Substance Use Disorder

 

SUD is a mental disorder that makes it difficult for a person to control their use of drugs, alcohol, or medications; it affects their brain and their behavior. Symptoms can be moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form. People with SUD may also have other mental health disorders.

 

Risk Factors

Common risk factors for SUD include:

• Family history
• Stress
• Trauma
• Mental health diagnoses, such as anxiety, depression, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Tests and Diagnosis

 

It’s common for someone with a SUD to have another mental health disorder. When this happens, it’s usually better to treat them at the same time. Those who need help with an 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 offer the right treatment.

 

Managing SUD

 

Clinicians may prescribe behavioral therapies to treat those with substance use and mental disorders. They may suggest these therapies alone or with medication.

 

Behavioral therapies for adults with SUD include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy:  A therapy that questions irrational thoughts; it shows how to cope with tough situations and change behaviors
• Dialectical behavior therapy: 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:  A form of community-based mental health care that focuses on community outreach and a customized treatment approach
• Therapeutic communities: A common form of long-term residential treatment that helps people develop new and healthier values, attitudes, and behaviors
• Contingency management: This approach offers rewards for desired behaviors; it encourages healthy behaviors

Behavioral treatments for children and adolescents include:

• Brief strategic family therapy:  This therapy looks at family interactions that maintain or worsen adolescent SUD
• Multidimensional family therapy:  It works with the family to address adolescent problem behaviors
• Multisystem therapy:  This targets key factors associated with serious antisocial behavior

TRICARE Coverage

Substance Use Disorder Treatment | TRICARE

Resources 

Alcohol Use Disorder

Benzodiazepines 2024 Drug Fact Sheet

Heroin – Workbook and Brochure 

National Institute on Drug Abuse

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Opioid Misuse and Addiction 

Prescription Stimulant Misuse and Prevention Among Youth and Young Adults

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

Substance Abuse Treatment Workbook 

 

The Case Management Program provides support to eligible TRICARE beneficiaries with SUD. Our experienced clinicians will help you manage your health and improve your overall quality of life. You or your provider can call us with questions. You can also enroll in the program at 800-881-9227.