Resource & Information

Updated: May 26, 2023

Why Are Trustworthy and Quality Resources on Addiction Treatment Needed?

As explained by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in the Drug Facts publications, substance abuse can cause physical changes in the brain that become chronic, requiring medical and psychological treatment in order to be managed.

Because substance abuse and addiction are medically recognized as real, chronic psychological disorders, it is important that they be treated in the way any other medical or psychological condition is treated – by experts trained in the physical, mental, and social issues and challenges that can arise for a person who is struggling with substance abuse. With these trustworthy resources, pitfalls that lead to relapse can be more easily avoided and a person can emerge from treatment with tools needed to remain in long-term recovery from substance abuse.

What Is Substance Abuse?

Most simply, the World Health Organization defines substance abuse as harmful or hazardous use or misuse of substances that act on the brain, such as prescription and illicit drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse is considered to be a type of mental health disorder.

When a person is abusing a substance, it can result in the following behaviors and symptoms, among others, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:

Cravings for the substance
Diminished interest in activities that were once enjoyed, in favor of substance use
Participation in risky behaviors while using the substance
Inability to keep up with responsibilities at school, work, or home
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to give up use of the substance
Tolerance of the substance (needing more and more to produce the same result)
Problems in relationships based on drug or alcohol use
Continued use of the substance despite negative consequences
Manifestation of withdrawal symptoms if substance use is stopped

What Is Mental Health

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services describes mental health as a person’s emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. Being mentally healthy makes it easier for people to be productive, to manage stress, and to enjoy their lives and the company of others. Signs that someone is suffering from poor mental health can include:

Changes in sleeping patterns
Changes in eating patterns
Diminished desire to participate in activities with others
Unexplained aches and pains
Low energy or listlessness
Nontypical agitation or aggression
Forgetfulness or being easily distracted
Mood swings, which can be severe
Hallucinations, including strange visual, auditory, or tactile sensations
A feeling that one is hopeless or has no purpose
Substance abuse

Cause & Effect Guide

Substance Abuse Articles

Co-Occurring Disorders Overview

Mental Health Articles

How Does Treatment Work?

As described in an article from Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, substance abuse is a chronic psychological disorder that can be managed through treatment. Research-based treatment can help a person in the effort to reduce or stop substance use through the following steps:
Step 1: Often a organized drug intervention is needed to help convince an individual with a substance abuse problem to get help. Professional interventionist are able to assist in this step.
Step 2: detox and withdrawal to remove the substance from the person’s body and to manage any uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Step 3: residential or inpatient treatment to enable the person to focus on managing the substance use disorder 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Partial hospitalization programs provide less around the clock care but offer more flexibility for those that need it.
Step 4: education to help the person understand substance abuse, what it does to the brain and body, and why management is important for future health.
Step 5: behavioral therapy to help the person understand and recognize particular triggers for substance abuse and how to interrupt drug-seeking behaviors and cravings.
Step 6: family therapy to help all family members understand how relationships may play into the substance use disorder and how to create structure that supports recovery.
Step 7: post-residential outpatient treatment to provide continued support, motivation, and abstinence skills practice during the transition out of treatment back to daily living.
Step 7: Aftercare, including 12-Step and other support groups, to help the person avoid relapse and continue recovery in the long-term

Step-by-Step, Process & How To Articles

Comparing Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment

Many people have questions about whether inpatient or outpatient treatment is better for their particular issues. The following comparison of inpatient and outpatient treatment can help in understanding the most helpful path to follow:

Outpatient

Able to continue working, going to school, or maintaining other life responsibilities while in treatment
Treatment staff available during treatment sessions
Substance use may be available or hard to avoid
Medical support is limited
Other contributing disorders may go unrecognized and untreated since observation time is more limited
May be used to supplement inpatient treatment during the transition back to daily living

Inpatient

Treatment staff can observe and assist 24/7
Availability of substance use restricted
Medical support for detox and cravings prevention
Ability to recognize and treat other contributing mental health disorders
Outpatient care may be used post-treatment to continue building and strengthening skills

Comparison & Review Articles

Who Are Addiction Treatment Experts?

Addiction treatment experts are individuals, including medical doctors and psychiatrists, who are specifically trained and certified in recognizing and diagnosing addiction, and in providing treatment therapies for substance use disorders. These personnel must undergo additional training to become certified to treat these disorders and the conditions that may accompany them.

Along with medical and psychological professionals, other specialized staff members in a treatment program may include:

General Statistics on Addiction and Treatment

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 21.5 million people (8.1% of people in the US aged 12 or older) had some form of substance use disorder in 2014.
In comparison, about 1% of adults, or 43.6 million people, had a mental health disorder of any kind.
About 3% of people had both a substance use disorder and another mental health disorder of any kind. Approximately 1% of US adults had both a substance use disorder and a severe mental health disorder.
Approximately 5 million people 12 and older in the US required some form of substance abuse treatment in 2014. Among those in need of treatment, only about 1.6% received any form of care, and approximately 1% received concentrated treatment.

Research Articles

List & Top 10 Based Articles

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