Substance Use Treatment

Substance abuse includes alcohol and drug problems ranging from overuse to addiction. You get compassionate and skilled treatment for all aspects of substance abuse from the team at HealthyClinic.me in Springfield, Massachusetts. Their substance abuse services are offered in office visits, so you can break free of your habit while living at home and taking care of your daily life. Call the office or use online booking to request an appointment and start breaking free of substance use today.

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse is the excessive use of alcohol or drugs, often leading to dependency and addiction. Substance use disorder is the official term referring to the ongoing use of alcohol or drugs even when you know they’re affecting your health and causing problems in your daily life.

How does substance abuse become an addiction?

When you use alcohol or drugs, your brain responds by releasing chemicals that ease your pain, relieve anxiety, boost your mood, and cause euphoria.

Your brain changes as you regularly use alcohol or drugs. Before long, it needs that substance to function. Then you develop cravings because your brain needs a certain amount. Cravings are followed by withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop or use less — a sure sign that you’ve developed an addiction.

Once you’re addicted, it’s hard and sometimes dangerous to detox without medication prescribed by the caring HealthClinic.me team.

Will I have signs of substance abuse?

Long before you have cravings, you may experience other telltale signs of substance abuse, such as:

• Falling behind at school or work
• Having bloodshot or glazed-over eyes
• Feeling angry or having outbursts
• Needing more time to recover after using alcohol or drugs
• Avoiding family and friends
• Having memory problems or blackouts
• Neglecting your personal hygiene

Your family and friends may notice these changes even if you don’t.

Can I get outpatient treatment for substance abuse?

The HealthyClinic.me team provides expert outpatient care through medication-assisted treatment (MAT), a program that combines medications with counseling. Your provider prescribes medications that support a safe detox by stopping cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Here are two examples:

Opioid addiction treatment

The HealthyClinic.me team prescribes Suboxone®. You take the first dose in the office so your provider can monitor your response and adjust the dosage if needed. Then you keep taking Suboxone at home while keeping regular follow-up appointments.

Alcohol addiction treatment

You can also overcome alcohol abuse through outpatient care from the HealthyClinic.me team. They prescribe medications like Vivitrol® that help you reduce the amount you drink and support your recovery after you finish detoxing. 

Call HealthyClinic.me today or request an appointment online if you need compassionate care for overcoming substance abuse.