Recovery Is for Everyone: Understanding Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

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Millions of Americans have a substance use disorder (SUD)1, and it remains an important health issue in our country. With effective treatment, recovery is possible. There is strength in getting help.

What is SUD?

An SUD is a treatable, chronic disease, characterized by a problematic pattern of use of a substance leading to noticeable impairment or distress. SUDs can lead to significant problems in all aspects of a person’s life.

Patterns of symptoms resulting from substance use can help a doctor diagnose a person with SUD and connect them to appropriate treatment. For certain drug types, some symptoms are less prominent, and in some cases, not all symptoms apply. For example, withdrawal symptoms are not specified for inhalant use

A SUD can be applied to the following types of drugs 2:
  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis
  • Hallucinogens
  • Inhalants
  • Opioids
  • Sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics
  • Stimulants
  • Tobacco (nicotine)
  • Other (unknown) substance

Treatment and Recovery Options

Overcoming an SUD is not as simple as resisting the temptation to take drugs. Like many other chronic conditions, treatment is available for substance use disorders. While no single treatment method is right for everyone, recovery is possible, and help is available for patients with SUDs.

Evidence-based guidelines can assist doctors with choosing the right treatment options. These guidelines help evaluate a patient’s clinical needs and situation to match them with the right level of care, in the most appropriate available setting. For more information on evidence-based guidelines visit Addiction Medicine Primer.

What does treatment look like?

Depending on the type of SUD, treatment may include:

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) – Specific conditions like opioid use disorder may require medication as the first course of treatment.  MOUD can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) – Specific conditions like opioid use disorder may require medication as the first course of treatment.  MOUD can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) – Specific conditions like opioid use disorder may require medication as the first course of treatment.  MOUD can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Outpatient counseling– Helps people understand addiction, their triggers, and their reasons for using drugs. This form of treatment can be done at a doctor’s office or via telehealth appointment.

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) – Specific conditions like opioid use disorder may require medication as the first course of treatment.  MOUD can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Outpatient counseling– Helps people understand addiction, their triggers, and their reasons for using drugs. This form of treatment can be done at a doctor’s office or via telehealth appointment.

Inpatient rehabilitation – A full-time facility provides a supportive environment to help people recover without distractions or temptations.

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) – Specific conditions like opioid use disorder may require medication as the first course of treatment.  MOUD can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient rehabilitation – A full-time facility provides a supportive environment to help people recover without distractions or temptations.

Behavioral health care – Trained providers who help with mental health concerns

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) – Specific conditions like opioid use disorder may require medication as the first course of treatment.  MOUD can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Behavioral health care – Trained providers who help with mental health concerns

To learn more specifically about Opioid Use Disorder visit Recovery is Possible: Treatment for Opioid Addiction.

Principles of effective treatment include 3:

  • Addressing all the patient’s needs, not just his or her drug use, by connecting them with different types of healthcare professionals.
  • Addressing any underlying mental disorders
  • Testing for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases, as well as teaching about steps that can reduce the risk of these infections
  • Find Treatment Services

Find Treatment Services

Use these resources to find services that fit your needs:

Reducing Stigma is Important

Addiction can happen to anyone

SUD is a treatable, chronic disease that can affect people of any race, gender, income level, or social class. No one driving factor leads to SUD. Some people may use drugs to help cope with stress and trauma or to help with mental health issues. Some may develop a SUD after misusing opioids that are prescribed to them by doctors. In any case, using drugs over time may cause changes in a person’s brain, leading to intense cravings and continued use.

Some may view acknowledging and receiving treatment for an SUD as a sign of personal failure and weakness. The associated shame felt by patients and families can make it difficult to seek treatment. Finding a doctor who is comfortable discussing SUDs can help ensure long-term recovery.

What are qualities in a healthcare provider that you might want to look for when seeking SUD treatment?

  • Actively listens
  • Engages in a nonjudgmental way
  • Treats patients with respect and addresses their SUD as a medical condition
  • Helps patients understand they will help them get the treatment they need, and recovery is possible
Learn More About Recovery
Related Features
  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt35325/NSDUHFFRPDFWHTMLFiles2020/2020NSDUHFFR1PDFW102121.pdf
  2. American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA, American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
  3. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, January). Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction DrugFacts. Retrieved April 26, 2021, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction
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