
Substance Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction Control in San Tan Valley, AZ
A person is under the influence of Substance Use if they do Excessive use of psychoactive drugs, such as alcohol, pain medications, or illegal drugs. And excess use of this substance can lead to physical, social, or emotional harm.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, treatment can be life-changing, and life-saving. Substance use or drug addiction is a difficult and dangerous condition that affects millions in the United States. Every story behind substance use is different. So, each individual’s addiction treatment should be different, too.
At Grand Canyon Psychiatry in San Tan Valley, Arizona, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Peter Njogu and their excellent team offers counseling & treatment for Substance Abuse and Drug Addiction to improve:
– Physical well-being
– Mental and emotional health
– Interpersonal relationships.
We offer both Telehealth and in-person consultations for mental health and substance abuse treatment. To schedule a consultation, call our office.
Substance Abuse/Drug Addiction Treatment & Counseling- Common Questions & Answers
What is Substance Abuse or Drug Addiction?
Substance use disorder is a medical condition characterized by a consistent pattern of substance (drug) use that results in significant mental, physical and emotional difficulties or discomfort. These can include absenteeism from work or school, consuming the substance in hazardous situations like driving, legal issues related to substance use, or persistent use that disrupts relationships with friends and family.
Recognized as a genuine medical condition affecting the brain, substance use disorder encompasses the misuse of both illegal and legal substances. Illegal substances can be marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, and legal substances can be alcohol, nicotine, or prescription drugs. Among legal substances, alcohol stands out as the most prevalent drug associated with substance use disorder.
Occasional use of these alcohols and drugs may not have any effect, but if you are getting addicted, or already have become an addict to these drugs or substances, you must seek immediate help from your nearest substance abuse treatment clinic and mental health care provider. Grand Canyon Psychiatry in San Tan Valley, AZ can help in the evaluation, offer counseling and treatment of substance abuse such as alcohol and drug addiction.
What Substances are associated with substance use disorder?
Substances that can get people addicted are:
– Alcohol
– Marijuana
– Prescription medicines, such as pain pills, stimulants, or anxiety pills
– Methamphetamine
– Cocaine
– Opiates
– Hallucinogens
– Inhalants
What are Drug Addiction or Substance Abuse Symptoms?
The behaviors listed below are commonly associated with drug, alcohol, or other substance use. However, each individual may exhibit slightly varied signs. Symptoms may include :
- Sensations of needing to use the drug consistently – on a daily basis or even multiple times throughout the day
- Experiencing strong cravings for the substance that overshadow all other thoughts.
- Consuming greater quantities of the drug for an extended duration than originally planned.
- Over time, requiring an increased amount of the drug to achieve the desired effect.
- Ensuring that you always have a stock of the drug available.
- Failing to fulfill commitments and work duties, or reducing participation in social or leisure activities due to drug consumption.
- Persisting in drug use despite awareness that it is resulting in challenges in your life or causing you physical or psychological damage.
- Engaging in actions to obtain the drug that are typically outside of your usual behavior, like resorting to theft.
- Dedicating a significant amount of time acquiring the drug, using it, or recuperating from its effects.
- Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
- Having withdrawal symptoms if not using drugs or alcohol. Or using alcohol or another drug to avoid such symptoms.
Substance Abuse symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe in some cases. Based on the condition and severity you might undergo anxious feelings, lack of commitment, and sometimes death. Therefore it is always best that you seek help from your nearest substance abuse clinic, or mental health psychiatrist. Our team at Grand Canyon Psychiatry offers best substance abuse control, treatment, and medication services in San Tan Valley and across Arizona – call us now at (480) 716-8473 for online/telehealth or in-person consultations.
What factors contribute to Substance Abuse or Drug Addiction?
Addiction can affect individuals regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Several factors can influence the likelihood and speed of addiction development:
- Family History: A genetic predisposition to addiction is common in certain families, increasing the risk for individuals with relatives who have struggled with alcohol or drug dependency.
- Mental health conditions: Those with mental health disorders like depression, ADHD, or PTSD are more susceptible to drug addiction as substances may serve as coping mechanisms for managing emotional distress, exacerbating existing issues.
- Peer influence: Peer pressure, especially among young individuals, significantly contributes to the initiation and misuse of drugs.
