Health Nuggets: Substance use disorder is treatable – Park Rapids Enterprise

A substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable, chronic disease characterized by a cluster of cognitive, behavioral and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite significant substance-related problems.

In 2022, more than one in six Americans aged 12 or older reported experiencing a SUD.

SUDs can range in severity from mild to severe and can affect people of any race, gender, income level or social class.

A SUD can be applied to the following types of drugs:

• Alcohol;

• Cannabis

  ;

• Hallucinogens;
• Inhalants;

• Opioids

   (prescription and Illegal);

• Sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics;
• Stimulants and psychostimulants;
• Tobacco (nicotine);
• Other (unknown) substances.

Addiction is a disease, not a character flaw. People experiencing SUDs have trouble controlling their drug use, even though they know drugs are harmful.

Overcoming a SUD is not as simple as resisting the temptation to take drugs. Recovery may involve medication to help with cravings and withdrawal as well as different forms of therapy. It may even require checking into a rehabilitation facility.

Like many other chronic conditions, treatment is available for substance use disorders. While no single treatment method is right for everyone, recovery is possible and help is available for patients with SUDs.

There are safe and effective ways to recover from SUDs. Finding the right treatment option can be the key to a successful recovery journey.

Outpatient counseling helps people understand addiction, their triggers and their reasons for using drugs. This form of treatment can be done at a doctor’s office or via telehealth appointment.

Inpatient rehabilitation at a full-time facility provides a supportive environment to help people recover without distractions or temptations.

Behavioral health care involves trained providers who help with mental health concerns.

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MOUD is effective in helping people reduce illegal opioid use, stay in treatment longer and reduce the risk of opioid-involved overdose.

MOUD medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone.

Research has demonstrated that MOUD is effective in helping people recover from their SUD. It is important to find what works best for each individual.

No one driving factor leads to SUD. Some people may use drugs to help cope with stress and trauma or to help with mental health issues. Some may develop a SUD after taking opioids that are prescribed to them by doctors. In any case, using drugs over time may cause changes in a person’s brain, leading to intense cravings and continued use.

Some may view acknowledging and receiving treatment for an SUD as a sign of personal failure and weakness. The associated shame felt by patients and families can make it difficult to seek treatment. Finding a doctor who is comfortable discussing SUDs can help ensure long-term recovery.

The North Country Community Health Services Board (NCCHB) is a legal, governing authority for local public health. The NCCHB works with the Minnesota Department of Health to fund and provide local public health services in the counties of Hubbard, Clearwater and Lake of the Woods. More info at www.ncchb.org.