Overview

Substance use disorder occurs when an individual’s use of alcohol or another substance (drug) results in health problems or issues at school, work, or home.

Substance abuse is a health problem deeply ingrained in the fabric of the American society. According to the 2018 National Survey of Substance Use and Health (NSDUH), up to 19.3 million people over the age of 18 have a substance use disorder (SUD).

What Causes Substance Use Disorder?

The exact cause of substance use disorder is unknown. However, peer pressure, individual genes, depression, emotional distress and anxiety have all been known as contributory factors.

A lot of people who end up developing a substance use problem suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit disorder, or other mental problems. Stress and low self-esteem are other causative factors too.

Additionally, children who grow up witnessing their parents frequently use drugs are also susceptible to developing substance use problem later in life for both genetic and environmental reasons.

What Substances Are Most Often Abused?

Some substances that are frequently abused include:

• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Prescription medicines (pain pills, anxiety pills or stimulants)
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Opiates
• Inhalants

Managing Substance Use Disorder

Substance abuse or SUD remains a common health problem that affects the mental health of many people. It is easier to avoid an addiction than to stop it. Here are some valuable tips for staying out of the murky waters of substance use disorders.

1. Be Intentional About Your Circle

Teenagers aren’t the only ones prone to peer pressure. Even adults can, consciously or unconsciously, fall into the habit of thinking, feeling, and acting like the people around them. For this reason, it is important to choose carefully who you surround yourself with.

You form habits through your association. So it’s up to you to have a healthy relationship or a toxic one. If your circumstances make it difficult for you to distance yourself from people who could be a negative influence on you, you need to learn how to confidently say no!

2. Understand Possible Risk Factors

You need to analyze yourself to find out if existing factors can cause substance abuse and find ways to deal with them. For example, if your family has a long history of substance use disorder struggles, you should be deliberate about your decision to be different.

Or, if you have a close friend who is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, find ways to prioritize your mental health while caring for them.

3. Look for better stress management mechanisms

Stress is a major risk factor for drug addiction and substance abuse. Most people tend to turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve work-related stress or to numb the emotional pain caused by other personal problems.

Over time, they become dependent on these harmful stress relief methods, leaving them vulnerable to many physical and mental health problems in the long run. You must ensure you don’t get to this point by finding healthier ways to deal with stress.

Here are some suggestions that you may find helpful:

• Start a new hobby
• Meditate
• Exercise
• Write a diary
• Talk to someone

4. Strive for work-life balance

You have to learn to balance work and life so that you don’t feel overwhelmed to the breaking point. Don’t let your passion for work get in the way of having fun with friends and family. The following tips will help you find the right balance between work and home.

• Set your own time limits at work and stick to them.
• Make time for self-care
• Delegate some tasks and accept help with work

5. Prioritize your mental health

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), today more than 57 million people suffer from some form of mental illness. A large parentage of this figure keep their problems to themselves because of the stigma and end up taking solace in alcohol or drugs, a situation that is bound to lead to substance abuse in the long run.

Get Substance Abuse Help

If you suffer from Substance Use Disorder or know someone who does, you must seek professional help immediately. At C.W. Williams Community Health Center, we have mental health professionals that can provide the quality substance use disorder treatment you deserve to live a healthy life. So, kindly book an appointment with us and let’s get started!

CWWCHC’s Substance Use Disorders program is partially funding by Mecklenburg
County’s ABC Board.
We appreciate your generous support!

Book Appointment

For Emergency, please call 911

For all other hospital services, please call us at 866-CWW-4-YOU (866-299-4968)

or Toll free: 866-CWW-4-YOU (866-299-4968)