A substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable, chronic disease characterized by a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite significant substance-related problems.
In 2022, more than one in six Americans aged 12 or older reported experiencing a SUD.
SUDs can lead to significant problems in all aspects of a person’s life. Patterns of symptoms resulting from substance use (drugs or alcohol) can help a doctor diagnose a person with a SUD or SUDs and connect them to appropriate treatment.
For certain drug types, some symptoms are less prominent, and in some cases, not all symptoms apply. For example, withdrawal symptoms are not specified for inhalant use.
SUDs can range in severity from mild to severe and can affect people of any race, sex, income level, or social class.
A SUD can be applied to the following types of drugs:
- Alcohol
- Cannabis
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Opioids (Prescription and Illegal)
- Sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics
- Stimulants and Psychostimulants
- Tobacco (nicotine)
- Other (unknown) substance
Treatment and recovery options
Addiction is a disease, not a character flaw. People experiencing SUDs have trouble controlling their drug use even though they know drugs are harmful.
Overcoming an SUD is not as simple as resisting the temptation to take drugs. Recovery may involve medication to help with cravings and withdrawal as well as different forms of therapy. It may even require checking into a rehabilitation facility.
Addiction is a treatable disease
Like many other chronic conditions, treatment is available for substance use disorders. While no single treatment method is right for everyone, recovery is possible, and help is available for patients with SUDs.
Evidence-based guidelines can assist doctors with choosing the right treatment options. These guidelines help evaluate a patient’s clinical needs and situation to match them with the right level of care, in the most appropriate available setting.
Recovery options
There are safe and effective ways to recover from SUDs. Finding the right treatment option can be the key to a successful recovery journey.
Outpatient counseling
Helps people understand addiction, their triggers, and their reasons for using drugs. This form of treatment can be done at a doctor’s office or via telehealth appointment.
Inpatient rehabilitation
A full-time facility provides a supportive environment to help people recover without distractions or temptations.
Behavioral health care
Trained providers who help with mental health concerns.
Addiction Medicine Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologist Healthcare Taxonomy Code 207LA0401X
An Addiction Medicine Anesthesiology Physician is an anesthesiologist who has also undergone advanced training in addiction medicine, allowing them to manage patients with substance use disorders, particularly in the perioperative (around surgery) setting, where anesthesia is used.
They diagnose and treat addiction, provide pain management that considers a patient’s SUD, advocate for patients with substance use disorders, and can serve in non-clinical roles like research or teaching.
Addiction Psychiatrists
Psychiatry & Neurology Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084P0802X
Addiction psychiatry physicians are medical doctors specializing in treating people with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
They provide comprehensive care by evaluating, diagnosing, and treating addiction through medication management, various psychotherapies, and supportive counseling, while also managing the physical and mental health complications that arise from addiction.
Addiction Substance Use Disorder Counselors
Counselor Healthcare Taxonomy Code 101YA0400X
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression.
They provide support, including for prevention, to help clients recover from addiction, modify problem behaviors, or improve mental health.
Addiction Substance Use Disorder Psychologists
Psychologist Healthcare Taxonomy Code 103TA0400X
A psychologist with a proficiency that involves the application of psychological treatment of addiction stemming from the use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances (e.g., nicotine, marijuana, cocaine, heroin) or behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling) with the aim of cessation or reduction of use and/or the amelioration of emotional, behavioral, interpersonal and other problems arising from the addictive behavior.
Addiction Substance Use Disorder Registered Nurses
Registered Nurse Healthcare Taxonomy Code 163WA0400X
Substance use disorder nurses conduct initial assessments, evaluate patient progress, and monitor their progress.
They also maintain accurate documentation and provide support for the emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms that are part of the recovery process.
Children’s Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Facilities
Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Facility Healthcare Taxonomy Code 3245S0500X
A facility or distinct part of a facility that provides a 24 hr, therapeutically planned living and rehabilitative intervention environment for the treatment of children with disorders in the use of drugs, alcohol, and other substances.
Medical, supportive counseling, and education services are included.
Internal Medicine Physicians Specializing in Addiction Medicine
Internal Medicine Healthcare Taxonomy Code 207RA0401X
An Addiction Medicine Internal Medicine Physician is a medical doctor who has completed an Internal Medicine residency and then pursued specialized training and board certification in Addiction Medicine.
This subspecialty focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to unhealthy substance use and addiction, often treating patients with substance-related conditions within their internal medicine practice.
They combine expertise in internal medicine with advanced knowledge of addiction to provide comprehensive care, frequently utilizing medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapies.
Preventive Medicine Physicians Specializing in Addiction Medicine
Preventive Medicine Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2083A0300X
An Addiction Medicine Preventive Medicine Physician specializes in the prevention, screening, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) and related health conditions.
This is often achieved through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates their background in preventive medicine with the specific knowledge of Addiction Medicine.
They are physicians who are board-certified in Preventive Medicine and then obtain subspecialty certification in Addiction Medicine, allowing them to work in clinical, public health, research, and educational settings.
Psychiatrists & Neurologists Specializing in Addiction Medicine
Psychiatry & Neurology Healthcare Taxonomy Code 2084A0401X
An Addiction Medicine, Psychiatry, & Neurology physician provides comprehensive care for patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) and related conditions.
They diagnose, treat, and prevent addiction by integrating their expertise in medicine, psychiatry, and neurology to address the biological, psychological, and neurological aspects of addiction.
These specialists manage medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counsel patients on recovery, prevent relapses, and address the complex co-occurring mental and neurological health issues that often accompany SUDs, such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment.
Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Facilities
Residential Treatment Facility Healthcare Taxonomy Code 324500000X
A facility or distinct part of a facility that provides a 24 hr, therapeutically planned living and rehabilitative intervention environment for the treatment of individuals with disorders in the abuse of drugs, alcohol, and other substances.
Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Clinic/Center
Clinic/Center Healthcare Taxonomy Code 261QR0405X
Individual and group counseling, in addition to pharmacotherapy and urine testing, are the mainstays of most programs.
However, more comprehensive and successful programs also offer psychological and medical services, social work assistance, family therapy, and vocational training.
Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Hospital Units
Hospital Unit Healthcare Taxonomy Code 276400000X
A distinct part of a hospital that provides medically monitored, interdisciplinary addiction-focused treatment to patients/clients who have psychoactive substance use disorders (commonly referred to as alcohol and drug abuse or substance abuse).