Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic disease that impacts a person’s physical health and well-being. Not everyone using a substance develops addiction. A combination of factors typically leads to the development of an SUD. Understanding when this is happening is critical to knowing when to get help.
What is most important to know is that SUDs are treatment conditions. At Raleigh Recovery, we prioritize providing you with individualized treatment for your needs.
Common Types of Substance Use Disorders
Numerous types of SUDs exist. These include any substance that changes the way the brain functions over time with continued use. Some of the most common forms include:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Cocaine use disorder
- Opioid use disorder
- Methamphetamine use disorder
- Cannabis use disorder
Some people suffer from polysubstance use disorder, meaning they use and have developed a dependency on more than one substance at a time.
What makes all of these conditions similar is the way they trigger changes within the brain. They release dopamine into the bloodstream. This hormone makes you feel good, while the substance remains present. Over time, your brain learns to seek out this substance over and over again to continue to feel good. That comes at the expense of dependency developing and potentially harmful consequences.
Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
SUDs impact a person’s physical and mental well-being, but they may affect you differently than they do others. Just getting drunk or high does not mean a person has an addiction. However, when you see the development of SUD symptoms, that’s no longer the case. A person’s diagnosis starts with pinpointing the symptoms present, such as:
- Needing to use the substance more frequently to feel okay.
- Seeking out the substance constantly, often wondering when your next access to it will be
- Taking the substance prescribed for longer than necessary
- Continuing to use a substance even when there are clear indications of negative effects
- You feel intense symptoms and cravings when you stop using the substance for a short amount of time
- You tried to stop using the substance and were unable to do so
- The substance is creating turmoil in your life, including limiting your ability to work or maintain other responsibilities
If you feel like any of these symptoms apply to you, it may be time to seek help. Keep in mind that SUDs are not uncommon. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that around 9.8% of adults in the US suffered from SUDs in 2024.
Diagnosis of Substance Use Disorders
Seeking help for an SUD is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your future. Doing so requires reaching out to a treatment center. Raleigh Recovery’s drug treatment center is always available to provide you with immediate help when you need it. Here’s what to expect when you come in for an evaluation.
A Conversation
The first step in seeking treatment is to have a conversation with our providers. We want to learn what your symptoms are. There’s never any judgment or blame, but there are clear indications that allow your therapist to better understand what’s happening.
Symptom Considerations
You’ll speak to your treatment team about what’s happening and what symptoms you have. During this process, we are looking at the number of symptoms you have (from the list above and others) to determine the severity of your conditions.
If you have one or two symptoms, you may have a mild form, while those with six or more are facing severe addiction. Understanding the extent of your condition is important as it helps structure treatment.
Your Risk Factors
In addition to gathering all of this information, we will also look at information such as:
- The environment you live in
- The potential presence of mental health disorders like trauma or depression
- Your medical history
- Any medical concerns you have right now, such as dehydration, malnourishment, or disease management
- Any prescription drugs you’ve used that could be a factor
From this, we can develop a treatment plan for you. Substance use disorder treatment will include therapy, a type of one-on-one and group plan that addresses your needs and the underlying causes of your addiction. It may also include the use of medications and supportive, therapeutic services.
Set Up Some Time to Discuss Your Needs with Our Team
At Raleigh Recovery, we prioritize helping you get fast care when you need it. If you have any of the symptoms of a substance use disorder or you’re unsure what type of therapy can help, set up some time to speak to us. Learn more about our drug treatment program now.
