This practice provides virtual therapy for individuals dealing with drug and alcohol issues. Services focus on teens and adults—whether someone has a history of legal trouble, a DUI, time in jail, or is simply working to get their life back on track.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. People with SUD have an intense focus–sometimes called an addiction–on using a certain substance(s) such as alcohol, tobacco, or other psychoactive substances, to the point where their ability to function in day-to-day life becomes impaired. People keep using the substance even when they know it is causing or will cause problems.
Repeated substance use can cause changes in how the brain functions. These changes can last long after the immediate intoxication wears off. Intoxication is the intense pleasure, euphoria, and calm that is caused by the substance; these symptoms are different for each substance. With continued use of a substance, tolerance can develop, where someone may require larger amounts in order to fell these effects. Additionally, discontinuing use can lead to symptoms of withdrawal and intense cravings to return to use, often experienced as anxiety.
People with a substance use disorder may have distorted thinking and behaviors. Changes in the brain’s structure and function are what cause people to have intense cravings, changes in personality, abnormal movements, and other behaviors. Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavioral control.
People with substance use and behavioral addictions may be aware of their problem but not be able to stop even if they want and try to. The addiction may cause physical and psychological problems as well as interpersonal problems such as with family members and friends or at work.
These 13 principles of effective drug addiction treatment were developed based on three decades of scientific research. Research shows that treatment can help drug-addicted individuals stop drug use, avoid relapse and successfully recover their lives.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse. These principles are detailed in NIDA’s Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide.
Adapted from: National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and One Love Foundation’s “How to Talk to a Friend.”
Opioids produce high levels of positive reinforcement in the brain, increasing the odds that people will continue using them despite experiencing negative consequences. Opioid use disorder is a chronic lifelong disorder, with serious potential consequences including disability, relapse, and death. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) describes opioid use disorder as a problematic pattern of opioid use, including experiencing tolerance or withdrawal symptoms and leading to impairment or distress. More about opioid use disorder.
In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), gambling disorder is included in a category of behavioral addictions. This reflects research findings that gambling disorder is similar to substance-related disorders and these similarities will help people with gambling disorder get the necessary treatment and services, and may help others better understand the challenges. More about gambling disorder
Internet gaming disorder is included in DSM-5 in the section of disorders requiring further research. This reflects the scientific literature showing that persistent and recurrent use of Internet games, and a preoccupation with them, can result in clinically significant impairment or distress. The condition criteria do not include general use of the Internet or social media. More about internet gaming
Smartphones and other technology are an integral and growing part of our lives. However, excessive and compulsive use of the internet or online activities can lead to negative consequences in various aspects of an individual’s life. Technology addiction can potentially involve various forms of online activity including social media, gaming, gambling, problematic use of online pornography, and others.
The use of e-cigarettes, informally called “vaping,” involves using electronic cigarettes to inhale vapor created from a liquid heated inside of the device. E-cigarettes have become the most commonly used tobacco product among youth since 2014. The aerosol from vaping generally can contain harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing agents, according to the CDC. More about vaping.
Caffeine intoxication and caffeine withdrawal are included in DSM-5-TR. Caffeine use disorder, however, is in the section of DSM-5-TR for conditions requiring further research. While there is evidence to support this as a disorder, experts conclude it is not yet clear to what extent it is a clinically significant disorder.
