Substance Abuse

What is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse is a 100% treatable condition. But closing the chapter on the disorder requires getting the proper care. To this end, it’s important to understand that substance misuse falls onto a severity spectrum. The most effective treatment approach is going to vary based on the specifics of your situation. That’s why our philosophy is essential to your success; it ensures problems are treated individually. Thus, we adhere to the following ASAM classification scale for substance abuse/misuse disorders:

1. Low Risk Use – Use below the amount identified as hazardous and use in circumstances not defined as hazardous.
2. Unhealthy Use – Any use that increases the risk of likelihood for health consequences (hazardous use) or has already led to health consequences (harmful use).
   • Hazardous Use – Consumption that increases the risk for health consequences.
   • Harmful Use – Consumption with health consequences in the absence of addiction.
   • Addiction – See addiction.

We don’t approach substance abuse as though it’s one thing; we calibrate treatment to your unique needs. This is more effective and makes your time with us count. If you’re unsure where you fall on this scale – don’t worry. We are here to help. Simply call us with any questions or send us a message.

Abuse vs. Misuse

The continued, harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs is commonly now referred to as “substance misuse”. What may have started as a prescription to control, curb or relieve pain can sometimes end up controlling you. An array of cognitive, behavioral and physiological symptoms and problems can evolve or will occur with repeated usage. These may manifest in many ways and include, but are not limited to: an increased tolerance, desire to take more, or inability to refrain from how much or how frequently substances are taken. It is not uncommon for risky or illegal behavior to supersede common sense (such as filling false prescriptions or prescription ‘shopping’) to obtain larger quantities, or even impure forms or cheap substitutes, regardless of their source. Substance misuse damages the mind and body in numerous ways and has very real consequences. 1 Method Center is here to help you break the cycle.

Treatment Strategies

Alcoholism, addiction, and substance abuse/misuse are chronic disorders that are treatable and can be successfully managed if treated properly. Intervention that employs a combination of medication and behavioral therapy (known as medication-assisted treatment) has proven to be the most successful, effective model for most patients with substance use disorder, research shows. A personalized, tailor-made treatment will approach and address a multiplicity of issues that need attention including medical, psychiatric and social problems associated with the patient and the patient’s drug-use patterns. Science and Psychology are only the beginning and we know that a ‘one size fits all’ model is not the answer. For nearly two decades, we have successfully worked with patients one by one, on a 1-on-1 basis to guide people to recovery. Individual problems need to be treated individually, in individual ways. At 1 Method Center, we work with you to create a personalized program that works for you.

The 1MC Difference

Our unique, three-fold approach begins with a carefully customized plan that is tailor-made to match your objectives and needs. 1-on-1 therapy, evidence-based services like medication management, psychiatry, and mental health screening as well as holistic treatments are just a few of the things that set us apart from other rehabs. Your program is continually fine-tuned to maintain focus on your mind, body and spirit and have them work together in harmony. The Stages of Change model is used in conjunction with your treatment along with our specialized Health and Fitness Program with specific protocols for addiction, dual diagnosis, and mental health issues. Utilized in synergy with cutting-edge neuroscience, Applied Breathing Science, and empirically based measures from the field of Integrative Biology and Physiology, at 1 Method Center, your program is designed individually, for you.

The roots of self-destructive pathology, including addiction are tangled and deep. We work with you to help you uncover unresolved sources of pain, trauma and suffering. And then we dig deeper to discover their origins and core issues so that you may find the tools to break the cycle of negative behaviors that come with addiction. A stronger, healthier sense of self emerges as you gain clarity and develop new skills. We guide you on a path where you walk with a greater sense of yourself and can enjoy healthy, renewed relationships that may have been damaged along the way.

Take the first steps. Reach out to us today. Call or send us a message now.

Substance Abuse vs. Addiction

Per the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is defined as, “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug-seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is considered both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness. Addiction is the most severe form of a full-spectrum of substance use disorders, and is a medical illness caused by repeated misuse of a substance or substances.”

The NIDA and many treatment professionals no longer use the term ‘substance abuse’ and have replaced it with ‘substance misuse’ in order to help reduce the stigma and shame often associated with the disorder and to encourage more people to seek the qualified professional assistance they need. 1 Method Center is nationally recognized as an award-winning treatment program for those facing the challenge of addiction and substance misuse.

How to Test for Substance Use Disorder

An online self-screen for SUD.

The new DSM describes a problematic pattern of use of an intoxicating substance leading to clinically significant impairment or distress with 10 or 11 diagnostic criteria (depending on the substance) occurring within a 12-month period. Those who have two or three criteria are considered to have a “mild” disorder, four or five is considered “moderate,” and six or more symptoms, “severe.”

The diagnostic criteria are as follows:

1. The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful effort to cut down or control use of the substance.
3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects.
4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the substance, occurs.
5. Recurrent use of the substance results in a failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home.
6. Use of the substance continues despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of its use.
7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of use of the substance.
8. Use of the substance is recurrent in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
9. Use of the substance is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance.
10. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
    • A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
    • A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
    • The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for that substance (as specified in the DSM-5 for each substance).
    • The use of a substance (or a closely related substance) to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Learn More

An important aspect of effective substance abuse treatment is to provide the right treatment in the right way at the right time. Every situation is different and every treatment plan must be unique. If you approach someone who’s just beginning to slip into SUD with the same techniques as a “hardcore” crack or heroin user, the treatment is misguided at best and harmful at worst. That’s a key element in what makes 1MC such a highly sought-after program: We understand the nuances of substance use disorder and treat each case accordingly.

We hope you found this information helpful. Continue to explore our programs to learn more about what makes us unique. Call us with any questions or send us a message. We’re here for you anytime.