Understanding Substance Use Disorders - Mountain High Recovery Center

Substance use disorders are complex health conditions that affect brain function and behavior. Understanding the nature of these disorders can help reduce stigma and support effective treatment approaches.

Information about various substances and their effects

Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the brain and body, affecting judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
Driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous—about 30% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve alcohol-impaired drivers.
A “standard drink” equals about 14 grams of pure alcohol—roughly one 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz of distilled spirits.
The CDC and NIH consider moderate alcohol consumption for an adult as 2 standard drinks per day for men and 1 standard drink per day for women. Moderate alcohol consumption can increase risk for health conditions such as cancers and heart disease.
Withdrawal from alcohol can be fatal due to risk of seizure, consult with a medical professional prior to reducing or stopping alcohol use.

Marijuana/Cannabis

Marijuana (Cannabis) contains more than 565 chemicals, at least 120 of which are cannabinoids which impact naturally occurring endocannabinoid systems in humans.
When eaten, the effects are stronger and last longer since cannabis is metabolized in the liver into other more potent chemicals.
Cannabis is considered addictive due to the presence of withdrawal symptoms when regular users stop use and impact on mental and physical health.
Long-term weekly cannabis use beginning in adolescents can cause a condition known as hyperemesis or cyclical vomiting syndrome.
Driving while under the influence of marijuana is illegal and can lead to a DUI. Currently, CA uses blood testing to prove marijuana is in the person’s system. Blood testing does not verify if a person was actively under the influence.

Stimulants

Used to boost energy, alertness, and mood, but can be highly addictive.
Examples: Cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription ADHD meds (Adderall, Ritalin)
Short-term effects: Increased heart rate, elevated mood, suppressed appetite
Risks: Anxiety, paranoia, heart problems, stroke, addiction

Opioids

Powerful pain relievers with high risk of dependence and overdose.
Examples: Heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine
Short-term effects: Euphoria, pain relief, drowsiness
Risks: Respiratory depression, overdose, withdrawal, long-term brain changes

Sedatives

Slows brain activity to promote calm or sleep, but misuse can be dangerous.
Examples: Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium), barbiturates, sleep aids
Short-term effects: Relaxation, drowsiness, slowed reflexes
Risks: Memory loss, dependence, overdose (especially with alcohol)
Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines and other sedatives can be dangerous, seek medical advice prior to stopping or decreasing use.

Hallucinogens

Alter perception, mood, and thought — effects vary widely.
Examples: LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), PCP, ketamine
Short-term effects: Visual/auditory distortions, emotional shifts
Risks: Psychosis, panic, impaired judgment, long-term mental health effect

Inhalants

Common household products misused for a quick high — especially among youth.
Examples: Glue, paint thinner, aerosol sprays, nitrous oxide
Short-term effects: Dizziness, euphoria, nausea
Risks: Brain damage, heart failure, sudden death (even after one use)

Tobacco, Nicotine, Vaping

Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco and commonly added to vapes and pouches such as ZYN.
Short-term effects: Increased heart rate, alertness
Risks: Cancer, heart disease, lung damage, nicotine addiction, youth brain impact

Information about various substances and their effects

Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the brain and body, affecting judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
Driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous—about 30% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve alcohol-impaired drivers.
A “standard drink” equals about 14 grams of pure alcohol—roughly one 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz of distilled spirits.
The CDC and NIH consider moderate alcohol consumption for an adult as 2 standard drinks per day for men and 1 standard drink per day for women. Moderate alcohol consumption can increase risk for health conditions such as cancers and heart disease.
Withdrawal from alcohol can be fatal due to risk of seizure, consult with a medical professional prior to reducing or stopping alcohol use.

Marijuana/Cannabis

Marijuana (Cannabis) contains more than 565 chemicals, at least 120 of which are cannabinoids which impact naturally occurring endocannabinoid systems in humans.
When eaten, the effects are stronger and last longer since cannabis is metabolized in the liver into other more potent chemicals.
Cannabis is considered addictive due to the presence of withdrawal symptoms when regular users stop use and impact on mental and physical health.
Long-term weekly cannabis use beginning in adolescents can cause a condition known as hyperemesis or cyclical vomiting syndrome.
Driving while under the influence of marijuana is illegal and can lead to a DUI. Currently, CA uses blood testing to prove marijuana is in the person’s system. Blood testing does not verify if a person was actively under the influence.

Stimulants

Used to boost energy, alertness, and mood, but can be highly addictive.
Examples: Cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription ADHD meds (Adderall, Ritalin)
Short-term effects: Increased heart rate, elevated mood, suppressed appetite
Risks: Anxiety, paranoia, heart problems, stroke, addiction

Opioids

Powerful pain relievers with high risk of dependence and overdose.
Examples: Heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine
Short-term effects: Euphoria, pain relief, drowsiness
Risks: Respiratory depression, overdose, withdrawal, long-term brain changes

Sedatives

Slows brain activity to promote calm or sleep, but misuse can be dangerous.
Examples: Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium), barbiturates, sleep aids
Short-term effects: Relaxation, drowsiness, slowed reflexes
Risks: Memory loss, dependence, overdose (especially with alcohol)
Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines and other sedatives can be dangerous, seek medical advice prior to stopping or decreasing use.

