From a young age, people are often told to avoid using drugs and drinking alcohol. We learn about the negative effects they could cause and the physical dangers they can place us in, but substance abuse remains a gray area. Addiction can impact lives significantly, but it doesn’t mean it’s too late to heal. With the use of specialized treatments such as psychotherapy, change is possible.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Substance use disorder (SUD) is known as a mental disorder that leads to the inability to stop the use of drugs and alcohol. You might be completely aware that you struggle with addiction, but continue to use these substances daily. This can bring you to a point in which you are unable to maintain a job, relationships, or any other daily task. You will no longer function normally, impairing your ability to live a normal and healthy lifestyle. Overtime, your brain structure will begin to change, causing your thinking and behavior to become distorted. People who struggle with substances can experience extreme cravings, unnatural movements, and the altering of their personality.
Treatment
Depending on the situation, many people who struggle with drugs or alcohol will be treated with medications, hospitalization, or psychotherapy. The purpose of psychotherapy is to target why you use these addictive substances in the first place. Some might feel as though drugs and alcohol can take away their painful memories and experiences. Others might claim they enjoy life more with the use of drugs and alcohol, for one reason or another. What’s important is to figure out why you rely on them and how to address the reason. Patients will be able to get a better understanding of their motivations, behaviors, and how to cope without using. Learning more about who you are as a person versus who you wish to be can be revealed through therapy. Substance abuse is treatable, even if it seems like an uphill battle. Becoming aware of the problem and finding the urge to change is the first step to recovery. Allow yourself to seek a better way of life through the help of a professional. To schedule an appointment, give us a call or email us through the contact us page.
