Substance Use Disorders Treatment for Teens and Adults

A young adult recovering from substance abuse
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Understanding the mental health roots of substance use disorders (SUD) is key to long-lasting recovery. Fill out the short form below, or give us a call, to start healing today with Charlie Health.

A young adult recovering from substance abuse

What are the main signs and symptoms of substance use disorders?

Like other mental health conditions, there are often telltale signs that someone is struggling with a SUD if you know what to look for. So how do you know if your consumption signifies a substance abuse problem? Below are several common signs of SUD:

  • Changing friend groups to spend more time with those who drink or do drugs
  • Missing class or skipping school 
  • Losing interest in activities you typically enjoy
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
  • Changes in personal appearances, such as a lack of personal hygiene
  • Growing disconnected from family and friends
  • Engaging in suspicious and secretive behaviors
  • Asking for money
  • Mood swings or irritability

Understanding the presence and prevalence of these symptoms in an individual helps clinicians begin to diagnose them properly and start to build treatment programming that will best fit their needs.

How does Charlie Health treat SUD?

Charlie Health’s Clinical Team meets clients exactly where they are on their unique journeys to recovery from substance use disorders.

With a focus on creating personalized treatment plans, we ensure each client gets the specialized care they deserve.

We believe that building connections is key to effective treatment, helping to combat the isolation and shame often tied to substance use disorders. By fostering a culture of honesty and recognizing the good intentions of our clients, we aim to ease these difficult emotions. We see substance use as a symptom, not a disease, and through the simple yet powerful words “Me too,” we offer a path toward healing.

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What are the best types of therapy for SUD?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective therapeutic modality for substance use disorders and their co-occurring mental health conditions, such as major depression and anxiety disorders.

Group support

Social support can also help to heal and reduce loneliness, while combating the shame surrounding substance abuse. Group therapy and family therapy facilitate open communication and help nurture healthy relationships, while support groups offer a chance to meet other people facing the same challenges. Some examples of support groups include:

Family therapy

Family connections are essential for healing and overcoming substance use disorders. Family therapy promotes open communication and strengthens relationships, creating a supportive environment for recovery. This therapeutic approach helps families understand each other better, address underlying issues, and work together toward healing.

Other related areas of care may include

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Start healing

Meet your peers in groups and your primary therapist in as little as 24 hours

FAQs for Substance Use Disorders

See All FAQs

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to use substances despite harmful consequences. It affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control the use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances.

What are the main types of substance use disorder?

The main types of substance use disorder include alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, cannabis use disorder, stimulant use disorder, hallucinogen use disorder, and sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder.

Symptoms of substance use disorder

Symptoms of substance use disorder can include intense cravings for the substance, unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit, significant time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance, neglect of responsibilities, continued use despite knowing the harms, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.

Is substance use disorder different for teens and young adults?

Yes, substance use disorder can manifest differently in teens and young adults. They may be more susceptible to peer pressure and risk-taking behaviors, and their brains are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the effects of substances. Additionally, the social and emotional challenges of adolescence can complicate their relationship with substance use.

How common is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder is a prevalent condition, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 20 million Americans aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder in the past year.

What causes substance use disorder?

The causes of substance use disorder are multifaceted and can include genetic predisposition, environmental factors, mental health conditions, trauma, stress, and early exposure to substance use. It’s often a combination of these factors that contribute to the development of the disorder.

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