Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorder is a condition involving the ongoing use of alcohol or drugs despite negative consequences. Anywhere Wellness – based in Everett and Chelan, Washington; Boise, Idaho; Denver, Colorado; and Jacksonville, Florida – offers compassionate, nonjudgmental telehealth care for substance-related concerns. Treatment includes counseling, medication management, and support for co-occurring mental health conditions. Call Anywhere Wellness or book an appointment online today to start your journey to sobriety.

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition in which the repeated use of alcohol or drugs affects a person’s health, behavior, and daily functioning. It goes beyond occasional or social use and involves a loss of control over substance use, even when it causes harm.

Substance use disorder can involve prescription medications and illegal drugs. Common substances include:

• Opioid painkillers
• Heroin
• Stimulants like amphetamines
• Sedatives like benzodiazepines
• Marijuana
• Inhalants, such as glue
• Ketamine
• Alcohol

Some people develop SUD after using prescription medications, while others may misuse substances to cope with stress, pain, or emotional challenges.

What are common symptoms of substance use disorder?

Symptoms of SUD vary but often include:

• Cravings
• Increased tolerance
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Inability to cut back or stop use
• Neglect responsibilities
• Relationship problems
• Changes in mood, sleep, or behavior
• Continuing to use substances despite negative consequences

Those with substance use disorder risk losing their jobs, homes, families, and health, leading to poverty and crime in severe cases. An accurate diagnosis helps guide safe and effective treatment planning.

How is substance use disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a psychiatric evaluation. Your Anywhere Wellness provider assesses your substance use patterns, physical and emotional symptoms, and how use affects daily life. 

What causes substance use disorder?

There’s no single cause for SUD. It usually develops from a combination of genetic factors, brain chemistry, mental health conditions, trauma, stress, and environmental influences.

Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often occur alongside substance use disorder, which can make symptoms more complex.

How is substance use disorder treated?

Substance use disorder treatment may include psychotherapy, medication management, or both. Therapy focuses on understanding triggers, building coping skills, and supporting long-term recovery. Medications help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and support relapse prevention.

The telehealth approach Anywhere Wellness practices allows people to receive counseling and medication management through secure online visits. This increases access to care, reduces barriers such as travel, and supports consistent follow-up, especially for people in different regions. Their patient-centered approach emphasizes education, compassionate care, and personalized treatment planning.

Anyone concerned about substance use can access professional support by calling Anywhere Wellness or using the online booking feature to schedule a consultation.