Substance Use Disorder
Substance Use Disorder Treatment at Black Horse Health
If you or your loved one are struggling with the mental, physical, and emotional challenges of addiction and looking for support, our team at Black Horse Health has resources that can help.
Here, you’ll find information about what substance use disorder is, how you can identify it in yourself or a loved one, and the types of treatment available at Black Horse Health.
What is Substance Use Disorder?
Someone with SUD may be:
- Trying to quit but have been unsuccessful
- Feeling like substance use is necessary to function in everyday life
- Experiencing physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms when they stop
- Struggling to keep up with work, school, or family responsibilities
- Feeling withdrawn from daily activities or things they once enjoyed
Why Seeking Help is Important
Substance use disorder can make it hard for someone to function in daily life. It can negatively impact mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being.
That’s why getting help for substance use is crucial.
Recovery is possible, and our team at Black Horse Health can help. We provide comprehensive treatment programs that are customized to your needs. With everything from various forms of therapy to comfortable and safe detox, we’ll provide you with the support needed to achieve lasting sobriety.
The Common Stages of SUD
Someone seeking treatment may have different levels of addiction, along with specific needs associated with the stage they’re in. That’s why we tailor and personalize our treatment at Black Horse Health to ensure we are getting the best results for you.
The stages of SUD include:
First Use
The initial stage of SUD is first use. While someone won’t have a diagnosable substance use disorder at this point, the initial misuse or abuse of an addictive substance will make it much more likely to occur.
Some substances, such as cocaine, are very strong and can even cause symptoms of physical dependence or addiction right after first use for some individuals.
Regular Use
The next stage occurs when someone starts regularly using a substance. This could include regularly experimenting with illegal drugs or simply drinking often after work or on the weekends.
Many individuals will start to develop a physical or psychological dependence to a substance when they use it often, so it’s possible for individuals to start feeling like they can’t function normally without the substance. They may also have some minor withdrawal symptoms upon stopping use in this stage.
Risky Use
Risky use is where someone will start misusing or abusing addictive substances in higher doses or using them more often.
This can include:
- Taking higher amounts of prescription medications than prescribed
- Taking prescriptions longer than recommended
- Binge alcohol or other substances
- Consuming large doses of a substance to experience a stronger high
In the short term, risky use can have major side effects. For example, taking high doses of a substance could lead to an overdose or could cause significant anxiety, paranoia, and even death.
Dependence
When physical or psychological dependence occurs, someone will feel like they can’t function normally without regularly taking the substance.
They will also likely experience withdrawal symptoms upon stopping use, such as:
- Nausea
- Shaking
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
Substance Use Disorder
Once someone has a substance use disorder, they may feel like it’s impossible to stop using the substance. They may have even tried to stop on their own, only to feel overwhelmed by withdrawals or cravings.
It is not uncommon for someone with SUD to become isolated or experience drug-seeking behaviors like multiple doctor visits to get prescriptions or buying illegal drugs on the streets.
It’s vital to watch for signs and symptoms to ensure you or a loved one can get help during this stage, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team at Black Horse Health can provide you with empowering treatment that helps with recovery from SUD.
Rates of SUD Across the Country
Unfortunately, many people across the U.S. struggle with substance use disorders every year:
- 61.2 million people (21.9% of the U.S. population) use illicit drugs each year
- 46.3 million people (16.5% of the U.S. population) have a diagnosable substance use disorder according to the DSM-5 criteria
- Only between 6-13% of people with diagnosable substance use disorders receive proper treatment each year
Even though the rates of substance use continue to increase, recovery is possible. When treatment is long-term, comprehensive, and provides continuing care, there’s a significantly higher chance that sobriety is maintained.
Substance Use Disorder in Texas
About 369,000 people in Houston alone struggle with a diagnosable substance use disorder each year. However, only 70,000 receive treatment. In 2020, an estimated 11.3 million individuals living in Texas were living with SUD, showcasing the urgent need for resources and support for recovery.
If you’re searching for comprehensive substance use disorder treatment, Black Horse Health can help. Our team of world-renowned experts will meet you where you’re at in your journey and curate a whole-person approach to recovery that gives you the tools you need to sustainably heal.
Common Substances Affiliated with SUD
The most commonly misused substances include:
Alcohol
While alcohol is a legal substance for recreational consumption, that doesn’t mean it can’t have serious consequences. Its availability is one of the primary reasons why alcohol is one of the most common substances to cause SUD in Houston.
About 60 million people in the U.S. and over 434,000 residents in Houston, Texas, have at least one instance of binge drinking each month, which means consuming five or more drinks per occasion for men and four or more drinks for women. 25% of those people also say they binge drink at least once per week.
The Dangers of Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is a common cause of SUD when continued regularly for a significant duration of time. It’s also very dangerous.
From 2009 to 2018, 13,592 people in Texas died due to alcohol-related driving incidents. In Houston, Texas, specifically, there were 3,553 drunk driving-related car crashes in 2022, 160 of those being fatal. Across the U.S., it’s estimated one alcohol-related driving death occurs every 39 minutes.
In Texas, there are five alcohol impairment-related deaths per 100,000 people. This is much higher than the national average, which is 3.2 per 100,000 people.
Methamphetamine
In 2018, there were 957 methamphetamine-related deaths in Texas, a significant portion of the over 52,000 meth-related deaths across the U.S.
Use of this highly powerful illegal stimulant continues to be a problem today, with 43% of rehab admissions in Houston, Texas, coming from those who abuse meth.
