Substance abuse affects people from all walks of life. Across the United States, people struggle with substance abuse and rarely know what steps to take for substance abuse treatment and recovery. If you or someone in your life is struggling, know you are not alone. Substance abuse treatment is safe, effective, and accessible.
If you are ready to learn more about substance abuse treatment, the team at A Better State provides clients with flexible, intensive outpatient programs in Hudson, New Hampshire. Our clinic focuses on adaptable, trauma-informed, holistic treatment for substance abuse and mental health conditions. If you or a loved one is dealing with substance abuse, call us now at 781.412.1488. A Better State can help with your recovery.
What Is Substance Abuse?
Simply put, substance abuse is using a substance even when it negatively affects your life. Substance abuse can include taking medications other than how they are prescribed, taking someone else prescription, or using illicit drugs like meth, heroin, and cocaine. While some people may casually or socially drink or use drugs, it is probably time to seek professional support when substance use affects their lives. Some signs of substance abuse include:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in work or school performance
- Increased depression
- Increased anxiety
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Changes in overall health
- Stealing medication
- Mixing medication with alcohol
- Prolonged physical side effects from drug or alcohol consumption
Substance abuse can be associated with traumatic events, prolonged stress, and mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and bipolar disorder. For many people, it is challenging to know when to get help and even more difficult to ask for support.
Steps to Take for Substance Abuse Treatment
Everyone’s life experience is their own. There is no single way to deal with substance abuse. People often deny substance abuse or addiction and have trouble seeking treatment. This denial is normal. However, having supportive loved ones can help make a transition into treatment easier. Here are some steps to take for substance abuse:
- Go without drugs or alcohol for several days to monitor any withdrawal symptoms
- Find a local AA group and attend a free meeting
- Talk to your doctor about testing for mood disorders like depression
- Talk to a licensed therapist about drug or alcohol consumption
- Take an honest assessment of how drugs and alcohol affect your life and your loved ones
- Contact a local outpatient program to find group counseling and support groups
For many people, identifying the triggers behind substance abuse can reduce use and stop cravings. Sometimes, healthy coping mechanisms, healing trauma, and reducing stress at home or work will make someone less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.
Handling Substance Abuse in New Hampshire
Substance abuse treatment is always the most effective tool for substance abuse. At A Better State, we believe in holistic treatment for substance abuse and mental health. We consider a client’s trauma history, life stressors, and mental health as treatment components. With a range of outpatient programs, we provide clients in the New Hampshire area with the flexibility they need without compromising care. Our step-down approach offers clients a partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), outpatient treatment, and sober living referrals.
No matter what you are dealing with, the staff at A Better State is here to help manage substance abuse and mental health with our trauma-informed approach. With yoga, meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family and group therapy programs, We can support your long-term sobriety and get you back on track.
Call A Better State Today to Learn More About Substance Abuse Treatment
Call us now at 781.412.1488 to learn more about substance abuse treatment at A Better State and get the help you need today.
