What is substance abuse?
Substance abuse is a common problem that occurs when you’re unable to stop using harmful addictive substances, such as tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or pain medications. Abusing such substances is often harmful for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Seeking treatment with the White Lake Family Medicine team helps you break unhealthy addictions.
What are the symptoms of substance abuse disorder?
Common symptoms of substance abuse disorder include:
- Not being able to stop using a substance
- Using more and more of a substance
- Withdrawal symptoms upon stopping
- Intense urges to use addictive substances
- Slurred speech
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Memory problems
- Difficulty with coordination
- Depression
- Confusion
- Changes in behavior
Common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, shakiness, sweating, and fatigue. You might also experience anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Substance abuse can cause problems at work, school, or in relationships, as well as health issues or trouble with the law. You may experience financial problems too.
What are the risk factors for substance abuse?
While substance abuse can happen to anyone, factors that increase your risk of experiencing it include:
- Other mental health disorders
- Family history of addictions
- Using substances at an early age
- Peer pressure
- Poor social support network
- Taking highly addictive drugs
Sticking to your treatment plan and avoiding high-risk situations reduces your chance of relapsing after breaking an addiction.
How does my provider diagnose substance abuse disorder?
To diagnose substance abuse disorder, your Whitelake Family Medicine specialist asks questions about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and symptoms. They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam. You may need urine tests, blood tests, or other lab tests to assess the extent of substance misuse.
What are my treatment options?
If you struggle with substance abuse, your Whitelake Family Medicine provider could recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Lifestyle changes
- Behavioral therapy
- Counseling
- Medications
- Injections
- Inpatient treatment programs
- Support groups
They personalize a treatment based on your needs, lifestyle, health, and preferences. Lifestyle changes that reduce your risk of substance use include getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, and avoiding situations that trigger cravings.
If you take medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, use them exactly as directed by your provider. Call the Whitelake Family Medicine office if you struggle with relapse or have questions about your treatment plan.
To get treated for substance abuse, call the Whitelake Family Medicine office or schedule an appointment online today.