Hallucinogens

Alter perception, mood, and thought — effects vary widely.
Examples: LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), PCP, ketamine
Short-term effects: Visual/auditory distortions, emotional shifts
Risks: Psychosis, panic, impaired judgment, long-term mental health effect

Inhalants

Common household products misused for a quick high — especially among youth.
Examples: Glue, paint thinner, aerosol sprays, nitrous oxide
Short-term effects: Dizziness, euphoria, nausea
Risks: Brain damage, heart failure, sudden death (even after one use)

Tobacco, Nicotine, Vaping

Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco and commonly added to vapes and pouches such as ZYN.
Short-term effects: Increased heart rate, alertness
Risks: Cancer, heart disease, lung damage, nicotine addiction, youth brain impact

The Science of Addiction

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing, brain disorder that alters the way the brain processes reward, motivation, and decision-making. Substances like drugs and alcohol hijack the brain’s natural reward system in various ways. Most commonly substances impact dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reinforcement. Over time, this rewiring makes the brain prioritize substance use over healthier behaviors, weakening impulse control and judgment. Genetics, environment, and early exposure all play a role in vulnerability, and recovery often requires both medical and behavioral support to help the brain relearn balance and resilience.

Warning Signs

Behavioral Warning Signs

Loss of control over substance use despite intentions to cut back
Increasing secrecy or defensiveness about habits or whereabouts
Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
Withdrawing from relationships or previously enjoyed activities
Risk-taking behaviors (e.g., driving under the influence, unsafe sex)
Continued use despite negative consequences

Emotional & Psychological Signs

Physical & Health Indicators

Changes in sleep or appetite
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Bloodshot eyes, tremors, or poor hygiene
Frequent illness or injuries
Tolerance (needing more to feel the same effect)
Withdrawal symptoms when not using (e.g., sweating, nausea, shakiness)

Stages of Recovery

Recovery is not a straight line—it’s a journey that unfolds in stages. People may move back and forth between stages as they grow through the process.

Stages Include:

Precontemplation – Unaware or not yet ready to change
Contemplation – Beginning to think about making changes
Preparation – Planning and getting ready for recovery
Action – Actively making changes and seeking support
Maintenance – Sustaining progress and building resilience
Relapse (common and not a failure) – A chance to reflect, adjust, and recommit

Every stage is a step forward—what matters most is support and persistence.

Common Challenges in Recovery

Recovery brings growth, but also real obstacles. Common challenges may include:

Strong cravings or emotional triggers
Feelings of isolation or disconnection
Mental health symptoms like anxiety or depression
Financial or legal stress from past consequences
Rebuilding trust with loved ones
Boredom or lack of structure
Relapse (a part of recovery for many)

Our team offers guidance and resources to help clients face these challenges with courage and support.

Supporting Long-Term Recovery

Lasting recovery is nurtured through consistency, connection, and compassion. Protective factors include:

A strong support network (family, peers, recovery communities)
Stable housing and safe environments
Ongoing mental health and substance use care
Daily structure, purpose, and healthy routines
Coping tools like mindfulness, movement, and creativity
Access to therapy, education, and life skills
Self-belief and motivation to grow

We help individuals and families find what works for them—because recovery is personal, and so is healing.

The Science of Addiction

Warning Signs

Behavioral Warning Signs

Loss of control over substance use despite intentions to cut back
Increasing secrecy or defensiveness about habits or whereabouts
Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
Withdrawing from relationships or previously enjoyed activities
Risk-taking behaviors (e.g., driving under the influence, unsafe sex)
Continued use despite negative consequences

Emotional & Psychological Signs

Intense cravings or preoccupation with obtaining the substance
Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression
Loss of motivation or interest in daily life Denial or minimization of the problem
Justifying use or blaming others for consequences

Physical & Health Indicators

Changes in sleep or appetite
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Bloodshot eyes, tremors, or poor hygiene
Frequent illness or injuries
Tolerance (needing more to feel the same effect)
Withdrawal symptoms when not using (e.g., sweating, nausea, shakiness)

Stages of Recovery

Recovery is not a straight line—it’s a journey that unfolds in stages. People may move back and forth between stages as they grow through the process.

Stages Include:

Precontemplation – Unaware or not yet ready to change
Contemplation – Beginning to think about making changes
Preparation – Planning and getting ready for recovery
Action – Actively making changes and seeking support
Maintenance – Sustaining progress and building resilience
Relapse (common and not a failure) – A chance to reflect, adjust, and recommit

Every stage is a step forward—what matters most is support and persistence.

Common Challenges in Recovery

Recovery brings growth, but also real obstacles. Common challenges may include:

Strong cravings or emotional triggers
Feelings of isolation or disconnection
Mental health symptoms like anxiety or depression
Financial or legal stress from past consequences
Rebuilding trust with loved ones
Boredom or lack of structure
Relapse (a part of recovery for many)

Our team offers guidance and resources to help clients face these challenges with courage and support.

Supporting Long-Term Recovery

Lasting recovery is nurtured through consistency, connection, and compassion. Protective factors include:

A strong support network (family, peers, recovery communities)
Stable housing and safe environments
Ongoing mental health and substance use care
Daily structure, purpose, and healthy routines
Coping tools like mindfulness, movement, and creativity
Access to therapy, education, and life skills
Self-belief and motivation to grow

We help individuals and families find what works for them—because recovery is personal, and so is healing.

Treatment Approaches

Evidence-based approaches to treating substance use disorders:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps individuals identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use, while building healthy coping skills.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Enhances a person’s internal motivation to change by exploring ambivalence and fostering commitment to recovery through empathetic, goal-oriented dialogue.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal, and support long-term recovery, especially for opioid and alcohol use disorders.

Contingency Management (CM)

Uses tangible rewards—like vouchers or prizes—to reinforce abstinence and treatment engagement, making recovery behaviors more immediately rewarding.

Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF)

Guides individuals through the principles of mutual-help groups like AA or NA, promoting acceptance, surrender, and active participation in a recovery community.

Family Therapy

Addresses the impact of substance use on family dynamics and strengthens relationships to support recovery, improve communication, and reduce relapse risk.