Substance Abuse Treatment

What is a Substance Use Disorder?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is the clinical diagnosis someone may receive if they’re struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. It’s a health condition that occurs when using drugs or alcohol begins to interfere with the person’s daily life, relationships, responsibilities, or health. It’s often characterized by a lack of control over drug or alcohol use.

Substance use disorders can range from mild to severe and often involve strong cravings, difficulty controlling use, and continuing to use despite harmful consequences. Over time, substance use can change the way the brain works, making it harder to stop without support.

This condition can affect people of any age, background, or lifestyle. It’s also commonly linked to mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma. When someone experiences a SUD and a co-occurring mental health condition, it’s known as a dual diagnosis. Roughly half of people with SUDs are also affected by a mental health condition.

What to Expect During Addiction Treatment

At Eleve Behavioral Health, our substance abuse treatment program is designed to support you through every stage of recovery. We combine evidence-based care with personalized support so you get the care you deserve.

Addiction treatment may be offered across multiple levels of care, ranging from inpatient and partial hospitalization (PHP) to flexible outpatient programs. Here’s what you can expect during treatment:

Substance Abuse Evaluation

Addiction treatment is not one-size-fits-all. For it to be effective, it must be tailored to each person’s needs.

When treatment begins, you’ll meet with a licensed clinician to discuss your substance use history, mental health, physical health, and personal goals. This helps us understand your needs and create a treatment plan that works for you.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapies can help you identify and change patterns that contribute to substance use, build healthier coping strategies, and improve relationships.

Some of the most common therapies we use include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): One of the most widely used behavioral therapies that helps you recognize unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replace them with healthier ones.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal skills. DBT is especially helpful for people with intense emotions or self-destructive behaviors.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): Builds internal motivation to make positive changes without pressure or judgment.

Therapy may be offered in individual sessions, group settings, or both, depending on your treatment plan.

Medication Management and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication can play a key role in helping some individuals manage cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms, or treat co-occurring mental health conditions. For opioid or alcohol use disorders, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) may be used, which combines approved medications like Suboxone or Vivitrol with therapy and counseling. MAT is proven to increase treatment retention and reduce the risk of relapse.

Medication management services consist of:

• Careful evaluation to see if a medication is appropriate for your needs
• Ongoing monitoring to make sure medications are safe and effective
• Education about how medications work and what to expect

Relapse Prevention and Aftercare

Clients participate in relapse prevention and aftercare planning before leaving rehab so they’re fully prepared. This includes identifying your triggers, learning how to manage stress, and creating a support system you can rely on.

An aftercare plan may include:

• Continued therapy or counseling
• Support groups
• Alumni programs
• Referrals to sober living programs
• Regular check-ins with your treatment team