Substance Use Disorders

Nearly 50 million people aged 12 and older struggle with substance use disorder, which often diminishes physical and mental well-being. At PsychPro Health, based in Brockton, Massachusetts, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Ana Depina, PMHNP, diagnoses and treats this disorder to help you break free from addictions and rediscover hope and happiness. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation with Ana at PsychPro Health by phone or request one online today.

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder is a condition involving the misuse of illicit drugs, prescription medications, tobacco, or alcohol — and the inability to stop using these harmful substances despite knowing they’re causing harm. Common substances that lead to an addiction include:

• Cocaine
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Methamphetamines
• Opioids
• Cannabis

These and other addictive substances alter how your brain functions over time. Treatment with Ana at PsychPro Health increases your chances of overcoming substance misuse, allowing you to thrive at work, in school, in relationships, and in everyday situations. 

Which symptoms can substance use disorder cause?

Substance use disorder can lead to:

• Being intoxicated
• Poor judgement and decision-making
• Not being able to stop using harmful substances
• Needing more and more of a toxic substance
• Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using harmful substances
• Strong urges to use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco 
• Unsuccessful attempts to quit
• Problems at school, work, or home because of substance misuse
• Physical health problems
• Psychological conditions like anxiety or depression

Examples of withdrawal symptoms include nausea, sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramping, mood changes, and difficulty sleeping.

It’s common to misuse more than one substance at the same time. For example, many people misuse drugs and alcohol or tobacco with alcohol. Alcohol is the most common type of substance associated with substance use disorder in the United States.

What are the risk factors for substance use disorder?

Anyone using addictive substances can develop substance use disorder. Risk factors include:

• Using addictive substances at an early age
• Peer pressure 
• Family history of substance use disorder
• Feeling depressed or anxious
• Being prescribed painkillers
• Traumatic childhood experiences
• Genetic susceptibility (gene variants)
• Easy access to harmful substances

When left untreated, substance use disorder often affects your physical and mental health. It can increase the risk of certain cancers, memory problems, and fatal overdoses.

How is substance use disorder diagnosed?

Ana completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine if you have substance use disorder, its severity, how to best manage your condition, and if you have additional mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. 

She asks questions about your lifestyle, medications, substance use habits, moods, emotions, thoughts, behavior patterns, and more. Ana may also suggest you complete diagnostic tests.

How is substance use disorder treated?

Treating substance use disorder with Ana at PsychPro Health typically involves individualized therapy, medication management, and lifestyle modifications. She meets with you virtually or in person to complete psychotherapy sessions and manage medications that make it easier to stop using harmful substances. She may recommend an inpatient program or group therapy.  

It’s also important to eat nutritious foods, reduce stress with relaxation techniques (yoga, tai chi, meditation, massage, mindfulness, etc.), get plenty of sleep, and maintain a strong social support network. Call Ana anytime you need additional therapy sessions or have questions about your treatment plan. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth substance use disorder evaluation at PsychPro Health by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.