Substance Use Disorders

About 130 Americans die from an opioid overdose every day, and alcohol and other drugs threaten the lives of millions more. Spencer Simon, PA-C, and the compassionate team at Beautiful Mind Behavioral Health Services in Burlington and Greensboro, North Carolina, provide a holistic approach to treating substance abuse, including Suboxone® treatment for opioid addiction. To get help with substance abuse, call your nearest office or book an appointment online today.

Substance Abuse Q & A

What is substance abuse?

According to the World Health Organization, substance abuse involves the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances. This includes a wide range of substances, including readily available alcohol, tobacco, and prescription medications.

How is substance abuse different from substance use disorder?

Substance abuse may occur as a one-time incident, but substance use disorder is a clinical condition that involves drug addiction. Substance use disorder is a disease that leaves you unable to control your use of a drug or medication.

Drug addiction may begin with experimental use in recreational settings, like a party. For some people, use becomes more frequent and may require larger doses of the drug to achieve the same high. Drug use may continue despite its harmful effects on their health and relationships.

What are the signs and symptoms of drug addiction?

Signs and symptoms of substance use disorder vary based on the type of drug, but commonly include:

• Feeling like you need to use the drug regularly 
• Failing in attempts to stop using the drug
• Taking larger amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect over time
• Experiencing intense cravings for the drug
• Doing things you normally wouldn’t do to get the drug, such as stealing
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, and recovering from the drug
• Failing to meet social obligations and responsibilities due to drug use
• Continuing to use the drug despite the harm you know it’s causing 
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug

Drug addiction can wreak havoc on your life, causing problems at work and school, physical health issues, and money troubles.

How is substance use disorder treated?

The team at Beautiful Mind Behavioral Health Services treats drug addiction holistically, considering the biological, spiritual, and psychological factors that influence your disease. They use evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders, including psychotherapy and medication.

If you suffer from opioid addiction, they may prescribe Suboxone. This unique opioid medication suppresses withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoric effects of other opioids. Suboxone is a film that dissolves under your tongue.

To break free from the clutches of drug addiction, call Beautiful Mind Behavioral Health Services or book an appointment online today.