Substance Use Disorder Counseling

Key Facts (from CDC.gov)

• • SUDs are treatable, chronic diseases that can affect anyone – regardless of race, gender, income level, or social class.
  • One in seven Americans aged 12 or older reports experiencing a SUD.
  • SUD diagnosis can be applied to the following classes of drugs: alcohol; cannabis; hallucinogens; inhalants; opioids; sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics; stimulants; tobacco (nicotine); and other (or unknown) substances.
  • SUDs can lead to significant problems in all aspects of a person’s life including in their work, school, or home life
  • Coordinated care is critical in treating anyone with a SUD to achieve positive outcomes. Coordinating treatment for comorbidities, including mental health conditions, is an important part of treating a SUD.

The most common types of SUDs in the U.S. involve the use of one or more of the following substances (from ruralhealthinfo.org):

• • Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, brain and liver damage, and hypertension and can cause health issues related to intoxication behaviors and withdrawal. Criteria for diagnosis include an inability to control alcohol intake, developing a tolerance, and/or developing withdrawal symptoms.
  • Opioids – In recent years, the U.S. has seen a dramatic increase in the use of opioids, which are substances used to relieve pain in healthcare settings. Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain or body to reduce pain signals going to the brain. Opioids include prescription drugs such as hydrocodone (Vicodin®), oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®), codeine, morphine, as well as illegal substances like heroin. Misusing opioids can lead to physical dependence, severe respiratory depression, and even death.
  • Stimulants – Stimulants include amphetamines, methamphetamines, and cocaine. Stimulants increase alertness, breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. Misuse can lead to overly elevated body temperature, seizures, and heart failure, as well as psychological symptoms like hostility and psychosis.
  • Hallucinogens – Hallucinogens are substances that distort perceptions of reality and cause hallucinations. Hallucinogenic substances include chemically synthesized substances like MDMA (also known as Ecstasy), phencyclidine (PCP) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), as well as naturally occurring substances like psilocybin mushrooms, peyote, or mescaline.
  • Cannabis – Excessive use of cannabis, or marijuana, can lead to problems with memory, learning, and perception, as well as loss of motor coordination and difficulty with thinking and problem-solving skills. Excessive use of cannabis in youth can also increase risk for cognitive difficulties and mental illness.
  • Tobacco – Tobacco is a leafy plant that contains the addictive substance nicotine and is typically smoked through cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S. and increases one’s risk of cancer, coronary heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking while pregnant can lead to infant tissue and lung damage, as well as greater risk of preterm birth, low birthweight, and death from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). For more information please see RHIhub’s Rural Tobacco Control and Prevention Toolkit