How Can Substance Abuse Counseling Help Me?

What Is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse refers to the harmful use of drugs or alcohol. This can include the misuse of legal substances like alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines.

The key word here is “harmful”. It’s not about the quantity or frequency of usage, but the negative impact that the use of substances has on a person’s life. This includes health problems, difficulties at work, school, or home, and troubles with relationships.

Substance abuse can lead to addiction, a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control. Alcohol and drug treatment programs can help with everything from substance withdrawal to sustained sobriety after attending addiction counseling. 

Do I Have a Substance Abuse Problem?

Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize a substance abuse problem, especially if it’s within ourselves.

However, several warning signs could indicate a problem:

• Building up a tolerance — needing to take more of a substance to feel its effects
• Taking more drugs or alcohol than originally planned, or despite wanting to stop
• Your substance use interferes with your daily responsibilities
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• Giving up activities you once enjoyed in favor of using
• Continuing to use despite the physical or psychological harm it’s causing

If you recognize these signs in yourself, it’s important to seek help. Substance abuse is a serious health issue, but there’s a wide range of treatments available.

What Is a Substance Abuse Evaluation?

If you are looking to get clarity on whether or not you have a substance abuse problem, you might want to consider a substance abuse evaluation.

A substance abuse evaluation is an assessment that helps determine whether a person is suffering from substance abuse problems.

The primary objective of this evaluation is to understand the extent of the person’s drug or alcohol abuse and what kind of treatment they may need. It can also help identify any co-occurring issues that require dual diagnosis treatment.

The evaluation typically includes several components:

1. Initial Interview: A certified counselor or mental health professional will conduct a thorough interview, discussing various aspects of the individual’s life, including their history of substance use, medical history, family history, and any legal issues related to their substance use.
2. Screening: This could involve questionnaires or standardized tests that are designed to identify symptoms of substance abuse disorders. Examples of these tests might include the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST), or the CAGE questionnaire.
3. Physical Examination: In some cases, a physical examination may be conducted to assess any physical signs of substance abuse, and in some cases, lab tests (like urine or blood tests) may be ordered to detect the presence of substances in the body.
4. Psychological Evaluation: This is to determine if any mental health conditions are present along with the substance use disorder, a situation known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Common co-occurring disorders include depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others.

Based on the results of the evaluation, the substance abuse counselor or health professional will typically formulate a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This could involve a range of options including detoxification, outpatient counseling, residential treatment, 12-step programs, marriage and family therapy, or medication-assisted treatment for chemical dependency. Our substance abuse and mental health disorder counselors are ready to help you.