Treatment for Substance Abuse

Having a substance use disorder can significantly damage a person’s life. In this article, you’ll learn more about substance use disorders and the addiction treatment available. 

What is Substance Use Disorder?

A Substance Use Disorder, also known as SUD or drug addiction, is a serious mental health condition that involves an individual abusing drugs or alcohol even when those drugs begin to affect their life negatively. Individuals with a drug addiction/SUD cannot stop using drugs even if they try to quit. 

A substance use disorder can include addictions to benzodiazepines, opioid addiction, cocaine, crack, fentanyl, gabapentin, heroin, meth, alcohol, and many others. Addictions can range from mild to severe. 

Some people develop a drug addiction after being prescribed medications (such as opioids) while others develop addictions after recreationally trying drugs a few times with friends and in social settings. 

Professional addiction treatment is often needed to overcome a substance use disorder. 

Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder

Symptoms of substance use disorder/drug abuse will vary based on the drugs being used and the specific individual, however, they often include the following signs and behaviors:

• Difficulty quitting drugs and alcohol, even for a short period of time
• Experiencing intense cravings for the drug
• Obsessing over drugs and alcohol
• Avoiding activities that were once enjoyable
• Isolating
• Missing work or avoiding other daily responsibilities
• Extreme mood swings
• Irritability
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using drugs or alcohol

Who is at Risk For Substance Use Disorder?

Anyone can develop a drug addiction, but there are a few factors that can put someone at a higher risk:

• Family history of addiction
• Mental health disorders
• Experiencing trauma
• Feeling pressure from peers
• Lack of support in life from family members
• Using drugs at an early age

Treatment For Substance Use Disorder

There are several treatments available for substance abuse, including:

Outpatient Detox

Detox is the first step in treatment for substance use disorders, helping the body safely withdraw from drugs. Outpatient drug detox offers the same benefits as inpatient detox but enables you to spend the night in your own home. 

Partial Hospitalization Program

Partial Hospitalization Programs, also known as PHPs, provide the needed structure and support for those struggling with drug addiction but have fewer restrictions than residential treatment programs. 

Intensive Outpatient Program

Also known as an IOP, an Intensive Outpatient Treatment program offers flexibility for those with jobs or other daily responsibilities that they need to maintain throughout their addiction treatment. IOPs can also be a solution for those who have already completed a residential program and need a transitional level of care. 

An IOP typically meets 3 to 5 days per week, for 3 or more hours each day.

Relapse Prevention

A relapse prevention program teaches individuals how to cope with cravings for drugs when they arise. This also helps them to better understand their triggers for using. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment/Mental Health Services

Dual diagnosis treatment, also known as a co-occurring disorder, is when an individual suffers from both a drug addiction and a mental health disorder. Treatment involves a qualified mental health professional addressing the mental health condition/mental disorders, including (but not limited to) anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and others. 

Behavioral Therapies for Substance Abuse

Each of our above-mentioned treatment programs incorporates evidence-based behavioral therapies into addiction treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies can include group therapy sessions, one-on-one therapy sessions, various support groups, and family therapy sessions. 

What is the Typical Length of Treatment?

The exact length of treatment will vary depending on each individual’s current health, drug of choice, dosage amount when using, and any co-occurring mental health conditions that might be present. 

Our team at JC Treatment Center will conduct a medical assessment to determine the treatment program that is best for you and the approximate length of addiction treatment that is needed.  

Get Treatment For Substance Abuse in California

Our addiction treatment programs are more than just services – they’re solutions. And the right addiction treatment center can make all the difference in your recovery. Our team at JC Treatment Center in Pasadena, CA strives to provide you with the addiction treatment and mental health services you need and deserve to get your life back.

Through compassionate care, expert staff, and innovative substance abuse solutions, we give you effective tools to help you stay sober and live a healthy life.