Realizing you might have a problem with alcohol or drug use can be tough. Determining how to get help can feel like another barrier to overcome.
As we mark National Recovery Month this September, we want everyone to know that help for substance use disorder is within reach.
Understanding the Issue
According to the latest state statistics, approximately 8.4% of Wisconsin residents have a substance use disorder. Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among state residents, followed by marijuana, cocaine, and opioids.
“When someone has substance use disorder, their main life focus often becomes acquiring and taking the drug,” says Faithe Kazik, a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor with ThedaCare Behavioral Health.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a treatable, chronic medical disease. It involves complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and life experiences. People with substance use disorder engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.
Risk Factors
No one can predict if a person will develop substance use disorder. A combination of factors can increase someone’s risk, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Risk factors include:
- Biology: a family history of addiction or the presence of a mental health disorder
- Environment: this includes early exposure to drugs, peer pressure, physical or sexual abuse, and parental influence
- Development: the earlier someone begins taking drugs or using alcohol, the more likely they are to develop dependency
Symptoms
“Individuals might recognize symptoms within themselves, or a friend or loved one may be the first to pick up on a problem,” Kazik says.
The American Psychiatric Association groups types of substance use disorder into four categories:
- Impaired control: experiencing a strong urge to use the substance; desire or failed attempts to cut down or control substance use
- Social problems: substance use causes failure to complete major tasks at work, school, or home; individual may neglect social, work, or leisure activities
- Dangerous use: substance use in unsafe settings; continued use despite known problems
- Drug effects: tolerance (need for larger amounts to get the same effect); withdrawal symptoms (different for each substance)
Seeking Help
“The first step in getting help is recognizing there’s a problem,” Kazik says. “Many people may think they can’t get better, but substance use disorder is treatable.”
In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. They’re equipped to handle possible overdoses.
For non-emergency care, individuals can speak with their primary care provider. They can offer referrals and resources.
People also can get started at ThedaCare Behavioral Health Walk-in Care in Neenah. The location offers substance use disorder intake services. In addition, ThedaCare Behavioral Health provides additional substance use disorder care at many locations.
Getting Started
When people come to ThedaCare Behavioral Health Walk-in Care for substance use disorder intake, they’ll go through an assessment. This looks at the person’s history of substance use disorder, their mental health, and the level of care they need.
“I like to assess the individual to see where they are and get them into the appropriate level of care,” Kazik says. “If the person needs medical help or inpatient, mental health, or outpatient help, we’ll get them into the right level of needed care.”
The provider will assess needs and create an individualized treatment plan. This can include:
- Comprehensive services: Individual and group therapy of various lengths and intensities are available based on the person’s acceptance of the disease and their motivation level.
- Building on strengths: Licensed counselors help uncover people’s strengths and empower them to make important decisions to support their recovery.
- A circle of care: Providers can develop wrap-around services in support of a person’s recovery program, including a referral to mental health or psychiatric services.
Kazik wants people to know that hope and help are available.
“When people come to us for treatment, we’ll do a thorough assessment,” she says. “From there, we emphasize building on each person’s strengths and empowering them to make their own decisions.”
