What is a Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder (SUD) **means** keeping on **using** drugs (like alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription meds) **even when** it causes a lot of **harm** and **problems**.
A substance use disorder causes an intense focus on using a certain substance(s) such as alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs, to the point where the ability to function in daily life becomes impaired.
Substance use disorders are characterized by an array of mental/emotional, physical, and behavioral problems such as chronic guilt; an inability to reduce or stop consuming the substance(s) despite repeated attempts; driving while intoxicated; and physiological withdrawal symptoms
Substance Use Disorder Treatment at Turning Point of Tampa
The comprehensive alcohol and drug dependency programs at Turning Point of Tampa combine intense therapy and compassionate care with the 12-Step model for addiction treatment. Over the last three decades we have helped thousands of clients change the course of their lives by developing the coping skills needed to maintain abstinence from mood-and mind-altering substances.
Treatment facilities like Turning Point of Tampa provide individual care with participation in group therapy sessions and educational lectures. We help clients understand drug addiction as well as the underlying issues that accompany it.
At the core of Turning Point of Tampa’s programs is the concept of creating a safe and stable environment where each client can begin to develop the life skills necessary for long-term recovery.
There are a multitude of treatment options available for each person who comes to our facility. In our program, clients take part in a carefully planned routine to help them leave behind the chaos of their addiction and build a structured, meaningful life, while staying drug free.
Commonly Abused Drugs
Alcohol
An alcohol use disorder is the inability to control drinking due to both an emotional and physical dependence on alcohol. Symptoms include a strong urge or need to use alcohol.
Those with alcohol use disorder may continue to use alcohol even when it causes problems, have problems controlling their drinking, or have withdrawal symptoms when they quickly decrease or stop drinking.
Opioid Painkillers
Opioids are prescribed to treat pain. With prolonged use, pain-relieving effects may lessen, and pain can become worse. In addition, the body can develop dependence.
Opioid dependence can cause withdrawal symptoms, which makes it difficult to stop taking them. Addiction occurs when dependence interferes with daily life.
Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Other Stimulants
Stimulant use disorder is a type of substance use disorder that involves using stimulants for recreational purposes or non-medical use. It is defined in the DSM-5 as “the continued use of amphetamine-type substances, cocaine, or other stimulants leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, from mild to severe.
Marijuana
Marijuana is derived from the cannabis plant. Hashish is another form of marijuana that comes from the compressed resin of cannabis flowers. Both of these drugs can vary greatly in quality and potency, marijuana and hashish both affect the central nervous system.
Common effects of these drugs include visual tracking, impacts to coordination, and the ability to concentrate. Blood-shoot eye, increased heart rate and blood pressure are also common.
Inhalants
Inhalants are volatile chemical substances that produce vapors that, when inhaled, can induce psychoactive, or mind-altering, effects.
Unlike some other drugs, these products are not intended for human consumption but are used because they are widely available and can be legally purchased. Some common inhalants include glue, “whip-its” (nitrous oxide found in whipped cream cans), cleaning products (such as computer dusters), and lighter fluids.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are psychoactive drugs that can cause hallucinations by altering sensory perceptions to varying degrees. PCP, LSD, psilocybin (mushrooms), and peyote (a cactus plant containing mescaline) are some of the most used hallucinogens.
Some common effects of hallucinogens include hallucinations of sights and sounds, disorganized thoughts, blurry vision, dizziness, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Hallucinogens are also known to incite anxiety and paranoia.
In some cases, this acute anxiety can lead to risky behavior that causes injury. Hallucinogen abuse can also lead to acute depression and other mental health conditions, especially among individuals with underlying mental health challenges.
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