Substance Use Disorders:
A Comprehensive Guide to Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options

Discover the symptoms and treatments for substance use disorders. Learn how early intervention at Black Horse Health can support long-term recovery.

Finding Supportive Care and Treatment at Black Horse Health

Black Horse Health offers a sanctuary for individuals seeking comprehensive healing from addiction and mental health challenges in Houston, Texas. We understand that recovery is a deeply personal journey, and we’re committed to providing a compassionate and individualized approach.

We empower those struggling with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, process addiction, chronic pain, and trauma to reclaim their lives through a blend of evidence-based therapies and holistic practices.

For whole-person recovery support, know that we’re here. To learn more about addiction, what to expect, and how you or your loved one can achieve lasting sobriety—continue reading.

Our Treatment Options for Healing

Our Treatment Options for Healing Our treatment modalities include medically supervised detox, residential care, and outpatient programs.

We also will work with each individual to determine the best course of treatment, which may include individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and specialized trauma-informed care.

Beyond traditional therapies, we integrate holistic options like yoga, equine therapy, and mindfulness practices to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.

Our Commitment to You at Black Horse Health

At Black Horse Health, we provide a supportive environment where individuals can build resilience, develop coping skills, and embark on a path to lasting well-being.

Ready to get started? Reach out to our multidisciplinary team today.

What Are Substance Use Disorders?

Substance use disorders (SUD) are chronic conditions characterized by the compulsive use of drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences. These disorders affect brain function and behavior, often leading individuals to struggle to control their substance use, even when they want to stop.

Key Criteria for Diagnosis

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines several criteria for diagnosing substance use disorders.

These include:¹

A significant amount of time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from substance use
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when substance use is reduced or stopped
Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence, such as reckless driving or unsafe sex

The severity of substance use disorders can range from mild to severe, depending on the number of criteria met. While some individuals may experience occasional struggles, others may develop serious addiction that requires comprehensive treatment.

Our team at Black Horse Health is here to help ensure individuals get the care they need for substance use disorders or other co-occurring conditions, such as chronic pain or mental health struggles.

The Impact of Substance Use Disorders

The effects of substance use disorders can ripple through every aspect of an individual’s life. Beyond personal health, these disorders also create social and economic burdens that affect society as a whole.

Effects on Individuals

Chronic substance use can lead to severe medical conditions, such as:²

Lung disease
Heart problems
Cancer
Cognitive impairment

Individuals with substance use disorders experience mood swings, impulsivity, and decreased motivation. This can lead to challenges in managing daily tasks and fulfilling personal responsibilities.³

Effects on Families and Loved Ones

Families often bear the emotional weight of a loved one’s substance use disorder. Relationships can become strained as trust is broken, and unpredictable behavior leads to sustained conflict.

Children of individuals with substance use disorders are particularly vulnerable. They may grow up in unstable environments, facing:

Neglect
Emotional unavailability
Exposure to unsafe situations

These challenges can lead to academic struggles and a higher likelihood of developing a substance use disorder in the future.⁴

Effects on Communities and Society

The societal impact of substance use disorders extends beyond personal and family hardships. Communities face significant challenges related to:

Increased crime
Homelessness
Strained social services

Substance use disorders put immense pressure on not only individuals, but their communities.

In 2023 alone, there were over 7.5 million drug-related emergency visits, stretching healthcare resources and delaying treatment for others. This crisis underscores the urgent need for better prevention and care.⁵

The Importance of Early Intervention

Substance use disorders often follow a progressive trajectory, with symptoms worsening over time. Early intervention can halt this progression, preventing the development of more severe complications.

For example, addressing alcohol use disorder in its early stages can reduce the risk of liver damage.⁶

Similarly, early treatment for opioid use disorder can prevent overdose and other life-threatening consequences.⁷

The Causes and Risk Factors of SUD

Below are some of the key factors that contribute to the development of substance use disorders:

The Role of Genetics in Substance Use Disorders

Research suggests that genetic factors can contribute to approximately 50% of a person’s susceptibility to developing an SUD. Specific genes related to dopamine regulation and stress response have been implicated in this vulnerability.⁸

For example, variations in the DRD2 gene, which influences dopamine receptor activity, have been linked to a higher susceptibility to substance use disorders.⁹

These genetic factors can affect how individuals:

Experience pleasure
Cope with stress
Respond to substances

The Role of Neurobiology and Brain Chemistry

When SUD develops and the body becomes dependent on the substance, the brain releases large amounts of dopamine, creating a sense of euphoria.

Over time, this leads to changes in neural pathways, making it increasingly difficult to experience pleasure without the substance.

Prolonged substance misuse impairs the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for:¹⁰

Decision-making
Impulse control
Judgment

This neurological shift makes individuals more prone to compulsive substance use, even when faced with negative consequences.

Peer Influence and Social Environment

People surrounded by social groups that use substances are also more likely to experiment themselves. Similarly, environments where drug use is normalized encourage regular use.¹¹

The media often reinforces this by presenting substance use in a positive light, shaping public perceptions.

