{"id":4887,"date":"2024-11-08T10:29:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T10:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=4887"},"modified":"2026-01-08T11:57:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:57:21","slug":"understanding-substance-use-disorder-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-substance-use-disorder-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Substance Use Disorder: A helpful guide for health professionals"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-substance-use-disorder-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Understanding_Substance_Use_Disorder\" >Understanding Substance Use Disorder &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-substance-use-disorder-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Recognizing_Substance_Use_Disorder_in_Your_Patients\" >Recognizing Substance Use Disorder in Your Patients<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-substance-use-disorder-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Treatment_and_Interventions\" >Treatment and Interventions &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-substance-use-disorder-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Support_for_Patients_with_Substance_Use_Disorder\" >Support for Patients with Substance Use Disorder&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-substance-use-disorder-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Relapses_Are_Common_and_Should_Be_Anticipated\" >Relapses Are Common and Should Be Anticipated&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-substance-use-disorder-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Resources_for_Health_Professionals\" >Resources for Health Professionals&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-substance-use-disorder-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#Developing_a_Compassionate_Collaborative_Approach_to_Recovery\" >Developing a Compassionate, Collaborative Approach to Recovery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-substance-use-disorder-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\/#References\" >References&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Substance_use_disorder:_Clinical_sciences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Substance Use Disorder<\/a>&nbsp;(SUD) is a health condition involving a patient&#8217;s uncontrolled use of a substance, such as alcohol, drugs, and medications, that affects an individual&#8217;s daily life by impairing their physical and mental health, along with social functioning. There are about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/objectives-and-data\/browse-objectives\/addictionv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">20 million people in the US<\/a>&nbsp;(approximately 6% of the total population) living with substance use disorder. Despite how common it is, people with substance use disorder have a lot of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10168177\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">stigma, discrimination, and criminalization<\/a>&nbsp;directed at them. It&#8217;s important to remember that&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/overdose-prevention\/treatment\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">addiction isn&#8217;t a character defect or weakness<\/a>&nbsp;but a chronic disease. The great news is that SUD is a treatable condition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a health professional, it&#8217;s crucial you&#8217;re able to recognize the symptoms of SUD, understand how to offer support, and know how to get patients the treatment they need, whether it&#8217;s in your office or through a referral to specialized care.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmosify.s3.amazonaws.com\/projects\/Ax1NkTZuS3yya3cadCv8__3rT8uodSqc\/png\/93cad150-80e9-11eb-9daa-19b28f47719a.png\" alt=\"A pink pill bottle, two-thirds full, with an Rx label.\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_Substance_Use_Disorder\"><\/span>Understanding Substance Use Disorder &nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several factors lead to the development of substance use disorder; let&#8217;s take a look at the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/drug-addiction\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20365112\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">causes and risk factors<\/a>. Causes fall into two categories: environment (nurture) and genetics (nature). Environmental factors include patient peer groups, who may encourage them to try a substance, as well as family members&#8217; beliefs and attitudes towards substance use. Genetics also play a role in substance use disorder and the development of addiction.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/notes\/Substance_use_disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Addiction<\/a>&nbsp;is the compulsive use of a substance in search of the pleasurable effects despite the negative consequences. Multiple genes may either accelerate or delay the development of addiction to a substance, such as the genes involved with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10168177\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">drug metabolism and the information transfer between neurons.<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/overdose-prevention\/treatment\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Risk factors<\/a>&nbsp;associated with substance use disorder include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use of a highly addictive drug\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family history of addiction \u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peer pressure, especially in younger individuals\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of a family bond or family involvement in an individual&#8217;s life\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Living with a mental health disorder and using substances as a coping mechanism \u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use of substances at an early age can affect the brain and predispose an individual to addiction\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that we&#8217;ve discussed the different factors that can contribute to the development of substance use disorder let&#8217;s look at