It’s estimated that over 370,000 rehab admissions each year across the U.S. are due to meth abuse. However, that’s only a small portion of the over 2.5 million U.S. residents that struggle with meth abuse yearly.
40% of drug-related seizures in Texas are also caused by methamphetamine use.
Cocaine
After meth, cocaine is the second-highest illicit drug being monitored by the Houston DEA Field Division. It accounts for about 8% of all rehab admissions in the Houston, Texas area. In total, it’s estimated that over 30,000 people in Houston and 4.8 million people across the U.S. struggle with cocaine abuse each year.
Like meth, it’s a potent stimulant. Whether it’s snorted, smoked, or injected, it can cause dependence quickly, and this commonly happens the first few times after someone uses it.
Opioids
From 2017 to 2020, opioid-related deaths rose by 44% across the U.S. That rate is currently at a staggering 80,000+ opioid-related deaths that occur each year. Along with prescription medications, illicit forms of opioids, such as heroin, are also a major problem. Purchasing illegal forms of opioids is particularly dangerous, as they are often laced with other substances like fentanyl.
Of the 490 opioid-related deaths that occur each year in Houston, 33% of them involve drugs laced with fentanyl.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (also called benzos) are often found in prescription tranquilizers or sedatives. About 1.2 million people across the U.S. and an estimated 68,000 in Houston, Texas, struggle with benzodiazepine use disorders each year. One of the most common benzos is Xanax, which is often prescribed for short-term anxiety treatment.
While its prescription rates have declined in recent years, toxicology labs still report Xanax 5x more often than any other benzodiazepine. This fact makes it important to be wary of if you or someone you know is prescribed it or has used it for a long duration of time.
Long-term benzodiazepine abuse can be deadly due to the risk of overdose. It’s estimated that over 400 benzo-related deaths occur in Houston each year, along with a total of over 12,000 yearly benzo-related deaths occurring across the United States.
Signs That You or a Loved One May Need SUD Recovery Support
The staggering prevalence of substance misuse in Houston and across the U.S. makes it essential to be able to identify it in yourself or a loved one.
Here are some common signs that you or someone you love may be struggling and in need of SUD recovery and support:
- Feeling like you have to use drugs daily or several times per day
- Intense urges to use substances that block out other thoughts
- Needing to take higher doses of drugs to get the same effects
- Spending money on the substance even when you can’t afford it
- Missing deadlines or not meeting obligations at work, school, or with family
- Continuing drug use even though it’s causing problems in daily life
- Trying to stop drug use but feeling like you’re not able to
- Driving or engaging in other risky behaviors while under the influence
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the substance
Black Horse Health provides comprehensive treatment programs, including detox, therapies, and holistic options that can be designed to fit your needs to achieve lasting health and improved well-being.
How Can Black Horse Help With SUD Recovery?
If you’re looking for a safe, comfortable, and private environment for treatment, reach out to Black Horse Health. We empower those seeking help to achieve whole-body wellness, including treating SUD and any underlying conditions that could be contributing to it.
Treatment Programs
We offer a variety of programs that provide an intensive assessment to identify if substance use disorder is an issue, along with how we can find the right solutions based on your needs.
Here are some of our most common programs for SUD:
Substance Use Disorder Detox
The first step in treating SUD is a detox to get drugs out of your system. This allows you to put your entire focus on the rest of the recovery program afterward.
You will likely experience withdrawal symptoms during this time. However, with the help of our knowledgeable team of licensed doctors and recovery experts, we’ll keep you as safe and comfortable as possible throughout.
It’s important to seek professional help during detox to prevent any major withdrawal symptoms from going untreated, such as seizures or cardiac complications that could cause long-term health problems.
Well-rounded detox treatment will also prevent relapse during this time when strong drug cravings are likely to happen.
Residential Treatment
Those with more serious substance use disorders that may have been ongoing for a significant duration of time can benefit from a residential treatment program. During this time, you will stay at our comfortable and serene facility in Houston, Texas.
You’ll be supported by our trained medical staff 24/7 as you detox and work through a recovery program with therapies and exercises that help you build well-rounded coping strategies for ongoing success after you leave the facility.
Outpatient Treatment
Those who have a substance use disorder that isn’t as severe or who have work or family responsibilities can benefit from outpatient care.
Our outpatient treatment services can help you balance detox, therapy, and life skill-building programs with your schedule to ensure you get the best results while staying stress-free in the process.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our PHP is a form of intensive outpatient treatment for those looking for a highly structured program but want some of the flexibility of outpatient treatment. Some can even enroll in a PHP after completing a residential program as a stepping stone to help reintegrate into daily life with some extra support.
Our treatment specialists at Black Horse Health will help you choose the best route for your needs.
Alumni Program
At Black Horse Health, we will continue providing you with substance use disorder support even after you finish a program at our facility. Our alumni program consists of regular check-ins, ongoing therapy, and helping you find resources in Houston or your local area to maintain lasting sobriety.
Therapies Offered at Black Horse Health
Therapy is a crucial part of any substance use disorder treatment program. It helps you learn coping mechanisms, build life skills, and identify any underlying conditions that could be causing issues.
At Black Horse Health, we know that therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we offer a dynamic range of options to fit individual needs.
Some of our therapy services include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- SMART Recovery
- Trauma-focused therapies
- 12 Step Recovery modality
Holistic Treatment Opportunities
Sleep, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques
Movement therapy
Our compassionate team at Black Horse Health is eager to help you or a loved one with substance abuse recovery and support. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
