Substance use disorder (SUD), sometimes called substance abuse addiction, affects individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life, regardless of religion, education level, or socioeconomic status. The most commonly abused substances are tobacco, alcohol, prescription medication, and illicit drugs.

Signs and symptoms

There are many symptoms—behavioral, physical, and social—that can help you identify whether you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder. Consult a licensed medical or mental health professional and check your DMBA medical plan and associated benefits prior to seeking treatment.

Types

Patients are diagnosed with a specific type of disorder based on the primary substance that they misuse, such as an alcohol use disorder, or opioid use disorder, stimulant use disorder, marijuana use disorder or sedative use disorder. However, many patients diagnosed with SUD misuse more than one kind of substance—also known as a polysubstance use disorder.

When to see a doctor

Substance use disorders get worse over time. The earlier treatment starts the better the chances for long-term recovery. Decades of research have proven that the earlier someone is treated, the better their outcomes—and that treatment works just as well for patients who are compelled to start treatment by outside forces as it does for those who are self-motivated to enter treatment.

Treatment options

A licensed medical or mental health professional can provide a formal substance abuse disorder assessment and evaluation. As you look for a pathway to healing, there may be multiple options and recommendations. A recovery plan is unique and may include formal and informal treatments. There are typically many aspects of treatment that may include the following:

• Hospitalization for medical withdrawal management (detoxification)
• Therapeutic communities (highly controlled, drug-free environments) or sober houses
• Outpatient medication management and psychotherapy
• Intensive outpatient programs (“rehab”)
• Residential treatment (“rehab”)
• Mutual-aid groups
  
  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Addiction Recovery
  • Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery
  • Self-help groups that include family members (Al-Anon or Nar-Anon family groups)

Once an evaluation is completed and treatment options are recommended, check your DMBA benefits and any preauthorizations needed prior to committing to or entering a treatment program. To do this, log in to www.dmba.com. Navigate to My Plans and under Summary Plan Descriptions (Handbooks), select your medical plan.

Resources