Substance Abuse
Understanding Substance Use Disorder
At Mindful Generation, we understand the complexities of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), a mental health condition characterized by problematic substance use that can cause significant distress and impairment in various aspects of life. We recognize that SUD not only affects individuals physically but also takes a toll on their emotional well-being. Clients struggling with SUD may experience intense cravings, a loss of control over substance use, feelings of guilt and shame, and a preoccupation with obtaining and using the substance. Moreover, SUD can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and tolerance, which may require higher amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect. These challenges can disrupt relationships, impair job performance, affect financial stability, and even lead to legal problems, making it difficult to meet responsibilities and obligations.
Important Facts about Substance Use Disorder
​Substance Use Disorder is a widespread issue, affecting millions of people worldwide, and it often co-occurs with other mental health disorders. We recognize the impact that SUD can have on families and loved ones as well. It can strain relationships, create conflicts, and cause emotional distress for everyone involved. We know that dealing with SUD is not an isolated struggle, and our compassionate therapists are here to support both individuals and their families throughout the recovery journey.
Treatment Strategies
At Mindful Generation, we offer a comprehensive and holistic approach to treat Substance Use Disorder, recognizing it as a chronic and relapsing brain disease. Our therapists focus on addressing underlying factors contributing to addiction, taking into account the individual's unique experiences and circumstances.
The Medical Model
​Our treatment approach aligns with the medical model of addiction, acknowledging the neurological and psychological aspects of SUD. By understanding the science behind addiction, we provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's needs, empowering them to navigate the challenges of addiction and find hope in the recovery process.
We utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) as an evidence-based technique to enhance motivation and commitment to change. Through MI, we guide individuals toward self-discovery, helping them explore their own reasons for reducing or stopping substance use. By focusing on personal values, goals, and aspirations, clients become more motivated to make positive changes and regain control of their lives.
Impact on Families:
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) can have a significant impact on families, leading to various challenges and problems:
Disrupted Communication:
Substance abuse can disrupt effective communication within the family. Individuals with SUD may struggle to express their needs and emotions clearly, and their family members may find it challenging to effectively communicate their concerns, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and strained relationships.
Erosion of Trust:
Substance use can erode trust within the family. Family members may feel betrayed or deceived by the individual's substance abuse, leading to a breakdown of trust. This can manifest as a loss of confidence in the individual's ability to make positive changes and maintain sobriety.
Enabling Behaviors:
Family members may unintentionally enable the individual's substance use by enabling their behaviors or covering up the consequences of their actions. Codependency can develop, where family members excessively focus on the individual's substance use and neglect their own needs, perpetuating a cycle of dysfunction.
Understanding Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and DSM-V Criteria
DSM-V Criteria
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a widely used guidebook in the field of mental health, providing criteria for diagnosing and classifying mental disorders, including Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Here are the key criteria for diagnosing SUD:
DSM-V Overview:
To receive a diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), individuals must exhibit a specific number of symptoms within a 12-month period. The severity of the disorder is determined by the number of symptoms present.
Criteria for SUD:
The following criteria are used to diagnose Substance Use Disorder:
Impaired Control:
The individual experiences a persistent pattern of substance use, resulting in a lack of control over its use. This includes using more than intended, unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use, and spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from substance use.
Social Impairment:
Substance use leads to social impairment or problems in various areas of life, such as relationships, work, or education. This can manifest as conflicts with family members or friends, difficulties in maintaining employment or academic performance, or withdrawal from social and recreational activities.
​Risky Use:
The person continues to use the substance despite being aware of its associated physical or psychological problems. This may involve using the substance in situations that are physically hazardous, such as while driving, or despite exacerbating existing medical or psychological conditions.
Pharmacological Criteria:
The individual develops tolerance, requiring increased amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect, and experiences withdrawal symptoms when substance use is reduced or discontinued.
Behavioral and Psychological Criteria:
​The person exhibits behavioral and psychological symptoms indicating the impact of substance use on their functioning. These may include cravings, persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to quit or cut down, neglecting important obligations or activities due to substance use, and engaging in repetitive substance-related behaviors.