Substance Use Disorder

More than 40 million American teens and adults suffer from a substance use disorder. At Victory Treatment Program in Knoxville, Tennessee, addiction medicine specialist and board-certified family nurse practitioner Stacey Maltman, FNP-BC, and the team provide complete care for substance use disorders, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), outpatient detoxification, and mental health referrals. Call Victory Treatment Program today to schedule substance use disorder treatment, or book your appointment online.

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental health condition characterized by the problematic use of drugs and/or alcohol. It ranges from mild to severe but typically causes an overwhelming desire to use a specific substance, resulting in personal, professional, and medical consequences.

Substance use disorders often worsen without treatment. If you’re concerned about using a specific substance (or substances), don’t wait to seek professional help at Victory Treatment Program.

What are the symptoms of substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder symptoms include:

• A strong urge to use the substance
• Inability to cut back on using the substance
• Continuing substance use, even when it affects your relationships
• Giving up hobbies or interests to use drugs or alcohol
• Developing substance-related health problems like hepatitis C
• Developing a tolerance and needing to use more and more of the substance

If you have a substance use disorder, you might have difficulty quitting, even if you want to. You might have withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, and shaking.

How is substance use disorder diagnosed?

Stacey and the team review your medical records and ask about your substance use, including which substances you use and how often you use them. Answer these questions honestly because they play an important role in guiding treatment. The team isn’t there to judge but to support you.

Next, you have a  physical exam and lab tests, like blood work and urinalysis. You also complete a psychological evaluation and fill out a questionnaire.

The team compares your answers and test results to the criteria for substance use disorder in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). If you’ve had two or more symptoms for at least 12 months, you have SUD.

How is substance use disorder treated?

At Victory Treatment Program, substance use disorder patients receive a patient-centered, faith-based approach. That may include the following:

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Vivitrol®
• Outpatient detoxification
• Intravenous (IV) therapy
• Attending support groups
• Referrals to a qualified mental health specialist

Most people benefit from two or more of the above treatments. Stacey and the team monitor your progress at regular checkups and adjust your care plan as needed to ensure optimal results. 

Addiction recovery takes time and effort. Be patient, stay positive, and follow the team’s instructions.

Call Victory Treatment Program today to receive treatment for substance use disorder, or book your appointment online.