Online Substance Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction Control in Tucson, AZ
Substance abuse disorder refers to the overuse of substances like alcohol, painkillers, or illicit drugs, resulting in physical, social, or emotional damage.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, seeking treatment can be transformative and potentially life-saving. Substance use disorder impacts millions across the country, and every person’s journey is distinct, necessitating customized treatment. Each person’s path with substance use is unique, so their treatment approach should also be tailored accordingly.
Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Simon George with our skilled team at Foothills Psychiatric Services in Tucson, Arizona, offers online counseling, treatment, and medication management for substance abuse and drug addiction control. We provide online mental health services to improve:
– physical well-being
– mental health,
– interpersonal relationships
We are offering Telehealth/Online consultations for mental health and substance abuse treatment in Tucson, AZ. To schedule a consultation, call our office.
Substance Abuse/Drug Addiction Treatment, Therapy & Counseling- Common Questions & Answers
What is Substance Abuse or Drug Addiction?
Substance use disorder is a condition where there is a continuous pattern of substance misuse, leading to significant mental, physical, and emotional challenges. These can include missing work or school, using substances in risky situations like driving, legal problems, or strained relationships.
It’s recognized as a genuine medical issue affecting the brain, involving the misuse of both legal and illegal substances. Illegal substances like marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, and legal ones such as alcohol, nicotine, or prescription drugs, are involved.
While occasional use may not pose major risks, addiction to these substances/drugs requires immediate attention. Seeking help from a substance abuse treatment clinic and mental health provider is crucial. Foothills Psychiatric Clinic in Tucson, AZ offers online assessment, counseling, and treatment for alcohol and drug addiction.
What Substances/drugs are associated with substance use disorder?
Substances or drugs that can get people addicted to its usage are:
– Alcohol
– Marijuana
– Prescription medicines, such as pain pills, stimulants, or anxiety pills
– Methamphetamine
– Opiates
– Cocaine
– Hallucinogens
– Inhalants
Drug Addiction or Substance Abuse Disorder Symptoms?
Symptoms listed below are commonly linked with drug, alcohol, or other substance use, although each person may display variations in signs. Symptoms can include:
- Feeling a constant need and urge to use the drug, whether daily or multiple times a day
- Experiencing intense cravings for the substance that dominate thoughts
- Using larger amounts of the drug for longer periods than intended
- Needing more of the drug over time to achieve the same effect
- Making sure a steady supply of the drug is always available
- Neglecting responsibilities or reducing participation in social activities due to drug use
- Continuing drug use despite awareness of its negative impact on life or health
- Engaging in unusual behaviors, such as theft, to obtain the drug
- Wasting significant time acquiring, using, or recovering from the drug’s effects
- Struggling to stop using the drug despite attempts to quit
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using drugs or alcohol, or using them to avoid withdrawal symptoms
Substance abuse symptoms can range from mild to severe. Depending on the severity, you might experience anxiety, lack of commitment, or, in extreme cases, death. It’s crucial to seek help from a nearby substance abuse clinic or online mental health psychiatrist. At Foothills Psychiatric Clinic, we provide best online substance abuse treatment, control, and medication services in Tucson, and throughout Arizona. Contact us at (480) 608-4877 for online/telehealth or in-person consultations.
Factors Contributing to Substance Abuse or Drug Addiction
Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Several factors can possibly influence how quickly and likely someone is to develop an addiction, they can be:
1. Family History: If addiction runs in your family, you might be at higher risk to substance abuse.
2. Mental Health Conditions: People with conditions like depression, ADHD, or PTSD are more likely to use drugs as a way to cope, which can lead to addiction.
3. Peer Influence: Peer pressure, mostly seen among teenagers, can lead to drug use and misuse.
4. Lack of Family Support: Poor family relationships or little parental involvement can increase the risk of addiction. A supportive family can help prevent substance abuse.
5. Early Exposure: Using drugs during teenage years can affect brain development and increase the chances of becoming addicted.
6. Substance Potency: Strong drugs like cocaine, stimulants, or opioids can lead to addiction quickly, especially if used by smoking or injection. Less potent drugs can also lead to future substance misuse and addiction.
