Polysubstance abuse refers to using more than one substance at once. This might mean mixing prescription medications with alcohol or combining a stimulant with a depressant. Despite its technical name, polysubstance abuse is common and dangerous. At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, our dual diagnosis substance abuse treatment helps patients understand the root causes of polysubstance abuse and find the tools they need for lasting sobriety.
If you or someone in your life is ready to learn about treatments for polysubstance abuse in Florida, we can help. Call us now at 866.931.9312 to speak to our staff about our inclusive substance abuse treatment programs and start feeling better today.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse comes in many forms. While many people intentionally mix alcohol with other illicit or prescription drugs, others may have a drink and forget they’ve taken a prescription painkiller, benzo, or other medication that reacts with alcohol. In some cases, a prescription may stop working, have adverse side effects, or become stronger. Combining alcohol with medication to increase its effects is a form of substance abuse.
Mixing amphetamines with depressants is another common type of polysubstance abuse. Because amphetamines speed up the body and depressants slow it down, combining them can have major effects. Often combined to balance each other out, this type of polysubstance abuse can lead to overdose and death.
Do I Need Polysubstance Abuse Treatment?
Substance abuse is often a sign of underlying issues, like mental health conditions and unprocessed trauma. Today, at least 50% of people living with substance use disorders have co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we know the relationship between mental health and substance abuse is a key to long-term sobriety. Our dual diagnosis treatment helps assess, treat, and manage mental health alongside substance abuse symptoms. Some signs it’s time to seek treatment include:
- Lying about substance use
- Craving drugs or alcohol
- Mixing drugs and alcohol
- Mixing medications
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Aggressive behavior
- Lack of interest in favorite activities
- Personality shifts
- Getting more than one prescription at a time
- Taking a medication other than prescribed
- Changes in mood, sleep, and hygiene
- Weight loss
- Depression
Polysubstance abuse often happens when someone builds a tolerance to a medication or dosage of an illicit drug. Tolerance occurs when someone can no longer feel the same effects from a medication. This is especially common with opioids leading people to combine prescription medication with alcohol for a stronger effect.
What Happens in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs?
Unfortunately, polysubstance abuse can easily lead to overdose, drug-related death, and long-term health problems. Luckily, polysubstance abuse treatment programs at Evoke Wellness help patients feel better quickly. With both residential and outpatient treatment options, patients receive the support they need to recover.
Our LGBTQ-friendly substance abuse treatment programs provide residential treatment options, including extended residential treatment for patients to recover at a pace that works for them. With dual diagnosis treatment, patients undergo a range of evidence-based and alternative therapies with an emphasis on trauma resolution. Patients gain an understanding of harmful belief systems, life events, and their own mental health to empower self-care and receive the treatment they need to balance and maintain their mental health.
Our medically assisted detox programs help patients safely detox from drugs and alcohol. Studies show that medically assisted detox and medication management can help people stay in recovery programs and reduce the risk of relapse. With methadone, Suboxone, and Vivitrol, our patients can start feeling better right away.
Toward the end of treatment, patients stay connected to the sober community through alumni groups and create relapse prevention plans so they feel ready to focus on their futures.
Start Substance Abuse Treatment in Florida Today
Evoke Wellness Floria is here to help you achieve lasting sobriety. Our holistic approach helps patients understand the connections between mental health and polysubstance abuse. With a range of treatments, including acupuncture, yoga, psychotherapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), our patients find the treatment approach that works for them.
Our state-of-the-art clinic specializes in dual diagnosis treatment for PTSD, anxiety, and depression alongside substance abuse. If you or someone you love is ready for holistic, inclusive treatment, we’re here to help you thrive. Contact us now at 866.931.9312 to learn more about treatment options for polysubstance abuse.
