Substance Use Treatment in Colorado: What to Expect

Realizing you have substance use disorder (SUD) can be a shocking and intimidating discovery that can leave you questioning yourself on what to do moving forward or what to expect out of substance use treatment.

First, you have to understand what SUD is and the dangers that come with substance use. Each person is different when it comes to SUD, and at Healing Pines Recovery, we offer a long list of treatment options so that you can receive the individualized care you need.

Substance Use Disorder: What Defines SUD and What Are the Dangers?

Before you can develop a treatment plan, you have to understand what SUD is and the damages it can cause. Substance use disorder is defined as a medical condition where you can no longer control the use of a particular substance or substances, even though it has harmful and life-threatening consequences.

While SUDs can range in severity, there are also many dangers that can vary based on which substance is being used, the amount, and the frequency it is used. For instance, the risks that come with an alcohol addiction can include:

• Brain damage: Alcohol can interfere with communication pathways causing changes in mood, behavior, and decision-making.
• Heart disease: Damage to the heart can increase blood pressure, cause arrhythmias or irregular heartbeat, and stroke.
• Liver failure: Heavy alcohol consumption can affect the liver, causing inflammatory problems like cirrhosis, fibrosis, and fatty liver disease.

These are just some of the dangers that come with alcohol abuse. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) includes these and more health risks in an article they published online.

These health risks and dangers can be very different from those who struggle with other types of substances, such as opioid use disorder (OUD). Some of the dangers that come with opioid use include:

• Impaired energy or strength
• Respiratory conditions
• Mental health disorders
• Overdose

Whether you are struggling with alcohol, opioids, or other substances, there are many different health risks and dangers associated with each. Some of these dangers not only apply to you, but to those around you as well.

The Impact of Substance Use on Your Life

Not only can substance use disorder impact your physical and mental health, but it can also affect your daily routine. When questioning whether you have SUD or not, it is always best to seek the opinion of a professional. Yet, there are still many signs to look out for that can lead to a faster diagnosis.

Some of the first symptoms include:

#1. Unstable and Unhealthy Relationships

Have you noticed that you feel less inclined to see close friends or family while using substances or fear that they will find out? Have loved ones pointed out your substance use? SUD can affect not only your life but the lives of those around you. This can usually be observed in your relationships with them.

#2. Changes in Mood and Behavior

Do you see a difference in your mood or behavior when you are using substances? Sometimes, it can feel like you are on top of the world when you are under the influence; however, substance use leads to depression, anxiety, or irritability when looking for the next dose.

#3. Poor Performance at Work or School

Is making it through your work or school day difficult without substances? Are you able to get through your daily tasks without needing them? If not, you may have SUD.

Noticing the signs of substance use disorder can lead you to get the help you need sooner.

Types of Treatment for SUDs and How They Work

At Healing Pines Recovery, we offer many different treatment modalities for you if you are struggling with substance use disorder and provide you with an individualized recovery plan. Some of the treatment options available include:

• Family Therapy: This type of treatment allows family members to better understand what recovery is and what it means to you. It also helps family members adjust their behaviors and expectations toward you.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment: Also called MAT, this type of treatment is most effective in treating opioid use disorder. This allows you to safely remove opioids from your system with the guidance of a medical professional. It is typically paired with counseling and behavioral therapies.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: CBT is the most common form, and it helps you when struggling with high levels of anxiety and depression.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy: This is a type of talk therapy that helps with regulating emotions and is typically used to treat personality disorders and severe mental health disorders.

While these are only some of the treatment options Healing Pines Recovery has to offer, we still provide many more options to choose from so that you receive the best care suited to you. Healing Pines Recovery aims to not only help you through SUD, but to help you build a healthy mind as well.

Admitting you have SUD is one of the most challenging parts of recovery, as many believe they do not need treatment. This is one of the things to expect when substance use has taken over your life; denial can stem from the fear of having to stop substance use. Once you take the first step toward recovery, the possibilities unfold. Healing Pines Recovery is here to help you achieve a life of happiness and fulfillment free of all substance use.

Substance use disorder is a medical condition that leaves you with the inability to control the use of a particular substance or substances. Taking the first steps toward addiction treatment can leave you with many questions, such as where you should go, what substance use disorder is, and what you should expect. At times, it can feel like people think this is a choice rather than a disease, and that can lead to many negative feelings about yourself.

At Healing Pines Recovery, we aim to provide you with a better understanding of what substance use disorder is and help guide you through an individualized treatment plan.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use and identifies as male, please reach out to Healing Pines Recovery today at (720) 575-2621. It is never too late to seek help.