Substance use disorders can often be co-occurring with pre-existing physical and mental health disorders, particularly in cases of trauma. Many initially use drugs or alcohol to cope and numb the pain, but it can quickly spiral into both a physical and psychological dependence.

What once seemed to ease one’s symptoms can then begin to exacerbate the pain and depression. One may find themselves spending more and more time seeking and taking more of their substance of choice, chasing the initial relief it once provided. 

Substance abuse can negatively impact one’s relationships, performance at work or school, and ability to enjoy life without using, furthering the cycle of addiction.

Addiction can happen to anyone as it is a disease, not a character flaw. While there is no one path to recovery, people can start their journey with therapy to address the root cause of their substance abuse.

What is a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

1. A substance use disorder is the medical term used to describe a pattern of using a substance, such as alcohol, opioids, and stimulants that causes significant distress and life challenges. While some may assume drug abuse only refers to illegal substances such as heroin or cocaine, it also includes the misuse of pharmaceuticals, such as Xanax, Adderall, and Percocet.

   To identify the risk level and severity of a substance use disorder, the DSM-5 lists the following criteria:

   1. The substance is taken in larger amounts over a longer period than was intended. 
   2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful effort to limit or control substance use.
   3. There is a great time spent trying to obtain, consume, and recover from the substance use.
   4. There is strong craving for use. 
   5. There is continued use of the substance despite it negatively impacting and impairing your ability to show up for personal responsibilities, relationships, and commitments at work, school, or at home. 
   6. There is a decline or loss of participation in social, occupational, and recreational activities because of the substance use. 
   7. Use of the substance is continuous in situations where it is physically unsafe (ex, driving while intoxicated). 
   8. Use of the substance is contributing to relationship problems. 
   9. There is continuous use of the substance despite knowing that it impairs physical or psychological functioning (ex. drinking alcohol with a liver condition). 
   10. There is an increased need for more of the substance to get the desired effect. 
   11. There is withdrawal when the substance is not taken, which leads to physical, mental, and emotional withdrawal symptoms.

   Understanding and meeting a client where they’re at is vital to creating a treatment plan that meets their needs.

What Are The Treatments For Substance Abuse?

Treatment for substance use disorders depends on the substance and length of use, the symptoms and underlying causes of the disorder, and the consequences and any co-occurring mental health disorders.

The core principles of effective SUD treatment may include: 

• Detoxification 
• Medication administered by a psychiatrist
• Medical support
• Long-term psychosocial support 
• Self-help and spiritual recovery groups/activities
• Individual and family psychotherapy 

Our licensed drug and alcohol counselors at Handel Behavioral Health can help develop an individualized treatment plan, starting with a thorough assessment and evaluation.

What Does Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment in Massachusetts Involve?

When you work with one of our licensed drug and alcohol counselors, you will start the process of exploring and healing the inner wounds that lead to the substance abuse, establish stability and self-compassion, and develop effective skills to avoid relapse.

The most effective therapeutic modalities for substance use and addiction include: 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• A form of talk-therapy based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected in a way that one influences, and is influenced by the others. The goal of CBT is to increase awareness of thoughts, actions, and the consequences of each. 
• CBT sessions depend on the patient and the consequences of their substance use, but a typical session involves discussing irrational thoughts, negative thoughts, and previous stressful thoughts, followed by challenging the patient’s negative thoughts and false beliefs, and offering positive coping skills to use when faced with challenges. 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

• A comprehensive approach which relies on learning and behavioral skills to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. 
• Mindfulness is at the center of DBT treatment, helping individuals learn about and practice bringing awareness to the present moment. Through observing their feelings, thoughts, sensations, and impulses, and tuning into their senses and the environment around them, patients can slow down and practice healthy coping skills. 

Motivational interviewing (MI)

• A patient-centered form of counseling that helps the patient develop an internal motivation to quit. It can be difficult for patients to find a reason to quit on their own, even while acknowledging the adverse health, financial, social, and legal outcomes of their addiction.
• During MI counseling, the therapist will ask open-ended questions to get the patient to explore their experiences, thoughts, and perspective around their substance use. The goal is for the patient to recognize their own fear of change, resolve any roadblocks getting in their way of sobriety, and find courage to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

Trauma-Informed Therapy

• Those with PTSD are 5 times as likely to develop a substance abuse disorder than the general population. Trauma-Informed treatment for substance abuse focuses on recognizing the role trauma can have in the disorder, and tailoring treatment programs based on these findings. 
• Counselors provide clients with a safe environment to allow them to identify the symptoms they are trying to numb and the triggers they may encounter in their recovery journey. Counselors will help create realistic goals with the intention of harm-reduction acknowledging that recovery is not linear.

Find a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor in Massachusetts Today:

At Handel Behavioral Health, our team of Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselors offer compassionate, comprehensive, and holistic substance use disorder therapy for people of all ages and backgrounds.

By working with one of our therapists for substance use disorder in Massachusetts, you will learn to understand your addiction and triggers for substance use, while developing the skills necessary to move forward on a positive path in life. 

Our mental health professionals also provide family therapy for individuals and family members affected by loved ones with co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions, with the goal of building strong relationships and helping everyone heal. 

To start working with one of our Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselors in-person from our offices in Amherst, Springfield, Wilbraham, Natick, and Franklin Massachusetts, or online in Massachusetts, contact us today at (413) 343-4357.

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