Economic Factors

Individuals living in poverty-stricken areas often experience:

Higher levels of stress
Fewer opportunities for healthy coping mechanisms
Limited access to healthcare and mental health support

The struggle to meet basic needs can lead to substance use as a temporary escape from financial and emotional burdens.

Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

Addiction doesn’t exist in isolation. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often co-occur with SUD.

This relationship is bidirectional, meaning that while substance use exacerbates mental health symptoms, mental health issues also increase the likelihood of substance use.¹²

For example, people with depression may turn to alcohol or drugs to escape feelings of sadness. While this may provide temporary relief, substance use often worsens their mental health. This creates a vicious cycle that is hard to break without professional help.

The Role of Trauma in Substance Use Disorders

Experiencing childhood trauma can significantly increase the likelihood of substance use as a way to cope.

This trauma might come from:¹³

Physical abuse
Emotional neglect
Sexual abuse
Losing a loved one

Trauma changes how the brain handles stress, often leading to emotional numbness. To escape painful memories, anxiety, or overwhelming emotions, individuals may turn to substances. However, without addressing the trauma itself, substance use can turn into a deeper dependency.

Common Substance Use Disorders

The following are some of the most commonly misused substances that contribute to SUD, each with its own effects and dangers:

Alcohol

Alcohol is among the most commonly misused substances in the U.S., partly due to its legal status and widespread social acceptance.

While moderate consumption may induce relaxation and lower inhibitions, excessive drinking can result in:¹⁴

Poor coordination
Slurred speech
Memory impairment

Patterns of Misuse

Alcohol misuse encompasses a range of behaviors, from binge drinking to chronic heavy drinking. Binge drinking is defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period. It is particularly common among young adults.¹⁵

Chronic heavy drinking occurs when alcohol is consumed in amounts that exceed recommended guidelines. When this continues over time, it can result in dependence and addiction.

Opioids

Opioids are a class of drugs that act on the nervous system to relieve pain. They include illegal substances like heroin and prescription painkillers such as:

Fentanyl
Oxycodone
Hydrocodone
Morphine

While often prescribed for medical use, opioids carry a high risk of addiction and misuse. In 2023 alone, nearly nine million people in the U.S. misused these drugs.¹⁶

The Dangers of Opioid Overdose

Opioid misuse frequently leads to respiratory depression, where breathing slows to dangerously low levels. In extreme cases, this can lead to overdose and death.

The risk is especially high with synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which are far more powerful than heroin and prescription painkillers.¹⁷

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs used for anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. They include medications such as:¹⁸

Alprazolam (Xanax)
Diazepam (Valium)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Physical dependence on benzodiazepines can develop within days of regular use, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon stopping. Research suggests that up to 100% of long-term users experience challenges when trying to quit.¹⁹

Stimulants

Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, many illicit stimulants are misused due to their euphoric effects.²⁰

Prescription Stimulants: ADHD Medications and Their Risks

Prescription stimulants, including amphetamines (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin), enhance dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.

When used as prescribed, they help individuals with ADHD improve focus and impulse control. However, misuse occurs when individuals:

Take higher doses
Use them without a prescription
Consume them for studying or staying awake for extended periods

Cocaine and Methamphetamine: Dangerous Illicit Stimulants

Cocaine and methamphetamine are potent stimulants that boost energy, confidence, and euphoria.

Cocaine works by increasing dopamine levels rapidly, leading to short-lived but intense pleasure. Methamphetamine, on the other hand, has longer-lasting effects but causes severe neurotoxic damage over time.

Chronic stimulant use can result in:²¹

Aggression
Hallucinations
Paranoia
Severe cardiovascular strain
Organ failure

The crash following stimulant use often leads to deep depression. This can increase the likelihood of repeated use to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

The Dangers of Polysubstance Use

Polysubstance use occurs when individuals misuse multiple substances simultaneously. This practice is highly dangerous, as it increases the risk of:

Unpredictable drug interactions
Overdose
Long-term health complications

Common Polysubstance Use Combinations

Individuals mix different substances to enhance or counteract the effects of other drugs.

For example, stimulants like cocaine are often used alongside depressants like alcohol to balance their effects. However, this combination places extreme stress on the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular failure.²²

Another dangerous combination involves benzodiazepines and opioids. Both substances depress the central nervous system, slowing breathing and increasing the likelihood of fatal overdose.²³

Treatments for SUD at Black Horse Health

At Black Horse Health, our approach to treating substance use disorders is rooted in practices that prioritize safety, compassion, and long-term recovery.

Here are the key elements of our approach:

Medical Detox and Withdrawal Management

Detoxification during the treatment of substance use disorders allows the body to eliminate harmful substances while managing withdrawal symptoms in a controlled environment.

Several factors affect the severity of withdrawal, including:

The type of substance used
The duration and frequency of use
A person’s overall health, genetics, and metabolism

Without professional support, withdrawal can be painful, dangerous, and, in some cases, life-threatening.²⁴

The Importance of Medical Supervision

At Black Horse Health, detox is carefully overseen by experienced medical professionals who:

Monitor vital signs to ensure stability
Manage withdrawal symptoms effectively
Provide immediate medical intervention if complications occur

Our priority is to maintain safety and comfort while preparing the body for the next phase of treatment.

