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Alcohol & Substance Use Disorders

An estimated 29.5 million people struggle with Alcohol Use Disorder in the United States, according to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration) and roughly 48.7 million suffer from Subtance Use Disorder. AUD is a condition where your alcohol intake becomes excessive and compulsive. You feel you must drink alcohol to function, consume large quantities of alcohol daily, and develop addiction symptoms that begin taking over your life.

 

Often times, people don't realize they are developing a dependence issue, until they are too deep in it to quit on their own. The roots of Substance Use Disorder are still being studied, however, trying highly addictive substances, using such substances at an early age, family history of SUD and AUD, experiencing trauma, and underlying mental health issues can be contributing factors. 

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At AYA Rehab Center the highly trained team provides safe, effective, evidence-based treatment programs for Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders.

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What are Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders?

 

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are treatable but chronic diseases that involve using drugs, alcohol, or other harmful substances, despite harmful consequences. AUD & SUD are actually centered in the brain and come from activation of the brains reward system. These disorders can cause physical issues and make someone more susceptible to disease, worsen or create mental health problems, and even lead to overdose and death for the individual addicted. AUD & SUD affects relationships, family, work life, causes isolation, and can lead to legal issues. 

 

While addictions are often difficult to overcome on your own, treatment at AYA Rehab Center provides solutions that help you become and stay sober. 

 

Which substances can become addictive?

 

Alcohol and Substance Use D  isorder may result because of addictions to:

  • Tobacco/nicotine

  • Marijuana

  • Alcohol

  • Hallucinogens (LSD, MDMA, psiliocybin/mushrooms)

  • Opioids (heroin, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl)

  • Cocaine/Crack

  • Amphetamines 

  • Sedatives (benzodiazepines & barbiturates)

  • Inhalants 

Individuals can become addicted to alcohol, illicit substances, over-the-counter products, prescription medications, or other substances. Seek treatment at the first sign of substance misuse. 

 

What are the risk factors for Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders?

 

AUD & SUD progress differently for men and women. Women can have shorter histories of use but present with more severe medical, psychological, and behavioral problems. This is due to women showing quicker progression to dependence. Although, men have higher rates of AUD & SUD. Other risk factors include:

  • Being ages 18-25

  • Exposure to substances at a young age or even prenatally

  • Peer pressure

  • Access to harmful substances/alcohol  

  • Childhood maltreatment, abuse, or negelect 

  • Having another mental health disorder

  • Trying highly addictive substances

  • Poverty or lack of economic opportunity

  • Community violence 

  • Stress

  • Trauma

A family history of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders or mental health conditions also boost your chances of developing these conditions.

 

What are the symptoms of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders?

 

The symptoms of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders include:

  • Needing larger and larger amounts 

  • Being drunk or high

  • Strong urges to use 

  • Seizures 

  • Frequent accidents 

  • Inability to stop using 

  • Withdrawal symptoms when stopping 

  • Wanting to stop but not being able to

  • Anxiety, discontentment, gulit, confusion, fear

  • Risky and compulsive behaviors

  • Hiding substance use from others

  • Mood swings

Substance abuse can cause financial challenges, physical health problems, family & relationship problems, or issues at work or school. About 37% of people with AUD and 53% of people with SUD have a mental health diagnoses, such as anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit disorder. Aya Rehab Center also treats Dual Diagnosis/Co-Occurring mental health disorders. 

 

How are Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders diagnosed?

 

Diagnosing Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders requires a thorough evaluation and includes assessments by a psychiatrist, MD, other healthcare professionals, and licensed alcohol & drug professionals. This consists of questions about your behaviors, thoughts, mood, lifestyle, use patterns and more to determine the type and extent of your disorder. You might also undergo drug testing.

 

How are Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders treated?

 

Treating Alcohol and Substance Use at AYA Rehab Center involves:

  • Individual therapy

  • Residential detoxification programs

  • Group therapy

  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

  • 12-step education

  • Lifestyle-change counseling

  • Referrals to outpatient care and sober living houses

You might take Buprenorphine, Naloxone, orother medications that reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for addictive substances or alcohol. The AYA Rehab Center team tailors your treatment plan to your unique needs.

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