Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Causes Substance Use Disorder?

There is no specific cause but there are risk factors that include genetics, environment, socioeconomics, history of personal trauma, and psychological factors

2. How Can I Know If My Loved One Has SUD?

You can start by looking for red flags in 3 areas: behavioral, physical, and social.

-Behavioral: Secretive routines, unexplained absences, or risky choices to obtain substances

-Physical: Reddened eyes, chronic congestion, sudden weight change, or tremors

-Social: Withdrawing from family activities, dropping hobbies, missing work or school, and frequent money crises

3. What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

MAT is a treatment method that uses medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, combined with therapy to address the psychological symptoms of SUD. It works by targeting the brain receptors affected by SUD and helps to stabilize brain chemistry. The medications used in MAT are methadone, naltrexone, buprenorphine, disulfuram, and acamprosate, each targeting different substance use disorders. Methadone and buprenorphine are used for opioid use disorder by acting on the brains receptors without producing euphoria. Naltrexone blocks opioid effects and reduces alcohol cravings. Disulfuram creates unpleasant physical symptoms, in reaction to alcohol consumption, which discourages relapse, and acamprosate works to restore brain balance to individuals with alcohol use disorder.

4. What is Withdrawal and is Going to Detox necessary?

Withdrawal is the physical and mental symptoms that are experienced when an individual with SUD suddenly stops or reduces the use of a substance. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe complications. Common withdrawal symptoms are shaking, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, irritability, and hallucinations. Withdrawal can be life-threatening when withdrawing from substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepines. Severe symptoms, such as seizures, require medical intervention for proper management, therefore attending a detoxification program is necessary in those situations.

5. Is Relapse a Normal Part of Recovery?

While it is very common and normal for relapse to occur in those with SUD, it does not occur with everyone. There is also a difference between a lapse and relapse. A lapse is when a brief slip occurs that is quickly followed by a renewed commitment to recovery. A relapse which is when there is sustained return to use and old patterns of thinking and behavior. While it can be discouraging, it just needs to be reframed and seen as a learning opportunity to identify the triggers associated, the barriers encountered, and what changes need to be made to the recovery plan and coping skills to achieve . It serves as a signal that adjustments need to be made to coping skills and recovery plan. Developing a relapse prevention plan helps to identify issues and ways to address them before they result in return to use.

6. How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery is an ongoing process that evolves over time and is unique to each individual. Initial treatment may last a few weeks to several months, but maintaining positive changes and personal growth is a continuous journey.

7. What Are Triggers and Cravings?

Substance use triggers are specific situations, emotions, or environments that lead an individual to crave drugs or alcohol. Common triggers that you or your loved one may experience: significant life change-romantic relationship end or death of a loved one, intense emotions-anger or anxiety, physical pain-surgery or injury, high risk situations-visiting a location associated with prior use or interacting with friends that still use, or celebratory events-parties or gatherings where substances may be a temptation. Understanding your triggers is crucial for developing effective coping strategies as a part of the relapse prevention plan.

8. How Do I Choose the Right Treatment?

When determining what level of care to seek treatment from it is important to consider the severity of use disorder, personal circumstances and beliefs, support system, and specific needs of the individual.

9. What Are Some Signs That Treatment is Working?

Some indicators to assess whether current treatment is effective are: reduced or cessation of use, improved physical and mental health, taking personal responsibility, and positive changes in relationships and social interactions.

10. What is the Best Way to Handle Loved One in Denial?

When encountering denial, it is helpful to approach the individual with compassion and concern, avoid blame and judgement, encourage open conversations, and consider an intervention with help from a professional if needed.

11. How Can I Prepare For Life After Treatment?

Adjusting to life after leaving treatment can be a can be challenging, but being proactive by developing a robust aftercare plan can be helpful. The plan may include attending ongoing therapy, support group participation, and implementing heathy lifestyle changes like regular exercise and prioritizing self-care.

12. What Should I Do If My Loved One Relapses?

Relapse can be a fearful time for family members, but being willing to have a compassionate, open conversation to address the situation can help to alleviate some of the concerns. Start by encouraging re-engagement with the appropriate level of treatment, reassess the recovery plan for changes that need to be made, and provide supportive responses that foster connection. Your loved one may be experiencing feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy, so reassurance of support and providing encouragement can be the motivation they need to continue with their recovery journey.

For more information, reach out to our Recovery Care Navigators