the types of substances that are commonly used:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Alcohol,_tobacco,_cannabinoid,_and_substance_use_in_pregnancy:_Clinical_sciences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tobacco<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Alcohol_use_disorder:_Clinical_sciences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alcohol<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Cannabis_dependence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cannabis<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Opioid_use_disorder:_Clinical_sciences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Opioids<\/a>\u00a0(Either prescription or illegal use)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Approach_to_hallucinogen,_inhalant,_and_cannabis_use,_intoxication,_and_overdose:_Clinical_sciences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hallucinogens<\/a>\u00a0(Phencyclidine or PCP, LSD)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Approach_to_recreational_substance_exposure_(pediatrics):_Clinical_sciences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Inhalants<\/a>\u00a0(glue, nitrous oxide)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sedatives (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Anticonvulsants_and_anxiolytics:_Benzodiazepines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">benzodiazepines<\/a>, barbiturates)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Anxiolytics_%26_sedative-hypnotics:_Nursing_Pharmacology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anti-anxiety medications<\/a>\u00a0(anxiolytics)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Approach_to_stimulant_use,_intoxication,_and_overdose:_Clinical_sciences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stimulants<\/a>\u00a0(cocaine, amphetamine, methylphenidate)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a health professional, you probably recognize some of these substances as medications. Being mindful that patients may develop a dependence or an inability to feel stable without using the substance, or even an addiction, is essential because it helps you remain vigilant for signs of substance abuse to intervene early and get patients treatment swiftly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Substance use disorder can have many detrimental effects on a patient&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gatewayfoundation.org\/about-gateway-foundation\/faqs\/effects-of-drug-abuse\/#:~:text=Consequences%20of%20addiction%20on%20the%20body%20may%20include%3A&amp;text=Increased%20strain%20on%20the%20liver,make%20daily%20living%20more%20difficult\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">physical and mental health<\/a>. Though the effects tend to vary depending on which&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Drug_misuse,_intoxication_and_withdrawal:_Other_depressants:_Pathology_review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">substance<\/a>, the consequences to physical health are:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased risk for infection \u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nausea and abdominal pain\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stroke \u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seizure\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brain damage\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lung disease\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heart conditions\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Memory loss\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Liver damage\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Liver failure\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>HIV\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The potential impact on behavioral health include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Aggression\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depression\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hallucinations\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paranoia\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Impulsivity\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of self-control\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suicidal thoughts\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Impaired judgment \u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The potential long-term effects of substance use disorder are very concerning, making it even more important for clinicians to have a better understanding of how substance use impacts the brain. Generally speaking, these substances affect&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gatewayfoundation.org\/about-gateway-foundation\/faqs\/effects-of-drug-abuse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the reward area of the brain<\/a>, causing the release of a large amount of dopamine, leading to feelings of pleasure, euphoria, or deep calm. Repeated substance use can change an individual&#8217;s brain chemistry and lead to tolerance. When a person develops a tolerance to a substance, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/notes\/Substance_use_disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">receptors in their brain become less sensitive<\/a>&nbsp;to the substance, and they&#8217;ll need more of it to feel similar effects of the dopamine release. As time progresses, this can lead to dependency and, eventually, addiction. