What Are the Most Commonly Abused Substances Today?

Alcohol, marijuana, opioid medications, and heroin are all commonly abused substances today. Cocaine, amphetamines, and many other drugs are commonly abused as well. In the United States, the legal substances (alcohol, tobacco, and opioids) are a problem that can be just as serious as the illegal drug issue. In fact, alcohol, tobacco, and prescription pain medicines are considered the three deadliest substances in the United States today.



Is Self-Medication Ever the Answer to Problems?

In short, no. Self-medication is not the answer to problems. Many people who are suffering from substance abuse started out by simply looking for a solution to make the problems go away. Self-medication tends to snowball very quickly, and over time it can become deadly. Dr. Mitchell is able to help patients better understand and treat these underlying conditions so that they can be addressed in a healthy way that doesn’t involve self-medicating with addictive substances.



How is Substance Abuse Treated?

With both substance abuse and addiction, treatment is highly customized. Each person’s background and life is unique, and thus the things that led to the addiction may also be very much unique to that individual. Dr. Mitchell works with the patient to uncover the things that prompted the issues so that those problems can be addressed at their source. Slapping a temporary bandage on an addiction won’t work, but addressing the issues right at their origins can allow the patient to be healthy and whole again. Dr. Mitchell may recommend medication, psychosocial changes, and/or support to best aide in patient sobriety.

**Suboxone treatment is currently only available for Louisiana residents after a thorough in person evaluation for appropriateness.