Substance Use Disorder

What is substance use disorder (SUD)?

Substance use disorder, also called SUD, is a mental health condition in which you’re dependent on a substance that negatively affects your physical, emotional, and/or mental well-being. 

SUD can change how your brain functions, making it difficult to stop using a harmful substance without professional intervention.

Which substances may contribute to substance use disorder?

The following are common substances that may contribute to SUD:

• Cocaine
• Alcohol
• Cannabis
• Tobacco 
• Opioids
• Methamphetamines 

Alcohol is the most common. 

What are the symptoms of substance use disorder?

The following symptoms may indicate substance use disorder:

• Being drunk or high
• Withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit
• Needing increased amounts of a harmful substance for similar effects 
• Strong urges to use an unhealthy substance
• Not being able to stop using harmful substances
• Problems with relationships, work, or school

Examples of withdrawal symptoms can include sweating, mood changes, nausea, diarrhea, and/or vomiting. You might also experience muscle cramping. 

What are the risk factors for substance use disorder?

SUD risk factors include:

• Using highly addictive substances
• Trying harmful substances at a young age
• Peer pressure
• Pressure to perform better
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Depression 
• Family history of SUD
• Genetics
• Adverse childhood experiences
• Easy access to harmful substances

Left untreated, SUD can lead to medical, emotional, social, financial, and/or legal challenges. It can also become life-threatening. 

How is substance use disorder diagnosed?

Tammie meets with you in person or virtually. She completes a psychiatric evaluation to learn if you have SUD, another mental health condition, or more than one disorder. She uses DSM-5 criteria to discuss your habits, thoughts, emotions, and moods. Second-opinion psychiatric consultations are available.

How is substance use disorder treated?

Your customized SUD treatment plan may consist of:

• Individual psychotherapy
• Adolescent psychiatry 
• Couples therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Coping skills management
• Medication management
• Stress management (yoga, massage, deep breathing, etc.)
• Lifestyle education

Tammy can also refer you to a community or residential treatment center. She offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and other therapies with medication management and lifestyle education to optimize your results.

Taking SUD medications can reduce withdrawal symptoms and/or cravings for harmful substances.

Follow up with Tammie at Mindful Mental Health to ensure your treatment is effective, and call the office anytime with questions.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment at Mindful Mental Health by phone or online today.