Telehealth Support for Substance Use Disorders

Understanding Different Types of Substance Use Issues and Finding Support Through Telehealth

Substance use disorder is a term that describes the excessive and chronic use of an addictive or mind-altering substance, such as alcohol, marijuana, or cocaine, among many others. These substances often lead to impaired judgment, loss of physical and emotional control, altered thinking and perceptions, and in many cases, addiction.

When an addiction becomes severe, the consequences can be life-threatening, requiring professional treatment to safely navigate withdrawal symptoms and begin the recovery process.

The terminology around substance use has evolved over time. Mental health professionals now prefer “substance use” instead of “abuse,” as this terminology encompasses more types of drug-related behaviors and acknowledges that not all drug consumption follows harmful or addictive patterns.

Over the years, clinicians have recognized that problematic substance use can involve not only illegal drugs but also legal substances such as cannabis (in states where legal), prescription medications, alcohol, and tobacco.

If you’re struggling with substance misuse, seeking help is crucial. ReachLink’s telehealth platform offers convenient, private access to licensed mental health professionals who specialize in substance use disorders. Our virtual therapy sessions can provide the support you need from the comfort of your home.

The scope of substance misuse: Current statistics

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS):

• Approximately 50% of people over age 12 have used an illegal substance at least one time.
• Since 2000, nearly one million people have died from a substance overdose.
• Opioids are generally responsible for seven out of 10 substance overdose deaths.
• There were an estimated 42,700 fentanyl deaths in 2020.
• Over 26% of all arrests in the U.S. are typically for substance-related crimes.

These statistics highlight that substance misuse represents a significant public health challenge in our society. Let’s examine the different types of substance use disorders and how ReachLink’s telehealth services can provide effective support.

Common substances and their effects on mental and physical health

Substance use can have severe repercussions on both physical and mental health over the long term. The impact extends beyond physical symptoms, often exacerbating mental health conditions and impairing cognitive functioning. Almost any substance (legal or illegal) can be misused when used recklessly. These substances include:

Cocaine

This stimulant, also known as coke, has limited medical applications but is primarily used recreationally through snorting, smoking, or injection. Effects appear almost immediately and can last up to 90 minutes, including loss of touch with reality and extreme euphoria. Cocaine is highly addictive and particularly dangerous when mixed with other substances. Long-term misuse can lead to hallucinations, paranoia, cardiovascular problems, and potentially death.

Fentanyl

A relatively recent addition to the U.S. drug landscape, fentanyl is an extremely potent and addictive opioid often mixed into other street drugs without users’ knowledge. It typically suppresses the respiratory system, which can quickly lead to fatal outcomes without immediate administration of naloxone. While fentanyl has legitimate medical uses for pain management, its recreational use has become a national crisis.

As DEA Administrator Anne Milgram stated, “Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered. Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison. We must take every opportunity to spread the word to prevent fentanyl-related overdose death and poisonings from claiming scores of American lives every day.”

Crack

A processed form of cocaine that can be smoked, crack is typically less expensive and therefore more accessible than many other substances. Its affordability contributes to widespread availability and misuse. Crack is extremely addictive and associated with numerous health complications.

Alcohol

Derived from fermented fruits and grains, alcohol reduces anxiety and creates feelings of relaxation while impairing judgment. Despite its legal status and social acceptance, alcohol misuse can lead to alcoholism and significant health problems. Individuals who misuse alcohol typically have higher suicide rates and demonstrate increased tendencies toward violent and reckless behavior. Alcohol misuse ranks among the leading causes of preventable death globally.

Heroin

This injectable opioid, sometimes called “smack,” creates tolerance with continued use, potentially leading users to administer increasingly larger doses that can result in overdose. Heroin use appears to be increasing, with approximately 2.1 million Americans misusing opioids like heroin annually.

LSD

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) produces psychological, physical, and sensory effects including hallucinations, detachment from reality, and dissociation between mind and body. These effects typically last 6-14 hours. While not physically addictive, LSD is potent and can trigger panic attacks, psychosis, neurological damage, and physical harm. It can be taken orally or injected.

Marijuana

Also known as pot, weed, or cannabis, marijuana is the most commonly used substance in the United States. Users seek its euphoric effects and perceptual alterations. Whether smoked or consumed in edible form, effects can last six hours or longer. Marijuana can create psychological dependence. Despite legalization in Canada and many U.S. states, prolonged use may cause memory problems and reduced motivation.

Prescription drugs and medications

This category includes any controlled substance prescribed by physicians for specific medical conditions, such as stimulants, painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, and sedatives that may be diverted for non-medical use. These medications can be taken as prescribed, crushed for snorting, or prepared for injection. Effects may include euphoria, reduced anxiety, and improved concentration. Due to their addictive properties, these medications require medical supervision. When misused, they can create dependence and pose serious health risks, especially when combined with other substances.

Extended misuse of prescription medications can disrupt normal physiological functions including blood pressure and heart rate, creating significant health hazards.

Synthetic cathinones

Commonly called “bath salts” or “spice,” these synthetic substances with stimulant properties derive from the khat plant. They can be smoked, injected, swallowed, or snorted. As a less expensive alternative to substances like cocaine or MDMA, bath salts produce similar effects: energy enhancement, increased libido, and hallucinations. Negative consequences include paranoia, panic attacks, and potentially death. Bath salts can lead to addiction with particularly severe withdrawal symptoms.

Tobacco

Like alcohol, cigarettes are legally available and socially normalized, which can obscure their potential for misuse. Cigarettes contain nicotine, which creates addiction through brain effects comparable to cocaine and heroin. Regular smoking causes visible physical changes including dental staining, halitosis, premature graying, and wrinkles. Long-term smoking leads to serious health conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Approximately 400,000 people die annually from smoking-related health complications.

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)

Commonly known as ecstasy, this substance is popular in party and rave settings. Short-term effects include euphoria, enhanced empathy, hallucinations, and increased self-confidence. Extended use can lead to addiction, paranoia, and disruptions in sleep and vision.

Amphetamines

This class of central nervous system stimulants triggers adrenaline release, creating feelings of alertness, confidence, and energy. However, amphetamines can also induce anxiety, paranoia, and increased heart rate, with prolonged use potentially leading to cardiovascular problems, psychosis, and severe dependency. Due to their high potential for abuse, amphetamines require careful medical supervision when prescribed.

Understanding the wide range of substances and their respective impacts is vital to addressing substance use issues effectively. Whether it involves stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines, depressants such as alcohol and opioids, or synthetic drugs and prescription medications, each substance presents unique challenges in treatment and recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, it’s important to remember that support is available. ReachLink’s telehealth services offer accessible, confidential help from licensed professionals experienced in managing substance use disorders. Through personalized virtual therapy, individuals can receive the guidance and resources necessary to embark on the path toward recovery, regardless of their location.

Seeking help is the first critical step toward reclaiming control and rebuilding a healthier, more fulfilling life free from the grip of substance misuse.