Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorder can disrupt your life, leaving you feeling out of control and suffering from terrible symptoms. The compassionate team at Evolve Behavioral Health in Florence, Alabama, led by founders and mental health experts, Debbie Tyson, CRNP, and Jessi Tidwell, CRNP, are highly trained professionals who offer patient-centered care for those struggling with substance use disorder. If you’re addicted to any substance, call for an appointment today or book one online as soon as possible.

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder is defined as the problematic use of substances like alcohol, opioids, stimulants, hallucinogens, cannabis, or other drugs despite experiencing negative consequences. It encompasses a range of behaviors and symptoms that indicate impaired control over substance use, leading to significant distress and impairment in various areas of life.

What substances are involved with substance use disorder?

The substances involved in substance use disorder can vary widely and may include:

• Alcohol (excessive drinking)
• Opioids (prescription painkillers like oxycodone or illegal drugs such as heroin)
• Stimulants (drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine)
• Hallucinogens (substances like LSD or MDMA)
• Cannabis (marijuana)
• Other drugs (including sedatives, inhalants, or club drugs like ecstasy)

If you show signs of having an addiction to a substance, reach out to Evolve Behavioral Health as soon as possible for a patient-centered, compassionate treatment approach.

What signs indicate I might have substance use disorder?

Signs of substance use disorder can include:

• Inability to limit substance use despite repeated attempts
• Cravings
• Tolerance of increased amounts of the substance
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Continued use despite consequences
• Isolation

If these descriptions seem familiar to what you experience, Evolve Behavioral Health can provide the help you need and deserve.

How is substance use disorder treated?

The Evolve Behavioral Health team treats substance use disorder with an evidence-based approach. They incorporate behavioral therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle adjustments. 

Behavioral therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and contingency management, addresses underlying issues, modifies behavior, and fosters coping strategies. 

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), incorporating drugs like methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, or acamprosate, aids in managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms and reducing the risk of relapse. 

Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide ongoing encouragement and support from peers. 

Lifestyle changes, including healthy habits and the improvement of coping skills, along with addressing co-occurring mental health concerns through therapy or medication, are also essential components of treatment. 

Recovery from substance use disorder requires dedication, assistance, and often continued therapeutic efforts. With the guidance of the Evolve Behavioral Health professionals, you can attain and sustain long-term sobriety and enhance your overall well-being and quality of life.

If you suffer from substance use disorder or have a loved one who does, reach out to Evolve Behavioral Health today by phone or online.