Substance Abuse Disorder

Although the professional terminology for substance abuse disorder has changed, the effects of this illness remain the same. Substance use disorder refers to mild, moderate, or severe recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs. A number of diagnostic criteria determine the level of severity.

This type of disorder causes significant impairment that results in failure to meet personal or professional responsibilities. A person struggling with substance abuse may also suffer from a disability or health problems.

Common Substance Abuse Disorder Conditions

There are three common substance use disorders associated with addiction in the United States: alcohol use disorder, stimulant use disorder, and opioid use disorder.

Alcohol abuse disorder is different from alcoholism, which occurs in varying degrees. A person who experiences a number of symptoms within a 12-month period has the disorder. Feeling incapable of cutting back on consuming alcohol is one sign for an alcohol abuse disorder. Other symptoms may include:

• Impaired concentration due to alcohol cravings
• Being in harmful situations that directly result from drinking
• Continued drinking despite it causing health, social, or professional problems
• Feeling powerless to cut back on the amount of alcohol consumed
• Participation in important activities decreases

Alcoholism describes a person who has a severe alcohol dependence. Simply drinking too much extends beyond a bad weekend.

Stimulant use disorder refers to an addiction to synthetic or plant-based drugs. Commonly abused stimulants include methamphetamine, amphetamine, and cocaine. Some stimulants are prescribed to treat medical or mental conditions.

A person addicted to stimulants may have an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and higher energy. Typically, individuals take stimulants orally, intravenously, or by snorting.

Opioid use disorder may begin from prescriptions that a person receives for pain. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are common pain relievers. People who misuse opioids want to intensify their experience by injecting or snorting them.

Diagnosing Substance Abuse Disorder

A 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report shows that of the 1.3 million adults who received treatment at specialized rehabs, nearly 900,000 of them were men. Regardless of the substance these men used, four basic categories guided the diagnosis of their condition.

Anyone using for longer periods of time, or in larger amounts, than intended implies impaired control. Some men want to reduce use but are unable to do so successfully on their own. Sadly, poor performance in school, neglecting their children, or even repeated work absences is not enough to stop.

Repeated use in dangerous situations may be another indication that a person has an addiction. Driving a car while impaired is a prime example. In some cases, a person continues to use addictive substances despite knowing that it’s making psychological or physical problems worse.

Tolerance and withdrawal are pharmacological indicators. The need to increase amounts of a substance before achieving the same desired effect relates to tolerance. Abruptly stopping alcohol or drug consumption leads the body to have withdrawal responses.

Recover from Substance Abuse Disorder in a Serene Environment

Whether from alcohol or drugs, addictions aren’t as easy to overcome. However, freeing yourself from substance abuse control isn’t impossible. Given the chance to begin a new path in a welcoming, serene environment removes distractions.

Here at Serenity Lodge, our clients can begin recovering on our spacious 22-acre grounds. At our men’s rehab faciity, our licensed professionals have one goal in mind: to help you get your life back.

In addition to our addiction treatment programs, we offer an amenity-rich environment which includes:

• Movie theater
• 1,500 square foot gym
• Golf
• Professional recording studio
• Pool

If you’re struggling with a substance abuse disorder, getting help is easier than you think. Addiction doesn’t have to control your life for another moment. Call Serenity Lodge today at (855) 932-4045.