What is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a type of mental illness that affects a person’s ability to control their use of illegal substances such as drugs, alcohol, or medications. Over time, this can affect a person’s brain and behaviour.
In some cases where you have both a substance use problem and a mental health issue such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, it’s called a Co-Occurring Disorder or Dual Diagnosis.
Factors that Contributes to Dual Diagnosis:
• Mental disorders can contribute to substance use and SUDs.
• Substance use and SUDs can contribute to the development of other mental disorders.
• Common risk factors can contribute to both SUDs and other mental disorders.
One way to treat SUDs is through behavioral approaches. This will help them get engaged with drug abuse treatment, remain abstinent, and change their attitude towards drug use.
Behavioral Therapies for adults with SUDs:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
• Assertive Community Treatment
• Therapeutic Communities
• Contingency Management
For an individual dealing with problematic substance use, getting support is just the beginning. Recovery is a lifelong journey. But, with the right supports in place you can live a healthy and happy life.
Source: https://bit.ly/3iWpUEl