Substance Abuse
What is a substance use disorder?
A substance use disorder is often indicated when an individual continues to use a mood-altering substance despite repeated use-related consequences. The person might have repeated disputes with their spouse or parents, perform poorly at work or school, or repeatedly place themselves in life-endangering situations. Still, they continue to use the substance with seeming disregard for additional consequences.
When should a person seek help for a substance use disorder?
Substance use disorders can be effectively treated, and individuals with substance use disorders can live happy and productive lives free of mood-altering substances after receiving the proper care. Similar to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic medical conditions, the sooner a person with a substance use disorder receives care, the better their chances for attaining long-term recovery.
Contrary to the notion that a person must hit rock bottom before they can be helped, it is important for a person to receive help before the damage caused by the substance use has become extensive. When a person's substance use has progressed to the point that they have lost their close relationships, become intermittently employed, or incurred serious health problems, they are often less motivated to seek help or to follow through with the changes required to establish a sober lifestyle.
On the other hand, if a person suffering from a substance use disorder still has the support of a loving family, the sense of purpose derived from going to work each day, and sufficient health to enjoy their life, their motivation tends to be higher and it is usually easier for them to get started on a new path. They are better able to manage the discomfort of early recovery, and they can envision a future where being sober would enhance all areas of their life.
Given the importance of receiving help as soon as possible, it is essential that family members do not shield the substance user from the natural consequences of their use. Such behaviors are referred to as enabling behaviors, because they enable the person to practice their addiction without interference and to progress toward the more advanced stages of addictive disease. Instead, by allowing the person to experience the consequences of their use (e.g., refusing to call in sick for them, refusing to pay their legal fees), the family provides the person with the opportunity to recognize their need for help.
Subsequently, when the substance user indicates that they are willing to receive help, it is important for the family to commend their decision and to support their efforts as they begin the journey of recovery. Assisting the person in reasonable ways is not considered enabling at this point, since the family members' actions would not be contributing to the substance user's progression in their disease. Instead, by joining the person in treatment or counseling, attending self-help meetings, and reading literature on the recovery process, both the substance user and the family members would be receiving needed education and support, allowing both to get started on their respective paths to recovery.
If you or your family member is struggling with a substance use disorder, you may be greatly benefited by seeking the help of a skilled professional. At Sycamore Counseling Associates, we would perform a thorough substance use assessment which would enable us to render an accurate diagnosis and to present treatment options which we believe would be helpful to you. If outpatient counseling is deemed to be the appropriate level of care, we would assist you in developing a personalized treatment plan, and help you begin working toward the goals of that plan. Ultimately, we would help you establish a sober lifestyle, and assist you in managing the emotional and relational challenges which often occur in early recovery.
Our hope is that you would be willing to reach out for the help you need, and to begin enjoying the life which you and your family deserve to be living.
“Courage is not the absence of fear.
Rather, it is the judgment that something else is more important than fear.”