Understanding substance use disorder (SUD)
A substance use disorder happens when someone keeps using a drug or alcohol even though it harms their health, work, or relationships. Over time, repeated use changes how the brain functions, making it harder to stop and leading to powerful cravings.
Some commonly misused substances include opioids, alcohol, prescription painkillers, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana.
Getting help as soon as possible increases the chances of long-term recovery. If you or a loved one shows signs like these, it may be time to seek treatment:
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Sudden mood swings or unusual behavior
- Taking risks to get drugs
- Strained relationships due to substance use
- Feeling unable to control how much or how often you use
- Restlessness, irritability, or withdrawal symptoms
Recognizing these red flags is the first step toward a healthier future.
How our outpatient program works
Research shows the most effective addiction care blends medication, counseling, and social support. At BrightView, every patient gets an individualized plan built around these elements:
Our care team treats all patients with dignity and compassion. Plans adjust as needs change, ensuring you always have the right level of support. Outpatient treatment offers:
Our outpatient programs let you stay engaged in daily life while receiving care. Here’s what that looks like in more detail:
Assessment and individualized planning
Recovery begins with a judgment-free medical and behavioral health assessment. You'll meet with a licensed mental health professional and a physician. A urine screen helps the medical care team understand your current use so they can meet you where you are. You'll receive confidential support and have time to ask any questions.
Medication assisted treatment (MAT)
When appropriate, we use FDA-approved medications to manage cravings and withdrawal. These include:
These medications help balance your brain chemistry and support the addiction recovery process.
Learn more about our medication assisted treatment program.
Psychiatry and co-occurring conditions care
Therapy helps you explore the root causes of substance use and learn healthier coping strategies. BrightView offers:
- Individual therapy for personal growth and healing
- Group therapy to connect with others in recovery
Case management services
Recovery goes beyond medical and co-occurring conditions care. BrightView’s case managers help you with housing, employment, financial, and legal challenges. They can refer you to local resources and check in to help you feel supported at every stage.
Learn more about the benefits of case management services at BrightView.
Continuing care
Recovery doesn’t end after the first stage of treatment. You benefit from a detailed aftercare plan that may include:
If a relapse occurs, BrightView makes rapid re-entry simple and judgment-free. You can return to treatment quickly, so progress is never lost. Ready to get started? Find a location and schedule an appointment today.
Care by substance type
BrightView offers local comprehensive addiction treatment. Addiction looks different depending on many factors. One of those is the type of substance used:
Opioid use disorder
OUD is a dependence on opioids such as fentanyl, oxycodone, or hydrocodone.
Learn more about opioid use disorder treatment. Or, read specifically about treatment for heroin use disorder and fentanyl use disorder.
Alcohol use disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) involves dependence on alcohol. Even though it’s normalized, alcohol can be as addictive as illegal drugs. BrightView patients report 50% less alcohol consumption after 90 days in our program.
Learn more about alcohol use disorder treatment.
Stimulant use disorder
Stimulant use disorder involves drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, or MDMA.
Learn more about stimulant use disorder treatment.
Cannabis addiction
Cannabis addiction develops from problematic marijuana or THC use.
Learn more about treatment for cannabis addiction.
Withdrawal and early support
When someone dependent on a substance reduces or stops use, withdrawal symptoms can appear. Symptoms often follow three phases:
- Early withdrawal (6–24 hours): Anxiety, restlessness, sweating, muscle aches, cravings
- Peak withdrawal (24–72 hours): Nausea, insomnia, agitation, flu-like symptoms
- Post-acute withdrawal (days to weeks): Fatigue, low mood, or ongoing sleep issues
Withdrawal symptoms can be difficult. Treatment helps ease discomfort and keep you safe. BrightView’s clinical team provides support and encouragement to get you through.
Aftercare and long-term recovery
Substance use disorder is a chronic condition. Most patients need continued care to maintain progress. We want to make sure you have the right resources. That's why BrightView provides regular check-ins, ongoing therapy sessions, and case management. We connect patients with outside resources and support groups like AA and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
Insurance, cost, and getting started
Finances should never prevent you from accessing the treatment you need. BrightView is committed to making treatment services accessible. We accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. If you're uninsured, our team can help you apply for coverage. We also provide referrals to community programs that offer financial assistance.
Ready to begin?
Our substance use disorder treatment program can help you take back your life. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.
Call 888.501.9865, find a location, or complete our online form to take the first step toward recovery. At BrightView, we treat you like a person, and we treat addiction like a disease.
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