Substance Use Disorders

If you battle an addiction, you’re not alone — over 40 million Americans currently experience substance use disorders. Whether you want to be free from a dependence on alcohol, opioids, or another substance, the mental health specialists at Avighna Holistic Care in Raleigh, North Carolina, provide a comfortable, confidential environment to get the support you deserve. To get started, call the practice or schedule an appointment online today.

What are substance use disorders?

Substance use disorders are usually characterized by the frequent use of substances like alcohol or drugs, causing significant distress and harm.

Substances commonly misused include:

• Stimulants (amphetamines)
• Alcohol
• Prescription opioids like oxycodone
• Cannabis (marijuana)
• Illegal opioids (heroin)

Because substance use disorders are complex, altering brain function and behavior, it’s difficult to overcome them on your own.

How can I recognize the symptoms of substance use disorders?

The symptoms vary depending on the substance and level of dependence, but common ones include:

Impaired control

You may struggle to control substance use, taking more than you intended or continuing for longer than you’d initially planned.

Social impairment

You rely on the substance even when it interferes with your social life, work, or recreational activities.

Risky use

You may take risks while under the substance’s influence, such as driving or engaging in unsafe sex.

Tolerance

As your body becomes used to the substance, you take more of it to feel the way you want.

Withdrawal symptoms

When you try to quit, you experience physical and psychological issues. These may include dizziness, headaches, sweating, tremors, nausea, and diarrhea.

Failed attempts to quit

You’ve tried on your own to cut down or control your substance use, but so far, nothing has worked.

What treatment do I need for substance use disorder?

If you have a substance use disorder, your first step is to safely quit and withdraw from it. The Avighna Holistic Care team helps you manage withdrawal and may prescribe medications to lessen your symptoms and reduce cravings. This makes it easier to stay off the substance.

Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treat a range of substance use disorders by helping you recognize and change the thoughts and behaviors related to your dependence and develop coping strategies to avoid relapsing. Family therapy and stress management plans can also support your recovery.

The Avighna Holistic Care team wants you to have the support you deserve and can help you find support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), to provide an ongoing network while you’re in recovery.

If you’re struggling to control your use of a substance, you can talk to an experienced, nonjudgmental provider about your concerns. Call Avighna Holistic Care today or schedule a consultation online to get compassionate care for substance use disorders.