For support and guidance, counseling, therapy, and medications, related to substance abuse and drug addiction in Tucson, AZ reach out to us for online/telehealth or in-person consultations.
How is Drug Addiction or Substance Abuse Diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals diagnose substance use or drug addiction by performing some assessments. Some common methods used in the diagnostic process of substance abuse are:
1. Physical Examination
Physical examination is the process of checking the usage of drugs and signs of drug use or related health issues.
2. Clinical Interview
Our Online Drug Addiction Healthcare providers in Tucson, Arizona will conduct a thorough interview to discover the individual’s medical history, substance use patterns, and any related symptoms.
3. Diagnostic Criteria
Substance use disorders are diagnosed based on the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These criteria involve issues like losing control over substance use, persisting in use despite harmful consequences, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used.
4. Laboratory Tests
To detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in the body, Drug Addiction Healthcare providers can do urine, blood, or other tests. Foothills Psychiatry has many active partners to perform relevant tests for diagnosing substance abuse or drug addiction.
5. Psychological Evaluation
At our Online psychiatric clinic in Tucson, AZ, a mental health professional may evaluate for co-occurring mental health conditions that could be contributing to substance abuse.
6. Screening Tools
How severe the addiction is, can be determined by various screening tools and questionnaires that can help identify problematic substance use behaviors.
7. Family Involvement
Help from family members or close contacts can offer important insights into an individual’s substance use or drug use habits and how they affect relationships.
If you feel you or someone you know have been dealing with substance abuse or addiction, it is crucial to seek help from trained drug control professionals. Th earlier the intervention, the more effective treatments, and therapies can be to live a drug-free life. Not sure how and where to begin, call us at (480) 608-4877 to speak with our online substance abuse and drug addiction specialist in Tucson, AZ.
Treatment for Substance Abuse Disorder and Drug Addiction
The specific treatment for substance use disorder will be determined by your therapist based on several factors, including:
– Your age, overall health, and medical history
– Severity of symptoms
– Level of dependence
– Type of substance being used
– Your tolerance for certain medications, procedures, or therapies
– Expectations for the progression of the condition
– Your personal preferences
The common approach to treating substance use disorder and drug addiction is a combination of behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT involves using medications, such as Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), alongside counseling and therapies to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Here’s how it works:
1. Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) assists people in modifying detrimental behaviors and building effective coping mechanisms. It often incorporates exposure therapy and relaxation techniques to further enhance its effectiveness.
2. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Foothills Psychiatric Clinic in Tucson, AZ, offers comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to effectively manage substance abuse disorders. Suboxone, which includes buprenorphine and naloxone, is a commonly prescribed medication in MAT for opioid addiction. Buprenorphine reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms by acting as a partial opioid agonist, while naloxone prevents misuse by blocking opioid effects. Suboxone is an integral part of our treatment plans, proven to prevent relapse and support long-term recovery.
Contact us at 480-608-4877 for more information on our online Suboxone services and how it can be used for drug addiction control.
The drugs listed here are for educational purposes. We strongly recommend not taking these drugs without consulting your nearest healthcare professional.
3. Individualized Treatment Plan
Treating Substance Use Disorders and drug addiction requires unique methods that take into account each person’s unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. A comprehensive assessment helps create the best treatment plan, including factors like how long medication should be used, how often therapy sessions should occur, and what additional support services are necessary for long-term recovery.
4. Supportive Groups
Apart from therapy and medication to control substance abuse, individuals in recovery may benefit from additional supportive resources such as peer support groups, family therapy, vocational training, and housing assistance. These services address various aspects of a person’s life affected by addiction, promoting holistic healing and rehabilitation.
To summarize, combining behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and supportive services offers a comprehensive approach to tackling Substance Abuse Disorder and Drug Addiction. Medications like Suboxone play a crucial role in preventing relapse and fostering long-term sobriety. For compassionate and expert treatment and therapy for Substance Use in Tucson and nearby areas of Arizona, contact our office at 480-608-4877 to schedule your consultation.
