/Substance use disorder – Sal Psychiatry

Substance Use Disorder

About Substance Abuse

As of 2020, approximately 40.3 million individuals in the United States are impacted by substance abuse annually, as reported by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. For certain individuals, this may represent a brief interruption in their daily lives. Conversely, for others, it can evolve into a lifelong struggle necessitating years of arduous recovery. Regardless of the circumstances that contributed to the development of a substance use disorder, assistance is readily available through our substance abuse treatment services in Long Beach.

Our team of highly skilled mental health care professionals possesses extensive experience in assisting individuals from diverse backgrounds who are facing substance abuse challenges in Long Beach and its neighboring areas. With our comprehensive medical and emotional support, you can successfully overcome your addiction and reclaim your life. Our approach involves tailored outpatient care, where we prioritize understanding each patient on a personal level to create a customized pathway to enduring recovery. If you or someone you know is seeking to transform their life through substance abuse treatment in Long Beach, CA, we encourage you to contact us at 562.279.0180 or complete our online form today.

It is important to note that : patients who have not achieved a minimum of 90 days of abstinence from substances are deemed too acute for the outpatient treatment we provide. To ensure success during this critical early recovery phase, these individuals require a more intensive program to effectively manage withdrawal symptoms, physical cravings, psychological dependence, and environmental triggers. Once they have maintained abstinence for 90 days, our outpatient program can support patients in sustaining their sobriety by equipping them with new coping strategies, addressing underlying trauma related to substance abuse, rebuilding relationships, and fostering a lifestyle free from substances.

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse is characterized by the excessive consumption and addiction to substances that significantly impact an individual’s mental state and behavior, leading to detrimental effects on both physical and mental health, as well as behavioral patterns. The delineation of inappropriate or excessive substance use can often be ambiguous, rendering substance abuse a multifaceted issue that poses substantial risks to those affected.

A consensus among researchers indicates that addiction stemming from substance abuse is rooted in neurological changes within the brain. Individuals grappling with substance abuse or those at risk frequently misuse prescription medications, alcohol, tobacco, or engage in the use of illicit drugs. As individuals increasingly invest in these substances, their physical and psychological dependence intensifies, resulting in a persistent cycle of abuse that continues despite the adverse consequences on their daily lives. This phenomenon is largely due to the powerful cravings induced by many drugs, coupled with severe withdrawal symptoms that render cessation exceedingly challenging.

Over time, excessive substance use can fundamentally alter brain function, significantly diminishing self-control and impairing the capacity to make rational and health-conscious decisions. However, for those seeking treatment for substance abuse in Long Beach, CA, there exists a pathway to reclaiming one’s life from the grips of drug dependency.

What causes substance abuse?

The origins of substance abuse are not always easily identifiable and can differ significantly among individuals. Many professionals in the field attribute the development of addiction primarily to genetic and environmental influences.

Genetics significantly impacts the speed at which an individual may become addicted to a substance. Certain individuals possess a higher susceptibility to addiction than others. For those who have a genetic inclination towards substance abuse, even minimal exposure to a drug can lay the foundation for a potentially escalating addiction problem. Once this detrimental cycle begins, escaping it can prove to be exceedingly challenging.

Environmental influences, including one’s upbringing, social circles, lifestyle choices, and even geographical location, can all contribute to the risk of developing substance abuse issues. Being in an environment where drug use is prevalent and normalized can substantially heighten this risk.

What are the signs of substance abuse?

Everyone struggling with substance abuse can present different symptoms depending on the length of time they’ve maintained the addiction, the drug(s) of choice, and the state of their physical and mental health. While this is true, there are many signs that overlap and are noticeable regardless of which addiction is present, including:

Regular use of the substance (daily or every other day)
A need to take more of the substance the longer you use it
Previous failed attempts to stop using the substance
Physical and psychological dependence on the substance
Withdrawal symptoms, including sweating, high blood pressure, and trembling
Failure to meet work, social, and academic obligations
Drug-related physical illness or injury
Diminished interest in other activities
Impulsivity, such as excessive spending and erratic behavior
Difficulties starting and maintaining social relationships

Numerous individuals struggling with substance abuse often have an underlying mental health disorder or face considerable psychological and emotional challenges. This underscores the critical importance of substance abuse treatment in Long Beach, CA, at Pacific Mind Health. After individuals with substance abuse issues successfully undergo a safe detoxification process and maintain abstinence for 90 days, our compassionate team of psychiatrists and mental health professionals will assist in devising a plan for a fulfilling, substance-free future.

What is the Nature of Substance Abuse Treatment in Long Beach, CA?

Treatment for substance abuse is typically centered around abstinence and can involve a variety of effective therapies and at-home practices

Psychotherapy
Mindfulness practices
Stress-management sessions
Enhancing your self-esteem and self-control
The development of healthy coping mechanisms
Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and nutritional changes
Medication therapy, such as anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), in the case of an existing depression diagnosis

With vast experience with a variety of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more, our substance abuse treatment in Long Beach, CA, will help you get to the root of your substance abuse disorder and set you up for lifelong success

Overcome Your Substance Abuse With us

The journey does not conclude following a successful detoxification and a 90-day period of abstaining from substances; rather, it is just the commencement of a new phase. With our comprehensive psychiatric support, you will be equipped to handle your cravings, withstand temptations, and enhance your overall quality of life.

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