Substance Use Disorder

SUD is a mental disorder that leads to a person’s inability to control their use of drugs, alcohol, or medications. It affects a person’s brain and behavior. Symptoms can be moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form. People with this SUD may also have other mental health disorders; they may also struggle with substance use.

Risk Factors

Common risk factors for SUD include:

Tests and Diagnosis

It’s common that someone with a SUD also has another mental health disorder. When this happens, it’s usually better to treat them at the same time. Those who need help for a SUD and other mental disorders should see a health care provider for each one. An accurate diagnosis can be difficult as some symptoms are the same for both. A provider should use comprehensive assessment tools to reduce the chance of a missed diagnosis; this will help the provider to offer the right treatment.

Managing SUD

Behavioral therapies are often prescribed to treat individuals with both substance use and mental disorders. A provider may recommend behavioral therapies alone or in combination with medications.

Behavioral therapies for adults with SUD include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a type of talk therapy that challenges irrational thoughts. It helps people change behaviors. It shows how to cope with difficult situations.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): A therapy that uses ideas of mindfulness. It also explores acceptance of the current situation and emotional state. DBT teaches skills that can help control intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships.
  • Assertive community treatment (ACT): a form of community-based mental health care that emphasizes outreach to the community and an individualized treatment approach.
  • Therapeutic communities (TC): a common form of long-term residential treatment that focuses on helping people develop new and healthier values, attitudes, and behaviors.
  • Contingency management (CM): This approach offers rewards for desired behaviors. It encourages healthy behaviors.

Behavioral treatments for children and adolescents include:

  • Brief strategic family therapy (BSFT): This therapy targets family interactions that maintain or worsen adolescent SUD
  • Multidimensional family therapy (MDFT): It works with the family to address adolescent problem behaviors
  • Multisystem therapy (MST): This targets key factors associated with serious antisocial behavior.

TRICARE Coverage

Substance Use Disorder Treatment | TRICARE

Resources

Alcohol Misuse Facts – VA/DoD

Alcohol Use Disorder

Drug Use and Addiction

Benzodiazepines 2022 Drug Fact Sheet

Heroin – Workbook and Brochure

Medications and Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder Brochure – VA/DoD

National Institute on Drug Abuse

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Opioid Misuse and Addiction

Pregnancy and Substance Use Brochure– VA/DoD

Prescription Stimulant Misuse and Prevention Among Youth and Young Adults

SAMHSA’s National Help line – 800-662-HELP (4357)

Substance Abuse Treatment Workbook

Substance Use Affects Families Brochure – VA/DoD

 

The Case Management Program provides support to qualifying TRICARE beneficiaries with SUD. Our experienced clinicians will help you improve how you manage your condition and improve your overall quality of life. Beneficiaries or their providers can call us with questions or to enroll in the program at 800-881-9227.

Last Updated 11/21/2024