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmosify.s3.amazonaws.com\/assets\/c566acf3-6546-11ed-b238-fb82f07c6506..png\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:427px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recognizing_Substance_Use_Disorder_in_Your_Patients\"><\/span>Recognizing Substance Use Disorder in Your Patients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The signs and symptoms of each substance type vary depending on the drug. However, the following&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/drug-addiction\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20365112\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">symptoms and behaviors<\/a>&nbsp;can help you identify a substance use disorder:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A need to use the substance daily\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Very strong urges to use substance\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Development of tolerance\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Need more of the substance to get the desired effect \u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spending money on substances, even if it causes financial issues\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Withdrawal from social or recreational activities\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disinterest in school or work\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diminished school or work performance\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neglecting physical appearance\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requests for money that seem out of the ordinary\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stealing items or money from family members or friends\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low energy or lack of motivation\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continuous use of substances despite the detrimental effects\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being involved in risky activities that can impair decision-making\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, let&#8217;s discuss the screening and assessment techniques available to identify substance use disorder.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/oasas.ny.gov\/sbirt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment<\/a>&nbsp;(SBIRT) is a reliable way to screen individuals for substance abuse. The universal screening included in SBIRT steers the conversation regarding substance use in a way that motivates patients to set goals to improve their health (reduce harm), think about their values, address their substance use, and provide referrals to specialized support services for substance use treatment. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are pre-screening tools with minimal questions to identify problematic substance use. If additional information is needed, patients can proceed to a full screening that can be self-administered or done through a verbal interview. Different screening tools exist for adolescents, adults, older adults, and pregnant women. More information about each of the screening tools can be found&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/oasas.ny.gov\/sbirt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1.%09https\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK551500\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Urine, breathalyzers, saliva, and hair follicle tests<\/a>&nbsp;are also screening tools to help identify the type of substance a person has ingested to aid health professionals in forming an individualized treatment plan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmose-it.s3.amazonaws.com\/ohI0jhnyR5u2_Tg0PEWgA7UdRiGTttGo\/_.png\" alt=\"An empty room in a rehabilitation facility. The door is closed. There's a single bed, TV, nightstand, and a clock on the wall.\" style=\"width:443px;height:auto\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treatment_and_Interventions\"><\/span>Treatment and Interventions &nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first step to recovery for someone with substance use disorder is to admit that they have a problem.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nami.org\/about-mental-illness\/common-with-mental-illness\/substance-use-disorders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Detoxification<\/a>&nbsp;or withdrawal therapy is one of the most important aspects of recovery. There can be a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/drug-addiction\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20365113\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gradual reduction<\/a>&nbsp;of the use of the substance or a temporary substitution with medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or a combination of naloxone and buprenorphine to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient detoxification is often more effective than outpatient detoxification due to the continuous access to care during this difficult process. Patients can enter an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/001522.htm#:~:text=Causes&amp;text=The%20exact%20cause%20of%20substance,stress%20can%20all%20be%20factors.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">inpatient rehabilitation program<\/a>&nbsp;to help monitor withdrawal symptoms and provide strategies to avoid abusing substances again.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another type of SUD treatment is a form of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Therapeutic_Modalities_in_Mental_Health_Care\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">psychotherapy<\/a>&nbsp;called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Individuals learn ways to deal with cravings to prevent relapse, how to work through a relapse if it occurs, and how to deal with other mental health conditions they may need to treat. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maintaining sobriety can be tough. Involvement in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nami.org\/about-mental-illness\/common-with-mental-illness\/substance-use-disorders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">support groups<\/a>&nbsp;allows individuals to voice their struggles, celebrate victories, find resources, and build community. For many people in the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/addiction-substance-use-disorders\/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder#:~:text=Changes%20in%20the%20brain's%20structure,%2C%20memory%2C%20and%20behavioral%20control.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">process of recovery<\/a>, a combination of medication and psychotherapy, whether it be group or individual, is the most effective. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK424859\/#:~:text=The%20goals%20of%20early%20intervention,specialty%20substances%20use%20disorder%20services.