Substance Abuse

Approximately 48 million people in the United States struggle with substance abuse. Many also suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition. The expert medical team at Texas Advance Behavioral Health in Arlington, Texas, specializes in the assessment and treatment of substance use disorders. To reclaim your quality of life or to help a loved one with addiction, call now or request a confidential appointment online.

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse is when you start using drugs or alcohol in a way that harms your health, your relationships, and your daily life. It goes beyond just occasional use or getting drunk. If regular use affects your work, education, loved ones and friends, or even your own mental and physical health, that’s when it’s a problem and is considered abuse.

It might feel like you can’t control the urge to use, or you might find yourself needing more of the drug or alcohol to feel the same effects. Over time, it can lead to dependence, which means your body starts relying on the substance just to feel normal. 

Some telltale signs of substance abuse include:

• Unexplained behavior changes
• Secretiveness
• Lying
• Financial problems
• Mood swings

 You or your loved one may stop caring about appearance, or begin to neglect responsibilities.

What is dual diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis means you’re dealing with substance abuse and a mental health disorder at the same time. For instance, it’s fairly common for alcoholics to also have depression. Dual diagnosis is difficult because the symptoms of one condition can worsen the other condition.

Though it makes things more complicated, you may use drugs or alcohol as a means of self-medicating when you have a mental health problem. At Texas Advance Behavioral Health, your provider customizes treatment to address both the substance abuse and the mental health disorder simultaneously, helping you make a more complete recovery.

How is substance abuse treated?

The team at Texas Advance Behavioral Health uses a combination of therapy, medication, and support to help you overcome your addiction. Your provider begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine your specific needs. The first goal is to help you safely stop using the substance, which typically includes a detox period under medical supervision. 

Therapy plays a big role, too — especially behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you understand the patterns of thinking and behavior that drive your addiction, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), which helps you manage the emotional aftermath of trauma. Family therapy can also help you rebuild trust with your loved ones. 

Medications can help manage your withdrawal symptoms and cravings, especially if you’re dealing with alcohol or opioid dependence. 

For individualized treatment that helps you move forward with your life, call today or book your appointment online.