What Is Substance Abuse Treatment in Silver Spring, MD?
We keep hearing the warnings and dangers associated with substance addiction and misuse. In fact, Maryland is one of the top five states with the highest opioid-related overdose deaths in the US. This class of drugs is effective for managing severe and persistent pain; however, it is becoming fairly common for people to become addicted to these painkillers. It is also common for people to be addicted to alcohol and various substances.
Here at Exceptional Primary & Preventive Healthcare in Silver Spring, MD, Florence Odubayo, NP and her team understand just how common opioid and substance misuse and illness can be. If you are misusing prescription medication, or alcohol, or know someone who is, then it’s time to seek help.
Signs of Substance Addiction and Abuse
Wondering if you or a family member is dealing with a substance abuse disorder or illness (Ex : Opioid, Alcohol, etc.)?
Here are some of the warning signs,
- The inability to control use
- Flu-like symptoms
- Sleep habit changes
- Weight loss
- Drowsiness
- Intense cravings
- Loss of sex drive
- Hygiene changes
- Isolation from family or friends
- Financial issues
Not everyone with a substance abuse disorder will display all of these symptoms, so sometimes it isn’t always easy to recognize. Substance use disorder is something that our physician can diagnose.
Getting Treatment
The first step to recovery is getting the proper care you need. This means talking with a qualified physician who can provide a comprehensive assessment and ask you questions regarding your drug use. From there, a full physical exam will be performed to assess the patient’s health. Sometimes a urine test is performed to detect the presence of opioids or other drugs in the system.
After your assessment, we will discuss the different treatment options available and which ones may be best for you. Every patient’s treatment plan will be tailored to them based on certain factors including their current health status. Medication is commonly used to treat addiction. These medications include naltrexone and buprenorphine. Exceptional provides oral Naltrexone, Vivitrol, and Sublocade.
Each medication works on the brain and body a bit differently and we will discuss the different pros and cons of each medication before beginning your treatment plan.
Along with medication, your treatment plan may also consist of regular visits to the clinician’s office for checkups, as well as regular counseling sessions and support groups. The goal of treatment is to safely and effectively wean the patient off the drug and to reduce the risk for relapse.