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Early intervention<\/a>&nbsp;services aim to decrease the harm caused by substance abuse, lessen risky behaviors, prevent injury, improve health, and prevent the progression of substance misuse due to substance use disorder. Early intervention services often serve as the middle ground between prevention and treatment. When individuals with serious substance use issues are identified through early intervention services, they can be referred to treatment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a health professional, having nonjudgemental conversations regarding substance misuse can motivate patients to acknowledge their behavior and decrease their substance use. When risky behaviors are identified during early intervention, providing patients with counseling that&#8217;s both educational and specific to their issues can also be effective in helping patients take the next step toward recovery. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Support_for_Patients_with_Substance_Use_Disorder\"><\/span>Support for Patients with Substance Use Disorder&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK424859\/#:~:text=The%20goals%20of%20early%20intervention,specialty%20substances%20use%20disorder%20services.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">strong support system<\/a>&nbsp;is vital for patients with substance use disorder. Both family and social support improve treatment adherence and help patients change their behaviors for better outcomes. Family therapy is a valuable way to involve a patient&#8217;s family in their recovery process and improve communication. It provides everyone involved with a better understanding of what to expect during treatment, reduces conflict, and helps loved ones build strategies to support their loved ones and help prevent relapse. Community-based initiatives also help support patients with substance use disorder, so involving the community in prevention and treatment is imperative. For example, training community and family members on how to administer can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK424859\/#:~:text=The%20goals%20of%20early%20intervention,specialty%20substances%20use%20disorder%20services.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reduce overdose incidents<\/a>&nbsp;and save lives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relapses_Are_Common_and_Should_Be_Anticipated\"><\/span>Relapses Are Common and Should Be Anticipated&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s often said that relapse is a part of the recovery process for patients with substance use disorder. While that can be discouraging to hear, there are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK551500\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">four strategies<\/a>&nbsp;to prevent relapse: therapy, medications, monitoring, and peer support.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As previously discussed, CBT is effective in the treatment of substance use disorder because patients can identify maladaptive behaviors and thinking patterns while they learn new skills and behaviors that support their recovery. Unfortunately, some patients relapse due to the discomfort from withdrawal symptoms. Depending on which substance patients use, there are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK551500\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">different medications to support the recovery process<\/a>&nbsp;that mitigate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monitoring patients through drug testing is another key strategy in relapse prevention. Urine drug screens are the most common method because they can detect a wide array of substances. Hair follicle drug tests, saliva tests, and breathalyzers are also testing options, but they&#8217;re limited in what substances they screen for. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final relapse prevention strategy is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK551500\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">peer support<\/a>. Peer support programs include self-help, support groups such as 12-step programs, and recovery coaches. Peer support groups emphasize attending meetings, following a structured program, and receiving guidance from a mentor. Recovery coaches are individuals who&#8217;ve personally dealt with substance abuse and addiction themselves, have maintained sobriety for at least a year, and have completed a certification course. While there&#8217;s no one-size-fits-all approach to relapse prevention, the goal is to provide patients with effective tools and support so they can stay sober.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Collaborative care is essential for patients with SUD, making multidisciplinary teams key in helping patients recover and prevent relapse. Primary care providers are often the first health professionals to engage with SUD patients, which makes it vital for providers to be aware of the signs and symptoms to best counsel patients, monitor treatment, and look for signs of relapse. It&#8217;s also crucial for pharmacists to report any concerns to the medical team regarding the type of medications prescribed, dosing, or interactions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Resources_for_Health_Professionals\"><\/span>Resources for Health Professionals&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you identify a patient who needs a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK424859\/#:~:text=The%20goals%20of%20early%20intervention,specialty%20substances%20use%20disorder%20services.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">referral<\/a>&nbsp;to an SUD specialist, it&#8217;s important to use strategies to motivate patients to accept the referral and follow up. Providers use the SBIRT screening tool to refer patients to a specialist for a clinical assessment and an individualized treatment plan.