Substance use disorder is a chronic medical condition that changes how your brain works. Quitting is not about willpower or trying harder — it's about getting the right treatment.
Learning how to recover from a substance use disorder, including drug or alcohol addiction, can be immensely challenging. It's even more challenging when you also have a mental health problem. Having these at the same time is called a co-occurring disorder and can make both conditions much worse. It is most effective to treat co-occurring mental health and substance use issues at the same time.
When you have a substance use disorder, you can't control or stop your substance use, even when it hurts you or the people you love. It is important to know that substance dependence — whether mild or severe — can be effectively treated.
UPMC Western Behavioral Health Addiction Medicine Services treats people of all ages who have one or more substance use disorders or addictions, including:
Alcohol and opioid use disorders are among the most frequent conditions we treat.
This is the most common substance use disorder in the United States. It involves frequent or excessive drinking. People with alcohol use disorder can't stop drinking even when it puts their health or safety at risk.
It's time for you to get help when drinking interferes with your daily life, such as family and social life, work or school, health, or emotional stability.
Opioids are extremely dangerous substances. Their use has become a public health crisis across the nation. Opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. These drugs are commonly prescribed after surgery or injury to treat major pain.
Stronger opioids — some of which are illegal — include fentanyl and heroin. Even short-term use of opioids can lead to addiction and overdose.
No matter what challenges you face, specialists at UPMC Western Addiction Medicine Services can help you overcome your substance use disorder with a treatment plan created specifically for your needs.
If you're concerned about substance use issues, it's important to recognize the warning signs so you can reach out for help.
When someone is diagnosed with both a mental health condition (like depression, anxiety, or PTSD) and a substance use disorder, they have co-occurring disorders. These conditions often feed into each other, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without treatment for both.
For example, people with a mental health condition such as anxiety may turn to alcohol or another substance as a means of self-medicating. This can lead to dependency and create more anxiety. Similarly, someone struggling with excessive drinking or drug use may develop mental health issues because of it.
When you're struggling with both a substance use disorder and mental health issues, the path to recovery can feel especially overwhelming. As part of UPMC Western Behavioral Health, we offer you the latest best-in-care practices for both addiction and mental health treatment.
If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
If you are having a mental health emergency, call or text 988.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide or self-harm:
Text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or call 800-273-8255.
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