Personalized Detox Plans

We tailor each individual’s detox plan to their specific needs, taking into account factors such as the type of substance used and any co-occurring health conditions. This personalized approach helps minimize the risk of complications and lays the foundation for the next stages of treatment.

Transition to Ongoing Care

Detox is not a standalone treatment but rather the first step in a comprehensive recovery plan. At Black Horse Health, we help individuals seamlessly transition from detox to ongoing care, which may include:

Inpatient drug rehab
Partial hospitalization program
Intensive outpatient program
Drug rehab aftercare

This continuity of care is critical for preventing relapse and promoting sustained recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

People struggling with substance use disorders often have ingrained beliefs that they are powerless over their addiction or that substances are the only way to manage difficult emotions. CBT challenges these beliefs, replacing them with rational, constructive thoughts that support recovery.

Relapse Prevention Strategies

One of the primary goals of CBT is to equip clients with tools to handle triggers, stress, and cravings without turning to substances.

This usually involves:

Learning to recognize high-risk situations
Managing emotions effectively
Engaging in alternative behaviors that support sobriety

CBT sessions at Black Horse Health also focus on problem-solving skills and self-monitoring techniques. By strengthening self-awareness, individuals gain the confidence and skills needed to maintain a substance-free life.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

During treatment for substance use disorders, DBT is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, or co-occurring mental health disorders.

DBT consists of four core components, including:

Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices help individuals stay present and grounded, reducing impulsive reactions.
Distress tolerance: Distress tolerance techniques provide alternative coping mechanisms for handling stress and cravings.
Emotional regulation: Emotional regulation strategies empower individuals to understand and manage intense emotions without resorting to substance use.
Interpersonal effectiveness: Interpersonal effectiveness focuses on building healthy relationships and setting boundaries. This helps foster a support network that strengthens long-term recovery.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

At Black Horse Health, EMDR is used as part of a comprehensive approach to addressing the psychological underpinnings of substance use disorders.

This non-invasive therapy involves recalling traumatic experiences while engaging in guided eye movements. This helps the brain reprocess distressing memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact.

Over time, individuals gain a sense of resolution and are less likely to rely on substances to cope with trauma-related distress.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT combines the use of FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to address both the physical and psychological aspects of substance use disorders.

These medications support recovery by:

Stabilizing brain chemistry
Suppressing cravings
Blocking the euphoric effects of substances

For instance, medications like naltrexone help treat opioid and alcohol use disorders by blocking the brain receptors responsible for their pleasurable effects. This helps control cravings and encourages sobriety.²⁵

Complementary, Holistic SUD Treatment

At Black Horse Health, recovery is not just about eliminating substance use – it is about restoring balance to the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. To achieve this, we incorporate the following holistic therapies in our treatment programs for substance use disorders:

Meditation and Mindfulness for Mental Clarity

Meditation and mindfulness practices are helpful in developing emotional stability. Through guided meditation and breathing exercises, individuals learn how to:

Manage stress
Reduce anxiety
Cultivate inner peace

With a deeper awareness of their thoughts and emotions, clients can navigate triggers and cravings with confidence and composure.

Yoga for Physical and Emotional Healing

Yoga integrates movement, breathwork, and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being. Practicing yoga can:

Strengthen the body
Improve flexibility
Reduce physical tension

These benefits are particularly valuable during early recovery when the body is healing from substance use.

Art Therapy for Creative Expression

Art therapy provides a safe, nonverbal outlet for those recovering from substance use disorders. Art therapy helps individuals:

Understand and process their emotions
Release built-up tension in a healthy way
Rediscover a sense of identity and purpose

By channeling emotions into art or other creative endeavors, individuals find joy, fulfillment, and an alternative to substance use.

Equine-Assisted Therapy for Personal Growth

Equine-assisted therapy involves interactions with horses to promote emotional growth and healing. Working with horses requires individuals to develop trust, communication, and empathy, which can translate to improved interpersonal skills and emotional regulation.

The calming presence of horses also has a profound impact on reducing anxiety and depression.²⁶

Long-Term Recovery and Relapse Prevention

True recovery extends beyond completing a treatment program – it thrives in connection, accountability, and shared experiences.

To support long-term sobriety, we offer weekly alumni meetings, where individuals can:

Share experiences
Receive guidance
Celebrate progress

These gatherings help sustain motivation and reinforce the importance of community. The aim is to cultivate resilience and ensure a long-term and effective recovery for clients.

Ready to Harness the Power of Wellness?

Substance use disorders can feel overwhelming, but the right support and resources make lasting change possible. Whether you’re exploring treatment options or seeking guidance for a loved one, we’re here to help you create your sustainable path forward.

At Black Horse Health, we’re dedicated to guiding you toward a healthier, more empowered future. No matter where you are on your journey, we’re here to walk beside you.

Change Feels Impossible – Until You Take That First Step.

Reach out today and discover the care, support, and expertise that can help you move forward with confidence.

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Substance Use Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide to Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options