Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorder affects nearly 50 million people aged 12 and older in the United States. At Community Counseling Services in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, licensed drug and alcohol counselor James Adams, MS, LADC-I, helps you overcome an addiction to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or other harmful substances. Schedule an evaluation with James at Community Counseling Services by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

What is substance use disorder? 

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental health concern characterized by the misuse of addictive substances. You may know they’re harmful and desire to quit, but haven’t been able to. Substance misuse is a common concern, but treatment at Community Counseling Services can help you combat urges, withdrawal symptoms, and unhelpful behaviors. 

Which substances may contribute to substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder can affect people who use the following addictive substances:

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

These substances can alter the way your brain functions, releasing feel-good chemicals in the brain until the effects of the substance wear off. 

Your body craves more of a harmful substance to continue to feel good, making it difficult to break an addictive habit. 

What are the symptoms of substance use disorder?

The symptoms of substance use disorder can include:

• Needing more and more of a substance to feel the same effects
• Being high or drunk frequently 
• Withdrawal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, sweating, irritability, etc.) when trying to quit 
• Strong urges to use harmful, addictive substances
• Not being able to stop using harmful substances

You might develop depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Risk factors include peer pressure, family history of substance misuse, trying addictive substances at an early age, other mental health disorders, and past trauma. 

How is substance use disorder diagnosed?

James uses DSM-5 criteria to evaluate your mental health and determine if you have a substance use disorder or similar mental health concerns. He discusses your medical history, lifestyle habits, thoughts, moods, emotions, and behaviors to personalize an appropriate treatment. 

How is substance use disorder treated?

Treating substance use disorder or a co-existing condition at Community Counseling Services might include:

• Assertive community treatment (ACT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Therapeutic communities (TCs)
• Motivational enhancement therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Drama therapy
• Gestalt therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Humanistic therapy
• Integrative therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Person-centered therapy
• Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)
• Schema therapy
• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
• Strength-based therapy
• Addiction treatment
• Coping skills
• Stress management
• Anger management
• Mindfulness
• Spirituality 

You might also take medications and alter your lifestyle habits. James follows up routinely to ensure your treatment is effective and long-lasting. He may refer you to community programs to optimize treatment outcomes.

Schedule a substance use disorder evaluation at Community Counseling Services by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.