Substance Use Disorders

A substance use disorder means your drug or alcohol use has become compulsive and continues despite causing problems in your life. Substances affect your brain’s reward system, and repeated use changes how your brain functions. You develop tolerance, needing more to achieve the same effect, and experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop. 

Substance Dependence Types

The independent providers at Bluegrass Mental Health design treatment plans for various substance use disorders, including:

• Alcohol use disorder
• Opioid use disorder (prescription painkillers, heroin, fentanyl)
• Stimulant use disorder (cocaine, methamphetamine)
• Cannabis use disorder
• Benzodiazepine use disorder
• Tobacco use disorder

Many people struggle with more than one substance at a time, which requires coordinated treatment.

What are the signs of substance use disorders?

You may recognize your substance use is problematic before seeking help. Perhaps you’ve tried quitting or cutting back on your own without success, or you’ve noticed that using affects your work performance and relationships.

Other common indicators include:

• Taking larger amounts than intended
• Multiple failed attempts to reduce use
• Spending a lot of time obtaining or using substances
• Neglecting work, school, or home responsibilities
• Continuing use despite interpersonal problems
• Giving up important activities because of substance use

How severe your symptoms are and how many you experience help determine what level of treatment you need.

What treatments are available for substance use disorders?

Treatment at Bluegrass Mental Health begins with an assessment of your substance use history, physical and mental health, and prior treatment experiences. From there, your provider can recommend any of the following treatments:

Therapy

Individual counseling addresses the underlying reasons for your substance use and helps you develop coping strategies. Many people benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you to recognize triggers and change the patterns that lead to use. Group therapy adds another layer of support by connecting you with others working toward recovery.

Medication management

Depending on the substance, medications can reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, or block the effects of drugs. Suboxone® and similar medications help people with opioid use disorder stabilize while working on other aspects of recovery. The independent providers also prescribe medications to treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.

Integrated care for co-occurring conditions

Your provider can treat mental health conditions alongside substance use disorders to improve your chances of sustained recovery.

Call Bluegrass Mental Health or book an appointment online to learn more.