Substance Use Disorders

 Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include, among others:

• Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly 
• Having intense urges for the drug
• Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
• Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended
• Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
• Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it
• Poor work performance or limiting social interactions due to drug use
• Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it's causing problems in your life
• Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do
• Driving or doing other risky activities when under the drugs influence
• Spending a good deal of time getting the drug
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug

  Like many mental health disorders, several factors may contribute to development of drug addiction. 

The main factors are:

• Environment. Environmental factors, including your family's beliefs and attitudes and exposure to a peer group that encourages drug use, seem to play a role in initial drug use.

• Genetics. Once you've started using a drug, the development into addiction may be influenced by inherited (genetic) traits, which may delay or speed up the disease progression.

 Treatment programs for substance use disorder usually offer:

• Individual, group or family therapy sessions
• A focus on understanding the nature of addiction, becoming drug-free and preventing relapse
• Levels of care and settings that vary depending on your needs, such as outpatient, residential and inpatient programs

Withdrawal therapy

Detoxification, or "detox," aims to help individuals safely and quickly stop taking addictive drugs. Withdrawal therapy varies based on the type of drug and severity of addiction. Some people can undergo outpatient withdrawal therapy, while others may require inpatient treatment with medication-assisted therapy. Different drugs produce varying side effects, and detox may involve gradually reducing the dosage or substituting other substances like methadone or buprenorphine.

Medicine as part of treatment

Medicines such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone can aid in the recovery of opioid addiction by reducing cravings and the risk of relapse. However, they do not cure addiction and are only recommended as part of a treatment plan.

Behavior therapy

Behavior therapy is a form of psychotherapy used in drug treatment programs. It can be done by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and may involve individual, family, or group counseling.

Self-help groups

Self-help support groups, often based on the 12-step model, help people with addiction and provide ongoing support to avoid relapse. These groups decrease a sense of shame and isolation that can lead to relapse. Therapists or licensed counselors can assist in locating self-help support groups, which can also be found in the community or online.

Ongoing treatment

Continued treatment and support after initial treatment can prevent relapse. This can include regular appointments, self-help programs, or group sessions. Seek help immediately if relapse occurs.