Substance Abuse

Nearly 50 million people in the United States aged 12 and older experience substance use disorder (SUD). If you’re dependent on nicotine, drugs, alcohol, or prescription pain medications, see the experts at Open Door Medical Clinic in Great Falls, Montana. Osteopathic medicine specialists Melonie Parmley, DO, Ardine Balili, PAC, and the team offer treatments for substance abuse to help you break addictive and harmful habits. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse is a mental health condition characterized by using an addictive substance and not being able to stop, despite knowing it’s causing you harm. Common substances that could contribute to substance use disorder include:

• Tobacco
• Cocaine
• Cannabis
• Alcohol
• Opioids
• Methamphetamines

Alcohol use disorder is the most common type in the United States. It’s possible to have more than one addiction at the same time. 

The Open Door Medical Clinic team understands that substance abuse isn’t your fault, and they welcome you with open arms.

What are the symptoms of substance abuse?

The following symptoms could indicate substance use disorder:

• Using more and more of a harmful substance
• Not being able to stop despite knowing a substance is harmful
• Irritability, agitation, and mood changes
• Being drunk or high
• Anxiety or depression
• Low motivation
• Poor decision-making
• Abandoning daily responsibilities
• Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using a substance

Examples of withdrawal symptoms include shaking, chills, sweating, vomiting, trouble sleeping, and pain.

Substance abuse can cause problems at school, your job, in your interpersonal relationships, and in your overall physical and mental well-being. Left untreated, it could also cause legal problems. 

How is substance abuse diagnosed?

The Open Door Medical Clinic experts can diagnose substance use disorder by meeting with you and discussing your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle habits. 

They may complete a physical exam and order lab work, drug tests, or other diagnostic tests to help create a substance abuse treatment plan.

How is substance abuse treated?

Substance abuse treatments may include:

• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Faith-based support
• Medication management

Open Door Medical Clinic offers Suboxone®. It can help treat an opioid addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

It’s also helpful to have a strong social support network, avoid substance-use triggers, get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and stay active. Consider stress-reducing strategies like mindfulness and deep breathing exercises. 

Follow up with the Open Door Medical Clinic experts for routine monitoring, support in overcoming substance abuse, and staying sober.

Schedule a substance abuse evaluation at Open Door Medical Clinic by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.