Getting Specialized Help for Substance Use Disorders

If you’re struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), you’re not alone. 48.5 million Americans over the age of 12 had a substance use disorder in 2023 — that’s about 1 in 6 people.

Substance use disorders can wreak havoc on both your mental and physical health, and they often affect those around you, too. To make things more challenging, up to 60% of people with SUD also have a co-occurring mental health condition. 

Acknowledging that you need help is a huge step in recovery. If you’re ready to seek treatment, here’s some guidance to help you.

When to seek help for substance use disorder

You may benefit from professional help if you:

• Have loved ones telling you that you’re using too much of a substance

• Need to use more and more to get the same effect (tolerance)

• Engage in risky behaviors 

• Have constant cravings for your substance of choice

• Experience trouble with relationships, work, or school due to substance use 

• Have withdrawal symptoms when you haven’t used in a while

These are all signs that substance use is negatively impacting your life – and it’s important to take action. 

What substance use disorder treatment is like 

Substance use disorder recovery typically requires a holistic approach. Treatment setting varies. Some people benefit from outpatient treatment, while others might require more intensive inpatient rehabilitation. Regardless, several approaches that might help you include:

• Support groups. For many people with SUD, support groups play a big role in recovery. SUD often thrives in isolation, and support groups combat this by providing a sense of community and people who understand exactly what you’re going through. For example, you might consider Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

• Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, AKA talk therapy, is a crucial aspect of treatment. Therapy will help you identify and address the underlying causes behind your substance use — plus help treat any co-occurring mental health conditions. Some common therapy modalities for SUD include: 

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

  • Motivational interviewing (MI)

  • Contingency management

  • Family therapy

• Medication. Depending on the substance you use, prescription medications can help you get and stay sober. There are FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, for example. Additionally, if you have an underlying mental health condition that fuels your substance use, psychiatric medication to treat that condition can help, too. 

• Detox. If you’re physically dependent on a drug, you will likely experience physical and mental withdrawal symptoms when you stop using. These symptoms can range from uncomfortable to dangerous. Going to a detox center or hospital ensures that you detox safely and more comfortably. 

Note: When seeking treatment, consult with your health insurance (if you have it) to check your mental health benefits. Insurance typically only covers services deemed “medically necessary,” and different insurance companies may have varying guidelines for what constitutes medically necessary care. This can make a massive difference in the out-of-pocket costs you can expect for care. 

Understanding levels of care

When seeking treatment for SUD, there are different levels of care to choose from. The right type of care depends on the severity of your SUD, whether you’re at risk for uncomfortable and/or medically dangerous withdrawal symptoms, and how much support you need to recover. Providers such as therapists or doctors can assess your situation and guide you to the right option.

These levels of care include:

• Outpatient therapy. Typically once weekly sessions with a therapist. Best for mild substance use disorders. 

• Intensive outpatient program (IOP). Several hours of treatment, a few days a week. Consists of both individual therapy and group sessions. 

• Partial hospitalization program (PHP). A more structured treatment program that’s a step up from an IOP. Typically five days a week for several hours are required at a hospital or clinic.

• Rehabilitation (Rehab). Longer-term 24/7 care and monitoring focused on long-term recovery. Generally for people with moderate to severe SUD who are medically stable after detoxing, but require intensive care to maintain sobriety.

• Inpatient. 24/7 care in a hospital during detox, when someone needs medical stabilization and monitoring for medically dangerous and/or very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. In addition to hospitals, you can receive care at medical detox centers. 

Making treatment work for you

Overcoming substance use disorder takes hard work, but recovery is absolutely possible. Besides getting professional support and attending support groups, here are some ways to heal outside of sessions, too.

• Take care of your physical health. SUD often has negative effects on your health. During recovery, you should work on improving your overall health by eating a healthy diet, getting enough high-quality sleep, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly. These can all make a difference in helping you feel better.

• Maintain structure and routine. Substance use often takes up a lot of your time. In recovery, maintaining structure in your day and a solid daily routine can help you stay on track and fill up your time in healthy ways. Your therapist can help you develop a routine that’s best for you.  

• Be honest with your care team. Even when it’s hard or you feel shame, it’s important to be open and honest with your providers – including if and when you relapse. This will help them best support you and get you on track to feeling better.  

• Be patient with yourself. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to adjust to a life without using your substance or substances of choice. Be patient and kind to yourself during your treatment. 

• Lean on loved ones. Social support outside of therapy is also key to recovery. Having loved ones to rely on can keep you motivated and supported when times are tough. Loved ones or friends who are also sober are great support for holding you accountable and engaging in sober activities. 

• Celebrate your progress. The recovery process is something to be proud of. Even if your progress is slow, forward is forward. Small wins should be celebrated and serve as motivation to reach more and more goals. 
  
  

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