Substance Use Disorder Treatment That Meets You Where You Are
Living with a substance use disorder (SUD) can feel like being stuck in a cycle that's hard to break. Every day may bring moments of guilt, frustration or self-doubt.
Choosing to reach out for help is a powerful act of courage. It's a decision rooted in hope and strength, not weakness. Healing takes time and support, and it starts with knowing that recovery is possible for you, no matter where you are right now.
We believe that recovery should never be about shame or punishment. It's about compassion, connection and personalized care. Understanding what SUD really is can help you take the first step toward healing with confidence.
What is substance use disorder?
Substance use disorder is a medical condition that affects how the brain and body respond to substances like alcohol, prescription drugs or other addictive substances.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), SUD involves patterns of use that lead to significant distress or problems in daily life.
Common signs and symptoms of SUD can include:
- Cravings or strong urges to use a substance
- Difficulty cutting down or stopping use, even when you want to
- Spending a lot of time getting, using or recovering from the substance
- Neglecting responsibilities or relationships because of use
- Continuing use despite physical, emotional or social consequences
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
It's important to understand that there's a difference between occasional use, dependence and a full substance use disorder. Occasional use may not disrupt your life, but dependence happens when your body gets used to the substance and needs it to feel "normal." SUD goes a step further. It changes brain pathways and behavior patterns in ways that make it challenging to stop without support.
Substance use disorder doesn't discriminate. It affects millions of people across all backgrounds, ages and professions. Nearly 50 million Americans met the criteria for SUD in 2024 alone. Beyond the numbers, it impacts families, friendships, careers and health, but with treatment, these areas of life can heal too.
Understanding the criteria for SUD
The DSM-5 outlines 11 criteria used to diagnose substance use disorder, which include behaviors like increased tolerance, withdrawal, risky use and social impairment. Meeting just two of these criteria indicates a mild form of SUD, while meeting six or more suggests a severe form.
Proper diagnosis matters because it helps providers build a treatment plan that fits your specific needs. For example, someone with mild SUD may benefit from therapy and support groups, while those with moderate to severe SUD may need medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and closer clinical care. Diagnosis isn't about labeling. It's about creating a road map to recovery.
The role of medication in treating substance use disorder
When it comes to recovery, medication can play an essential role in helping you regain balance and stability. This approach, known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies to support long-term recovery.
Why medication matters:
- It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- It helps restore brain chemistry disrupted by substance use.
- It makes it easier to focus on therapy, work and relationships.
Unfortunately, myths about MAT persist. Some believe that using medication means "replacing one addiction with another," but that's not true. These medications don't create a high. Instead, they help the body function naturally, giving you the space to heal and rebuild your life. When used correctly and under medical supervision, medication becomes a tool of empowerment, not dependency.
Common substance use disorder medications
Some commonly used medications include:
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a medication that helps reduce cravings and block the euphoric effects of certain substances like alcohol and opioids. By binding to opioid receptors in the brain, it prevents substances from producing the same "rewarding" effects, making it easier to maintain abstinence. Naltrexone can be taken as a daily pill or a monthly injection.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin is sometimes used to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, particularly during the early stages of recovery. It can ease anxiety, restlessness, sleep difficulties and mild withdrawal symptoms that may happen when reducing or stopping substance use.
Other medications
In addition to naltrexone and gabapentin, several other FDA-approved medications can support recovery from substance use disorders.
Buprenorphine
This is commonly used to treat opioid use disorder. It can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same high as opioids.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate can help support recovery from alcohol use disorder by stabilizing brain chemistry and reducing post-withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and sleep problems.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram works by creating a sensitivity to alcohol that causes unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed, helping discourage use.
Medication selection is never one size fits all. Your provider will take into account your health history, current medications and recovery goals to find the safest, most effective option for you.
More Information
Why choose ReKlame for SUD treatment?
ReKlame is built around the idea that every person deserves compassionate, judgment-free care.
Our team includes psychiatric nurse practitioners who focus on harm reduction. They specialize in substance use disorder and understand the complexities of recovery to be able to meet each member exactly where they are.
Whether you're just beginning to consider treatment or looking for ongoing support, ReKlame offers care that fits your life and your goals. The thought of starting treatment can feel overwhelming, but taking the first step is the hardest part. You don't have to have all the answers, and you don't have to do this alone.