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/health-professionals-communities\/core-resource-on-alcohol\/make-referrals-connect-patients-alcohol-treatment-meets-their-needs#pub-toc6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Before making a referral<\/a>, discuss the effectiveness of treatment, consider the patient&#8217;s financial situation and ability to pay for treatment, and work to reduce stigma. You can also share resources for community support groups and networks. Take the time to stay up-to-date regarding new research about substance use disorder and how to help patients. Also, consider exploring&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/nidamed-medical-health-professionals\/health-professions-education\/cmece-activities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">continuing education opportunities<\/a>&nbsp;to develop your knowledge of the condition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Developing_a_Compassionate_Collaborative_Approach_to_Recovery\"><\/span>Developing a Compassionate, Collaborative Approach to Recovery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Substance use disorder is a complex condition, but thankfully, it&#8217;s a treatable one. A compassionate approach to care fosters open discussions, while evidence-based treatments and developing a solid support system enhance recovery. As a member of a multidisciplinary team, we encourage you to take some time to learn about causes, risk factors, and impacts at both the primary care and community levels. By addressing stigma and promoting collaborative care, you can improve the lives of those affected by SUD while contributing to a more humane society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osmosis.org\/create\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmose-it.s3.amazonaws.com\/J3H0JyWBSe_UjwgtdpFThyYgSPS8EXKA\/_.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/addiction-substance-use-disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/addiction-substance-use-disorders<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/objectives-and-data\/browse-objectives\/addiction\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/objectives-and-data\/browse-objectives\/addiction<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10168177\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10168177\/<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/overdose-prevention\/treatment\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/overdose-prevention\/treatment\/index.html<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/drug-addiction\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20365112\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/drug-addiction\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20365112<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10168177\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10168177\/<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/overdose-prevention\/treatment\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/overdose-prevention\/treatment\/index.html<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gatewayfoundation.org\/about-gateway-foundation\/faqs\/effects-of-drug-abuse\/#:~:text=Consequences%20of%20addiction%20on%20the%20body%20may%20include%3A&amp;text=Increased%20strain%20on%20the%20liver,make%20daily%20living%20more%20difficult\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.gatewayfoundation.org\/about-gateway-foundation\/faqs\/effects-of-drug-abuse\/<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/oasas.ny.gov\/sbirt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/oasas.ny.gov\/sbirt<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK551500\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK551500\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nami.org\/about-mental-illness\/common-with-mental-illness\/substance-use-disorders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nami.org\/about-mental-illness\/common-with-mental-illness\/substance-use-disorders\/<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/001522.htm#:~:text=Causes&amp;text=The%20exact%20cause%20of%20substance,stress%20can%20all%20be%20factors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/001522.htm<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/addiction-substance-use-disorders\/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder#:~:text=Changes%20in%20the%20brain's%20structure,%2C%20memory%2C%20and%20behavioral%20control\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/addiction-substance-use-disorders\/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK424859\/#:~:text=The%20goals%20of%20early%20intervention,specialty%20substances%20use%20disorder%20services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK424859<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/health-professionals-communities\/core-resource-on-alcohol\/make-referrals-connect-patients-alcohol-treatment-meets-their-needs#pub-toc6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/health-professionals-communities\/core-resource-on-alcohol\/make-referrals-connect-patients-alcohol-treatment-meets-their-needs#pub-toc6<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/nidamed-medical-health-professionals\/health-professions-education\/cmece-activities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/nidamed-medical-health-professionals\/health-professions-education\/cmece-activities<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Substance Use Disorder&nbsp;(SUD) is a health condition involving a patient&#8217;s uncontrolled use of a substance, such as alcohol, drugs, and medications, that affects an individual&#8217;s daily life by impairing their physical and mental health, along with social functioning. There are about&nbsp;20 million people in the US&nbsp;(approximately 6% of the total population) living with substance use [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":175,"featured_media":4888,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[27,5,10,14,28,30,16,37,32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4887","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-medicine","category-clerkships","category-clinical-skills","category-dental","category-mental-health","category-np","category-do","category-pa","category-nursing"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Understanding Substance Use Disorder: A helpful guide for health professionals - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/understanding-substance-use-disorder-a-helpful-guide-for-health-professionals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Understanding Substance Use Disorder: A helpful guide for health professionals - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Substance Use Disorder&nbsp;(SUD) is a health condition involving a patient&#8217;s uncontrolled use of a substance, such as alcohol, drugs, and medications, that affects an individual&#8217;s daily life by impairing their physical and mental health, along with social functioning. 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