Understanding Substance Use Disorder

A substance use disorder (SUD) occurs when an individual cannot regulate the amount and frequency of drugs or alcohol they take. While a person may have a substance use disorder and not be addicted, struggling with a SUD greatly increases the risk of developing the disease of addiction. Depending on the substance and an individual’s unique history, the effects of drug or alcohol abuse will vary. However, continued alcohol abuse and drug abuse will lead to significant changes in an individual’s brain chemistry, leading to dependency, that is, addiction.

Substances like drugs and alcohol trigger the release of chemicals by the brain, such as dopamine. Dopamine regulates our emotions, decision-making, and how we process pleasure and pain. Using drugs and alcohol is a means individuals frequently turn to to deal with stress, trauma, or the discomfort caused by mental health issues like depression or anxiety. This kind of self-medicating almost always leads to dependency. Addiction occurs when individuals need to use substances to generate dopamine. This leaves them dependent upon drugs or alcohol to simply function normally and avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, addiction also worsens the underlying mental health issue. This is why it is important to have access to the kind of addiction and mental health treatment programs Gaudenzia offers.

For incarcerated individuals, substance use disorder is prevalent. This means these individuals need immediate and specially designed treatment programs. Our criminal justice services provide the legal system and law enforcement to reduce recidivism and help individuals heal. Our substance use disorder treatment programs address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of addiction. Our criminal justice services include:

• Depression treatment
• Bipolar disorder treatment
• Anxiety disorder treatment
• Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment
• Alcohol addiction treatment
• Heroin addiction treatment
• Meth addiction treatment
• Fentanyl addiction treatment

Whether it’s mental health treatment or substance use disorder treatment, Gaudenzia can help.

Testimonials from Gaudenzia Alumni

“My husband went here for crack detox. He said the staff was very endearing, understanding and soft spoken. The food was good, he was treated well, and they put forth a great effort to aid his journey to recovery.”

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Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a treatment plan that includes measurable milestones – goals set with a therapist and meeting all legal requirements. We ensure a client’s progress is tracked as goals and milestones are met. As clients do so, the amount of time spent in treatment gradually reduces. During outpatient treatment programs, clients work with our team in individual counseling, group therapy, and other therapeutic services as necessary, such as 12-step programs as a way to further support your recovery and sobriety.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

When individuals enter our partial hospitalization program, they get a lot of attention in a highly structured program. Typically, individuals spend several hours each day at our facility working through their issues in our various therapy sessions. Most will come in three to five days a week for therapy. This is a highly-structured daytime program at Gaudenzia. At the end of each day, clients return to their home, sober living facility, or correctional facility.

PHP is an excellent option for those who may not need or cannot participate in residential treatment but still need a fair amount of support. At this level, the goal is often to prevent the worsening of an individual’s mental health issues or addiction. After an evaluation, our team will then determine the right type and level of care for you based on your needs, including for:

• Legal requirements
• Co-occurring disorders
• Medical stability
• Mental wellbeing

During partial hospitalization, clients will see your treatment improve day by day. PHP includes working through individual and group therapy sessions and even can incorporate family therapy.

Outpatient Treatment Program

In our outpatient treatment program, individuals continue to get the one-on-one support they need to continue their recovery from drugs or alcohol and maintain a healthy mental state. For those with mild substance abuse, outpatient rehab is a solid option. Court-ordered rehab can be conducted through outpatient treatment giving individuals the flexibility they need to maintain a normal schedule while getting the treatment they need and is required.

During treatment, individuals come to our facility at various times throughout the day and over the week. This will depend on the legal requirements an individual needs to meet or the correctional institution’s allowances. An individual’s condition will affect the number of treatment sessions, duration, and frequency. Gaudenzia can provide a full assessment, discuss options to meet legal requirements, and ensuring clients understand all of the risks and opportunities present.