Substance Use Disorder Treatment

What is Substance Use Disorder?

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a complex, chronic mental health condition that involves the continued use of a substance despite harmful consequences. Substance Use Disorder is an extremely prevalent condition that affects people of all different backgrounds and demographics. Research suggests that one in six Americans has struggled with substance use disorder at some point in their life. 

Over time, addictive substances can disrupt the normal function of the brain. They can cause significant problems that can affect all aspects of a person’s mental health, physical health, and well-being. Substance Use Disorder is classified on a spectrum from mild to severe, and extreme cases can be life-threatening.

People suffering from Substance Use Disorder may be aware that they have a problem, but are unable to refrain from use. It is important to remember that Substance Use Disorder is a disease, and overcoming SUD is not as simple as exercising willpower. However, like many other diseases, Substance Use Disorder can be managed. Successful treatment allows patients to counteract the negative effects of the addiction and regain control over their lives.

"Our SUD treatment services offer structured, research-backed programs to increase our patients’ chances of long-term recovery" - Yamelisa Taveras, M.A., CAADC, CCS

Development of Substance Use Disorder

While each case is different, the development of Substance Use Disorder typically follows a progressive pattern that includes:

• Initial Use: This is the first time that the person tries the substance. This could be as simple as getting a prescription or trying your first drink.
• Misuse: The person begins to use the substance in a harmful way. This could mean taking a higher dose of a medication than prescribed or engaging in regular binge drinking. In the case of illicit drugs, misuse can also be the initial use.
• Heavy Use: After a period of consistent misuse, a person can begin to build a tolerance to the substance. At this stage, the dosage and frequency of use increase.
• Substance Use Disorder: The brain and body have become dependent on the substance to function. There are rarely times when the person is not using.

How to Recognize Substance Use Disorder

While a proper diagnosis must be made by a medical professional, there are specific signs and symptoms that you can look for to recognize Substance Use Disorder. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these include:

• Taking more of a substance than the amount prescribed
• Having a strong desire to use the substance
• Being unable to cut down or manage substance use
• Spending a lot of time using the substance or recovering from use
• Continuing to use a substance, even when it causes problems
• Giving up activities that you previously enjoyed because of substance use
• Developing a tolerance and needing more of a substance to get the same effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms that resolve with substance use

Benefits of Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Seeking treatment for Substance Use Disorder is the first step towards recovery. Our SUD treatment services offer structured, research-backed programs to increase our patients’ chances of long-term recovery. Our programs aim to:

• Reduce substance use and related harm in a supportive, stigma-free space
• Understand the underlying causes of substance use and develop personalized recovery goals
• Rebuild relationships, improve health, and regain control over your life
• Provide care from professionals who understand and respect your background

Our Treatment Options

Substance Use Disorder is a chronic condition, but with proper medical guidance, it can be managed. At CSOLV, we offer a variety of treatment options to support your recovery in a nonjudgmental and culturally sensitive way. Our harm-reduction-focused treatment options and services include:

DUI Evaluations and Reporting

DUI Evaluations are examinations run by licensed counselors to determine if a person’s relationship with drugs or alcohol contributed to an accident, and if further education or treatment is needed. These evaluations may be court-ordered or they may be necessary before an individual can regain driving privileges.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach for opioid and alcohol use disorders. It combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and improve treatment retention. Research shows MAT lowers overdose deaths and supports long-term recovery, making it the gold standard in substance use treatment.

Psychoeducation and relapse prevention

Psychoeducation and relapse prevention programs use cognitive-behavioral therapy to help patients learn about addiction and to recognize, avoid, and cope with situations where they are most likely to relapse. During these programs, patients and clinicians work together to identify triggers and develop strategies to deal with specific high-risk situations.

Individual and group counseling

Our counseling sessions are designed to use evidence-based strategies to identify and treat mental health disorders, including Substance Use Disorder. These sessions can be delivered in either a one-on-one or small group setting, and may be used as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan or aftercare program.

Supportive Referrals for Higher Levels of Care

Sometimes individual patients may require higher levels of treatment than we are able to provide. In these cases, we provide referrals so that all of our patients can receive the care that they need.

Helping A Friend or Family Member With Substance Use Disorder

If you have a friend or family member who is struggling with Substance Use Disorder, there are several actions that you can take to help them seek treatment and support them in their recovery. This includes:

• Educating yourself on substance abuse and addiction
• Speaking up about your concerns and offering support
• Expressing love and concern for their well-being
• Focusing on specific behaviors and avoiding blame or name-calling
• Supporting their recovery as an ongoing process

Our Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

At Counseling Solutions of Lehigh Valley, our mission is to create a safe space for healing through a harm-reduction and culturally competent approach to mental health and substance use recovery. We provide bilingual, DDAP and DHS licensed counseling services and work with our patients to find the best treatment options for their specific needs. We offer services in English and Spanish and welcome clients with or without insurance coverage.

Are you ready to take back control of your life? Contact us today to request an appointment.

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