In 2021, the United States topped 100,000 drug overdoses. These numbers shattered previous records and have put a brighter spotlight on recognizing the signs of substance use disorder early on and offering cost-friendly treatments.
For many, substance use disorder goes unnoticed, or the severity is downplayed. Along with overdoses, attempting detox in a person’s home can have detrimental consequences. An inpatient drug rehab in MA offers safe, affordable, and effective treatments that help a person detox.
Luckily, we have put together a complete guide on recognizing substance use disorder symptoms and where to get help, so keep reading for more information!
What Is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorders include addiction to a drug or alcohol. This addiction can lead to health problems, relationship issues, or missed work. What are some examples of commonly abused substances:
- Opiates (e.g., heroin, codeine, OxyContin)
- Stimulates (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines)
- Depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, alcohol)
- Psychedelics (e.g., LSD, psilocybin)
- Marijuana
There are four main stages of substance use, increasing from recreational use to addiction. Risky use and addiction are more dangerous for health, relationships, school, and work. It can lead to a physical dependence on the substance, and people may feel like the substance controls their behaviors.
In other instances, people with a substance use disorder may not recognize the key signs and symptoms, and it comes down to a loved one acknowledging the problem and seeking treatments and therapies.
Signs of Substance Use Disorder in Massachusetts
Some of the warning signs of substance use disorder include:
- Withdrawal from meaningful relationships
- Behavioral changes
- Participating in risky behaviors
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Needing greater amounts
- Confused thinking
- Difficulty concentrating
Subtle changes may be more present first, and withdrawal symptoms can look different depending on the substance. In most cases, sudden changes in behavior are one of the more apparent signs of any substance use disorder. But opioid withdrawal symptoms and alcohol withdrawal symptoms may look differently.
Alcohol Use Disorder
For example, alcohol use disorder withdrawals can start within six hours and include symptoms like:
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Irritability
- Tachycardia
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
Without help, there are several risks and side effects of sudden alcohol withdrawal. One of the more deadly effects of alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens. It is a withdrawal syndrome characterized by:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Tachypnea
Without an alcohol rehab or alcohol addiction treatment in Massachusetts, it can be deadly or lead to permanent health impairments. Since alcohol is a depressant, many of these effects stem from a heightened nervous system. When the alcohol is removed, a person’s central nervous system remains in that heightened state and causes the various symptoms above.
Alcohol Detox in MA
Alcohol rehab in MA is a crucial step for someone receiving medical care while going through withdrawals. Afterward, a detox and rehab program can facilitate long-term abstinence success. In an alcohol detox center, a patient receives access to:
- Qualified medical professionals
- Prescription medication (if needed)
- Therapy
- Alcohol Anonymous meetings
- Mindfulness classes
- Fitness classes
Therapists can help a person once they have detoxed by finding the root of the addiction and helping construct positive thought patterns. It helps patients get back on their feet, and they can meet other patients who have gone through a similar process.
Opioid Use Disorder
Another common type of substance use disorder is opioid use disorder, which includes:
Opioids affect neurotransmitters responsible for the release of dopamine in the brain. They also help manage pain and can lead to euphoric and happy feelings.
Over time, they can lead to physical dependence and various withdrawal symptoms when stopped. Some of the more common opioid withdrawals include:
- Goose flesh
- Muscle pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
Often, opioid withdrawals are uncomfortable and can lead to further substance misuse to avoid the effects. Medical management and detox is the safest route to ensure stability and facilitate a healthy recovery.
Drug Detox in MA
Drug rehab in MA, specifically opioid rehab can provide someone with:
- Prescription medication
- Qualified medical personnel
- Tailored recovery plans
- Therapy
- Addressing psychological dependency
Most detox from heavy opioid use involves medication such as methadone or Suboxone. These medications mimic receptors in the brain that opioids latch onto but usually don’t have the ‘high’ associated with them.
Methadone is typically administered in a facility. These medications can have unique dependency risks and withdrawals, so a person must receive treatment in a qualified rehab center.
When To Get Treatment for Substance Use Disorder?
For many, it may seem challenging to take a step toward residential addiction treatment in MA and know what to expect. For many individuals, substance use disorder goes beyond addiction.
Almost nine million individuals have an addiction and mental health disorder. This term is dubbed ‘co-occurring disorders.’ While many individuals deal with both illnesses, only seven percent receive treatment.
Sometimes, it is hard to know which comes first: addiction or mental illness. Yet, both can compound the problem, and seeking therapy and rehabilitation can facilitate coping strategies and help someone get the medical management needed to get back to their daily lives.
Find Substance Use Disorder Today
Recognizing the common signs of substance use disorder is the first step toward seeking appropriate help. Going through the detox and withdrawal process individually is risky and ineffective. It can lead to medical emergencies and put a person at higher risk of relapsing.
Instead, addiction treatment in MA can help a person with a substance use disorder detox safely and receive the benefits of inpatient rehab with therapy and high-qualified addiction experts.
Ready to get started? Contact us today and learn more about why Mayflower Detox is the premier detox facility.
