is habitual, routine behaviour. Even when they are willing to consider it, it’s not uncommon for them to still feel unsure or say no.
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- The use of drugs and alcohol can be minimal, carrying minute life changes.
- She brings a decade of experience across the full continuum of care—from medical detox through private practice, helping clients address substance use alongside trauma, mood, and anxiety disorders.
- Outside of work, he divides his time between family, basketball, and rock climbing.
Sometimes, people with substance use disorders may take risks while using, like driving under the influence. They can develop tolerance (needing more of the substance to feel the same effects) or withdrawal symptoms when they stop. Substance use disorders exist on a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe, but it’s important to remember that substance use disorders are treatable. In addition to counseling, psychoeducation, and support groups, behavioral therapies are frequently employed in substance abuse treatment.
Talk to your health care provider to determine the best treatment for you. It is important to give any treatment plan a chance to work before deciding whether it is right for you. Explore key milestones, discoveries, and the impact of NIMH-funded studies on mental health. Alcohol is, of course, legal for adults over the age of 19 in most Canadian provinces, and there is nothing “wrong” with having a couple of drinks with friends or to unwind on occasion. But, it doesn’t take much alcohol to reach a harmful level of drinking, and that is when alcohol use can turn into alcohol abuse.
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People who abuse substances may experience recurrent https://ecosober.com/blog/substance-use-vs-abuse-what-are-the-differences/ social, interpersonal, or legal problems related to their use. They might fail to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home due to substance use. However, drug misuse, such as taking a higher dose of medication than prescribed, is a form of substance abuse that may result in more serious problems. If you think you or someone close to you is experiencing the aforementioned problems, do not hesitate to get help. Visit a doctor, therapist or deaddiction center to find out the severity of the substance abuse and to get any treatment or therapy that can help you get out of it. Dependence refers mainly to physical adaptation – you need the substance to feel “normal” and experience withdrawal when you stop.