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Substance misuse takes many forms, from illegal drugs and prescription medications to alcohol and solvents, to name just a few. If you have a substance abuse problem, John Risi, NP, at New Spirit Health in Mesa, Arizona, can help. He’s an addiction specialist who has supported many people during recovery from substance use disorder. Call the clinic today or book a telehealth or in-person appointment online.

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse problems or substance use disorder might develop if something you regularly take for its pleasurable psychological and physical feelings starts to cause you harm. There are eight defined substances most likely to be abused:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Cannabis
• Hallucinogens
• Inhalants
• Opioids
• Sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics
• Stimulants
• Tobacco

It’s often the case that someone addicted to one drug may have problems with others as well, indicating a genetic predisposition.

Substance abuse can take over your life, affecting your work and relationships. With severe addictions, you focus entirely on the need to use your substance of choice, regardless of the effects on you or those around you. The consequences often include family breakups, job loss, homelessness, and criminal behavior.

At New Spirit Health, the main types of substance abuse problems are opioid and alcohol addiction. The practice also has expertise in treating other forms of substance abuse.

How do I overcome a substance use disorder?

The key to substance abuse recovery is to want to overcome your problem. At first, you’re so absorbed with getting high that you don’t think about needing to stop. But at some point, you realize the situation has to change if you don’t want to ruin your health and life.

It’s a difficult time because although you’re aware of the harm you’re doing to yourself, you haven’t yet reached the stage where you’re ready to commit to quitting. 

If you’re in this position, discussing your situation in New Spirit Health’s safe, supportive environment could help you move on to the next stage.

That’s where you come to accept the harm your substance abuse problem is causing and begin taking action to quit. Combining a determination to succeed with expert therapy and managed care gives you the greatest chance of success.

How is substance abuse treated?

The treatment required for addiction disorders varies depending on the substance. Treatment also depends on the individual patient, as you may respond better to some therapies and less well to others, which is where New Spirit Health’s expertise and experience are invaluable.

The highly successful medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for opioid addiction uses Suboxone® (buprenorphine and naloxone) to help wean patients off their opioid of choice, together with counseling and behavior therapies.

If you’re wondering how to rid yourself of a substance abuse problem, call New Spirit Health today or book an appointment online.