What is SUD? - Recovery St. Charles County

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Substance use disorder (SUD) is the uncontrolled and recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs, despite there being detrimental consequences. If not dealt with, it can lead to severe health issues and problems at work, school and home.

Signs & Symptoms

If you’re worried that someone you know may have a substance use disorder, you’ll want to look out for any sign of symptoms that they may be showing, such as:

Try to cut down or stop opioid use completely, but not being able to

Having strong cravings for opioids

Developing a tolerance on opioids

Isolation from family and friends

Learn more by visiting the CDC.gov ›

The Hidden Issue

SUD is often the response to an underlying issue. While there are many underlying issues to substance use disorder, mental health and stress are two major issues that can cause someone to turn to substances.

Stress

Stress is our body’s natural reaction to a challenging situation. Stress alone can cause our bodies to react in ways that are unhealthy and even life-threatening. When a situation is so stressful and someone does not have a safe outlet to express these overwhelming emotions, they sometimes opt to find another way to cope.

For example, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of those using substances soared as uncertainty flooded the globe. In June 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 13% of Americans reported starting or increasing substance use as a way of coping with stress related to the pandemic.

Mental Health

Mental health plays a critical role in substance use disorder and someone’s ability to successfully recover. Often, those who have a substance use disorder often have a mental health disorder as well. Helping those with a substance use disorder isn’t just about the physical aspects of recovery. It also deals with the emotional and mental trauma that comes along with it. Finding treatment options that offer both medication for opioid use disorder and counseling is a way to ensure that someone is getting the help they need in all aspects of their lives.

Learn more by visiting the CDC.gov ›

Treatment & Recovery Options

Recovery is possible. With patience, determination and support, you can find yourself on a strong road to recovery.

There is no “right” way to recover as everyone’s experience is different. That being said, there are many different types of treatment and recovery options that someone can undergo.

Behavioral Therapy & Counseling

As mentioned before, there are often underlying issues that lead someone to developing a substance use disorder. When someone has a substance use disorder, it’s pertinent that their recovery plan includes treatments that will address their symptoms and underlying emotions and stress behind the use of substances. Behavioral therapy and counseling can help a patient discover their symptoms, acknowledge the risk that it brings to their lives as well as creating a strategy to prevent use and relapse.

Therapy & Counseling

Support Groups and Meetings

Support groups and meetings can be highly beneficial to someone’s recovery plan. Finding a network of support with those who are seeking the same freedom you are not only helps someone to feel connected to something bigger than themselves, but the continued support from peers can be a major component to long-term sobriety.

Groups & Meetings