Substance Use Disorder

Substance Use Disorder is a complex brain disease and includes such diseases as alcoholism and drug addiction.

Substance Use Disorders occur when a person has a dependence on alcohol and or drugs that is accompanied by intense and sometimes uncontrollable cravings and compulsive behaviors to obtain the substance.

Abuse occurs when problem behaviors and persistent use of the substance have dangerous and negative consequences on employment, personal relationships and public safety.

Doctors and scientists have learned that in substance use disorders, multiple brain circuits are altered creating changes in brain function. These changes interfere with the ability to think clearly and use good judgment; they affect learning and memory as well as the ability to control behavior.

Dependence on drugs and alcohol is considered to be a long-term illness, however one that includes hope for a successful recovery. Similar to other medical conditions such as asthma, hypertension and diabetes, substance use disorders must be continually managed to maintain a healthy recovery.

What Are the Symptoms of Substance Use Disorders?

Recognizing the symptoms of substance use disorder may be the first step in helping yourself or someone you love access treatment and recovery from the painful consequences of addiction.

• Due to the interference substance use has on the part of the brain that allows for good judgment, a person might not recognize the cause of their many troubles to be alcoholism or drug addiction. This is called being in denial of the problem and it is a symptom of the disorder.
• Tolerance and withdrawal are two symptoms that are a result of the biological changes in the brain and nervous system from continual use of a substance. Tolerance is the increasing need by the body for larger doses of the substance to maintain the desired effect. The symptoms of withdrawal occur when the substance has been stopped; they include nausea, sweating, shakiness and extreme anxiety.
• A strong need or desire or urge to use drugs and alcohol despite painful consequences is called a craving. Craving is also a symptom of substance abuse disorder.
• A related symptom is the feeling that a person "has lost control" over the urge to use drugs or alcohol and this is usually accompanied by an uncomfortable irritability and anxiety. Out of control behaviors may include using the substance at work or while driving a car or not being able to refuse the use of the substance when in the company of others using drugs or alcohol.

Treatment

The behavioral health treatment team at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center knows that people with substance use disorder problems come from all walks of life; rich and poor, men and women, young and old and from all cultures.

Treatment must address the individual needs of the person seeking treatment and recovery, so at Alta Bates Summit we provide a variety of treatment solutions so that each person has a plan designed to best meet his or her needs. If you are in need of help, please give us a call.

Contact Us - We Can Help

For more information about our program and the services we offer, please contact us at one of the following numbers:

Inpatient Treatment: (510) 204-4405
Partial Hospitalization Program: (510) 204-4569
General Information: (510) 204-4405