- Lack of Family Support: Unfavorable family dynamics or inadequate parental involvement can heighten the vulnerability to addiction, as supportive family relationships play a crucial role in deterring substance abuse.
- Early exposure: Initiation of drug use during adolescence can disrupt brain development and escalate the likelihood of addiction progression.
- Substance potency: Highly addictive substances such as stimulants, cocaine, or opioids can expedite addiction development, with methods like smoking or injection further increasing dependency risks. Additionally, even “mild” drugs can pave the way for subsequent substance misuse and addiction.
For support and guidance counseling, therapy, and medications, reach out to us for online/telehealth or in-person consultations.
How is Drug Addiction or Substance Abuse Diagnosed?
Diagnosing substance abuse or drug addiction typically involves a comprehensive assessment by healthcare professionals. Here are some common steps and methods used in the diagnostic process:
1. Physical Examination
At Grand Canyon Psychiatry in San Tan Valley, AZ, our substance abuse professionals may conduct a physical exam to check for any signs of drug use or related health issues.
2. Clinical Interview
Our Drug Addiction Healthcare providers in San Tan Valley, Arizona will conduct a thorough interview to gather information about the individual’s medical history, substance use patterns, and any associated symptoms.
3. Diagnostic Criteria
Substance use disorders are diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These criteria include factors such as impaired control over substance use, continued use despite negative consequences, and withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.
4. Laboratory Tests
Urine, blood, or other tests may be conducted to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in the body.
5. Psychological Evaluation
A mental health professional at out clinic in San Tan Valley, AZ may assess for co-occurring mental health conditions that could contribute to substance abuse.
6. Screening Tools
Various screening tools and questionnaires can help identify problematic substance use behaviors and determine the severity of the addiction.
7. Family Involvement
Input from family members or close contacts can provide valuable insight into an individual’s substance use patterns and their impact on relationships.
It is important to seek help from trained professionals if you suspect that you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction. Early intervention can lead to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life. If you do not know where and how to start, give us a call at (480) 716-8473 to speak to our substance abuse and drug addiction specialist in San Tan Valley, AZ.
Treatment for Substance Abuse Disorder and Drug Addiction
Specific treatment for substance use disorder will be determined by your substance use therapist based on:
– Patient’s age, overall health, and health history
– Extent of the symptoms
– Extent of the dependence
– Type of substance a patient is using
– Your tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
– Expectations for the course of the condition
– Patient’s opinion or preference
One of the most common treatments for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Drug Addiction is a combination of behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT involves the use of medications, such as Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapies to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Here’s how it works:
1. Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational interviewing, are commonly employed in the treatment of addiction. These therapeutic approaches assist individuals in recognizing and modifying detrimental behaviors, creating coping mechanisms to handle cravings and triggers, and confronting root causes contributing to substance misuse.
2. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) integrates FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to address substance abuse disorders successfully. Suboxone, comprising buprenorphine and naloxone, is a prevalent medication in MAT for opioid addiction. Buprenorphine, acting as a partial opioid agonist, mitigates cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone counteracts opioid effects to deter misuse. Suboxone is usually included in a holistic treatment regimen and proves effective in averting relapse and fostering sustained recovery.
We at Grand Canyon Psychiatry in San tan Valley, AZ, are a leading Online Suboxone Provider. Call us at (480) 716-8473 to speak to your local healthcare professional for medication assistance.
3. Individualized Treatment Plans
Addressing Substance Use Disorders and drug addiction necessitates customized approaches that consider the distinctive requirements, inclinations, and situations of each individual. A thorough evaluation aids in identifying the optimal treatment strategy, encompassing factors like the duration of medication utilization, the frequency of therapeutic sessions, and supplementary support services essential for achieving sustained rehabilitation.
4. Supportive Services
Beyond therapy and medication, individuals undergoing recovery could find value in additional supportive resources like peer support groups, family therapy, vocational training, and housing aid. These services cater to different facets of an individual’s life impacted by addiction, fostering comprehensive healing and rehabilitation.
To summarize, integrating behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and supportive services provides a holistic approach to addressing Substance Abuse Disorder and Drug Addiction. Medications such as Suboxone are pivotal in preventing relapse and promoting sustained sobriety over the long term. To receive compassionate and professional treatment and therapy for Substance Use in the San Tan Valley and Nearly locations in Arizona, call our office at (480) 716-8473 to book your consultation.