Addiction can also be categorized as a substance use disorder (SUD). According to the American Psychiatric Association, people with SUD have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s) such as alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, to the point where the person’s ability to function in day-to-day life becomes impaired. People keep using the substance even when they know it is causing or will cause problems. The most severe SUDs are sometimes called addictions.

In society, addiction, and the mental health issues that stem from substance use disorder, are commonly misunderstood. Some people think of it as laziness and think that someone should “just stop drinking” or “just stop using drugs,” but it’s not that simple. It’s a real illness and should be taken seriously by health care professionals, family and friends, and all others.

Just like other mental illnesses, those suffering from addiction often try to hide it or mask how they’re truly feeling. So, it’s important to look for signs and be aware of them in case someone you love is struggling. Here are a few things you can look for:

• Someone keeps taking their medication even after their prescribed treatment for it is over

• Change in appearance such as bloodshot eyes, rapid weight gain or loss, change in appetite, etc.

• Lack of self-care or neglecting personal hygiene

• Change in behavior or personality such as being more defensive, forgetful, easily stressed, or anxious, outbursts of anger, compulsive lying, loss of interest or motivation in things they once enjoyed, etc.

• You witness what looks like withdrawals – it could be shaking or tremors, seizures, excessive sweating, nausea or vomiting, etc.

• You notice suspicious or secretive behavior, perhaps sneaking substances into their bag or frequently slipping away for a prolonged amount of time

• They don’t get along with people as they used to or have isolated the people closest to them

• They may be spending a lot of money, going on excessive spending sprees, or possibly participating in dangerous or high-risk activities

Treatments for drug and substance abuse are available. The first step in treatment is to recognize the problem. The recovery process is delayed if the person is in denial of their addiction or lacks awareness about their condition.

Restore 360 treats all types of mental health and mental illness disorders from a holistic standpoint, which means treating the whole person and not just the symptoms they have. We specialize in treating addiction/substance use disorder among other mental health disorders. We treat these conditions using the following:

• Family, group, addiction, and individual therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Psychiatric assessment and care
• Stress management skills
• Depression treatment

Along with a well-trained and well-educated staff and full psychiatric assessments, Restore 360 helps with healing and recovery from addiction through the use of medication and therapy/counseling. We will help with regulating and maintaining a medication treatment plan and adjust the regimen as needed. For someone who struggles with addiction, it’s important to have a team of people ready to help and to support them for the long road ahead.

Contact Restore 360 online or call us at (484) 373-2710 for more information on our services and our holistic approach to treatment.