One of our primary treatment goals for all our patients is screening for substance abuse disorders and facilitating a connection with a specialist facility that is able to treat their substance use disorder (SUD).
CALL (866) 789-1511 to speak with a specialist 24/7/365.
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An effective assessment for SUD will help you determine what level of treatment will be most effective for you based on your specific circumstances.
Due to the chronic nature of addiction, relapse—the return to substance abuse after being drug- or alcohol-free—is often part of the disease. In fact, close to half of people who experience drug or alcohol addiction also experience relapses in recovery. Estimated to be 40 to 60 percent, the relapse rate for substance abuse is akin to the rate of relapse for other chronic medical illnesses, such as asthma, hypertension, and diabetes.
Addiction is a brain disease and, as such, may involve disruptions to certain brain circuits and neural processes as a result of chronic drinking and/or drug use. Pathways involved in how a person feels pleasure and processes rewards, memory, and decision-making can be altered through substance abuse. With repeated use, alterations in brain chemistry and functioning can result in the development of substance dependence. Once a person becomes significantly physically dependent, withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings may be common side effects if drinking or drug use slows or stops suddenly. Someone who has grown dependent on a substance may not feel “normal” without it. Therefore, a return to drug or alcohol use may seem like a good way to get back to feeling OK, curbing withdrawal symptoms, and combating strong cravings.
Consider this: A recovering alcoholic goes to a party and has one drink. Their response? They’re upset with themselves for giving into temptation and think of ways to better cope in similar high-risk situations, such as bringing their own beverages next time. This individual is more likely to learn from their mistake and return to sobriety the following day. On the other hand, if that individual feels like a failure who will never be able to stop drinking because of the lapse, their response indicates that they will be more likely to abandon sobriety and return to their unhealthy habits.
Depending on their emotional response, a lapse makes a person more aware of their triggers and helps them develop more effective ways to cope with similar trigger situations in the future, or it can lead them to return to problematic alcohol or drug use.
Fox Fern ADHD Clinic recommends the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Levels of Care model to place patients into the appropriate level of care. Referral to the level of care is based on a careful assessment of the patient’s physical and mental needs, substance use patterns, social situation, financial needs, and other factors.
