Cultural and societal factors determine what are acceptable or allowable forms of drug or alcohol use. Public laws determine what kind of drug use is legal or illegal. The question of what type of substance use can be considered normal or acceptable remains controversial. Substance use disorder is caused by multiple factors, including genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, and psychiatric problems. But which of these factors has the biggest influence in any one person cannot be determined in all cases. Can-Am Interventions would like to bring awareness to this dire and common issue.

Symptoms of substance use disorder

The following are the most common behaviors that mean a person is using or misusing drugs or alcohol. But each person may have slightly different symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

• Using or drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than planned.
• Continually wanting or unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control use of drugs or alcohol.
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of drugs or alcohol.
• Craving, or a strong desire to use drugs or alcohol.
• Ongoing drug or alcohol use that interferes with work, school, or home duties.
• Using drugs or alcohol even with continued relationship problems caused by use.
• Giving up or reducing activities because of drug or alcohol use
• Taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence.
• Continually using drugs or alcohol even though it is causing or adding to physical or psychological problems.
• Developing tolerance or the need to use more drugs or alcohol to get the same effect. Or using the same amount of drugs or alcohol, but without the same effect.
• Having withdrawal symptoms if not using drugs or alcohol. Or using alcohol or another drug to avoid such symptoms.

The symptoms of substance use disorder may resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions.

How is substance use disorder diagnosed?

A family doctor, psychiatrist, or qualified mental health professional usually diagnoses substance use disorder. Clinical findings often depend on the substance, the frequency of use, and the length of time since last used, and may include:

• Weight loss
• Constant fatigue
• Red eyes
• Little concern for hygiene
• Lab abnormalities
• Unexpected abnormalities in heart rate or blood pressure
• Depression, anxiety, or sleep problems

Treatment for substance use disorder should be determined by an addictions specialist, such as Can-Am, based on:

• Your age, overall health, and health history
• Extent of the symptoms
• Extent of the dependence 
• Type of substance you are using
• Your tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the condition
• Your opinion or preference

A variety of treatment (or recovery) programs for substance use disorder are available on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Programs considered are usually based on the type of substance. Detoxification (if needed, based on the substance) and long-term follow-up management or recovery-oriented systems of care are important features of successful treatment. Long-term follow-up management usually includes formalized group meetings and psychosocial support systems, as well as continued medical supervision. Individual and family psychotherapy are often recommended to address the issues that may have contributed to and resulted from the development of a substance use disorder.

Help?

Though substance abuse addiction is common, we don’t all take the same path to the point of unmanageability. We may find others stories vary from our own. Regardless of this, we all end up at the same point. Our addiction becomes unmanageable and turns our life, our relationships and our careers upside down. This is inevitable. Can-Am Interventions understands this vicious cycle. We are here to help addicts find their way back to a healthy and fulfilling life balance. We offer guidance and council, as well as treatment that is best suited for the addicts needs. If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to reach out to us. This may feel like a foreign concept, and the unknowns may be overwhelming. You are not alone. We will guide the addicted, the family and the support network, and provide treatment options that will ensure success. The first step is recognizing the problem, we are here for the steps that take place after. We look forward to the opportunity of helping you.

For More Information:

E: patti.pike@canaminterventions.com W:www.canaminterventions.com

1-800-638-1812 Toll Free Internationally

415-827-3725 Cell /Text

415-578-2875 Office