Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Substance Use Disorder goes by many names, including chemical abuse, drug addition and drug dependence. While each of these terms relates to substance abuse in some way, the definition of substance use disorder comes with specific criteria that don’t necessarily correspond with all of these terms.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, substance use disorder specifically refers to drug dependence in the sense that the body has reached a point where it needs a drug (or alcohol) to function normally. In turn, this disorder can appear in different stages of severity depending on how long a person has engaged in substance abuse practices.

Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life.

Our staff are well trained to recognize the root of the issue is what drives the initial need for the substance.

Mental Health

Mental health problems and substance use disorders sometimes occur together. This is because:

Certain illegal drugs can cause people with an addiction to experience one or more symptoms of a mental health problem
Mental health problems can sometimes lead to alcohol or drug use, as some people with a mental health problem may misuse these substances as a form of self-medication
Mental and substance use disorders share some underlying causes, including changes in brain composition, genetic vulnerabilities, and early exposure to stress or trauma

More than one in four adults living with serious mental health problems also has a substance use problem. Substance use problems occur more frequently with certain mental health problems, including:

Substance use disorders can also refer to substance use or substance dependence. Symptoms of substance use disorders may include:

Behavioral changes, such as:
- Drop in attendance and performance at work or school
- Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities)
- Using substances in physically hazardous situations such as while driving or operating a machine
- Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Unexplained change in personality or attitude
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts
- Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness
- Lacking of motivation
- Appearing fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason
Physical changes, such as:
- Bloodshot eyes and abnormally sized pupils
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Deterioration of physical appearance
- Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing
- Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination
Social changes, such as:
- Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies
- Legal problems related to substance use
- Unexplained need for money or financial problems
- Using substances even though it causes problems in relationships

For more information on Substance Use Order and/or other Texas Care services, feel free to call 888-98TODAY and an Intake Coordinator will be happy to take your call and direct you to the appropriate department. Visit our FAQ page for more information on how Telehealth, Telemedicine, and TeleBehavioral Health can work for you.