Substance use disorder is a complex and ongoing medical issue. SUD is a behavioral disorder. It's an addiction to one or more substances. SUD includes abuse and misuse of drugs or alcohol or physical or mental dependence on them.

The types of SUD are what you’re dependent on, abusing, or misusing. All types of SUD can be mild, moderate, or severe.

The main types include:

• Tobacco use disorder: A dependence on nicotine from tobacco. It's in cigarettes, tobacco pouches, or vapes. Tobacco use disorder is the most common SUD.
• Alcohol use disorder: Alcohol abuse or physical dependence. More than 1 in 10 adults struggle with alcohol.
• Opioid use disorder: Addiction to heroin, morphine, or prescription opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl. Overdose can be fatal.
• Cannabis use disorder: Use of marijuana (pot or weed), hashish, or related products in a way that negatively impacts your life.
• Hallucinogen use disorder: These drugs make you see or hear things. The most abused are psilocybin-containing mushrooms, acid (LSD), and ecstasy (MDMA).
• Sedative use disorder: These drugs slow down your brain and body. Benzodiazepines (benzos like Xanax and Klonopin) are the most commonly abused.
• Stimulant use disorder: Stimulants wake up your body and brain. They include prescription drugs, such as amphetamines like Adderall. Also illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine (meth), and cocaine.
• Inhalant use disorder: These are vapors you breathe in for mind-altering effects. They include aerosols like spray paint (huffing) and gasses like nitrous oxide.
• Polysubstance use: People can have SUD related to more than one substance. Polysubstance abuse is a growing health concern that can often lead to a fatal overdose.

The goal of SUD treatment is to help you manage your addiction so you're no longer drinking or taking drugs. Carilion uses evidence-based care to help you achieve and maintain recovery. As with any ongoing health issue, care is often lifelong.

Even with treatment, it’s common to relapse or start using again. This doesn’t mean you aren’t trying hard enough. These disorders change the brain, making it more difficult to control your desire to use and stay in recovery.

We offer programs to ensure you get the medical care you need. These include screening and care for infections like Hepatitis C and HIV. We also have special treatment programs for pregnant people with SUD and their babies.

Medicines

Medications are a key part of treating substance use disorder. They help manage the symptoms of withdrawal and reduce cravings. 

MAT combines medicine with talk therapy to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. MAT medicines that Carilion offers include:

• Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone): Treats opioid use disorder. You need to take it daily by mouth.
• Sublocade (buprenorphine extended-release): A shot to treat opioid use disorder. You get it once per month from your doctor.
• Vivitrol (naltrexone extended-release): A shot to treat alcohol and opioid use disorder. It blocks the effects of alcohol or opioids. You get it once per month.

If you have other mental health issues, medicine like antidepressants may help there as well.

Therapy and support 

A vital element of SUD care is mental health support. Examples include group classes like Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, one-on-one therapy, and other mental health care. 

Peer support

When someone has SUD, it helps to talk to someone who has traveled the same road to recovery. That’s where peer recovery specialists come in. They provide the empathy and support you need to reach your recovery goals with dignity and respect. 

Ask to meet with a peer on your next outpatient or walk-in visit. You can also call 540-983-4053.

Mental health care

People with SUD often have other mental and behavioral health issues. To achieve long-term recovery for SUD, we need to treat these disorders. We can coordinate care to help you manage co-occurring mental health conditions. 

Support to quit tobacco

Our Tobacco Cessation Program, led by Carilion pharmacists, will help you develop a plan to become tobacco-free. 

This program includes:

• Four in-depth virtual sessions 
• An individualized quit plan
• Cessation aids through your insurance or over-the-counter

For more information, please contact your Carilion doctor or email us.

At Carilion, we'll never blame or shame you if you relapse. We know the road to recovery is long. We'll be there for you every step of the way. You can get care for your addiction with us in many different ways. 

Outpatient addiction care

When you're ready to start your recovery, we can plan a visit for office-based addiction treatment. In these programs, you’ll get MAT and talk therapy. We can help coordinate your substance use disorder care, offer therapy services, and administer MAT. 

Carilion’s Addiction Services Walk-In Clinic sees people with SUD during scheduled visits. We offer one-hour initial visits and 30-minute follow-up appointments with a physician, ensuring timely and effective care. Same-day walk-in visits may be available depending on availability.

Carilion Mental Health Addiction Services - Roanoke

2017 S. Jefferson St., 2nd Floor, Roanoke, VA 24014

To schedule, call 540-981-8025.

Carilion Mental Health Addiction Services - New River Valley

2900 Lamb Circle, Entrance 4, Christiansburg, VA 24073

To schedule, call 540-731-7311.

Inpatient addiction care

Carilion offers inpatient programs for SUD. Inpatient care may be right for you if your withdrawal symptoms are severe enough to need a doctor. It may also be an option if you’re facing mental, behavioral, and emotional issues related to substance use.

We offer specialized inpatient care for teens and young adults dealing with SUD.

Emergency addiction care

When you’re actively using, you may end up in the emergency department (ED) in crisis or having overdosed. At Carilion, we know that the kind of care someone with SUD receives in the ED can make a difference.

ED Bridge to Treatment program

Our ED Bridge to Treatment program connects you to long-term treatment and recovery programs. Before releasing you, we set you up with outpatient support in the community.

Suicide prevention

If you or a loved one is in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, get help right away. Call Carilion CONNECT at 540-981-8181 or toll-free at 800-284-8898. CONNECT is our 24-hour emergency evaluation and referral service. 

You can also call or text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Help via chat is also available at 988Lifeline.org. You can also go to your nearest emergency room.