The term ‘substance use disorder’, also referred to as ‘substance abuse’ or ‘addiction’, is defined as continued use of substances like alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or other drugs, which are detrimental to one’s health, work, relations and life.
Use of such substances may influence the brain’s reward system and cause a feeling of pleasure or relief. Long-term substance abuse alters brain functioning and makes it very hard for an individual to stop taking these substances.
Substance addiction is a medical problem rather than just an absence of willpower. As any other health condition, it influences the person’s daily activities and may become dangerous if not treated. Addiction problems are experienced by people of various ages and origins.
Learn more about drug use disorders according to World Health Organization (WHO).
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Addiction
At first, one starts using a substance because of interest, choice or due to peer influence. One uses a substance to get the feeling of the drug or simply because everyone else around is doing it.
In most cases, initially, most people feel like they have control over the situation. Over time, it will become harder for them to quit the use of that substance.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of substance abuse include the following:
1. Increased Tolerance
The body gets used to the substance. Therefore, the person requires more of the substance to achieve the same effects
2. Withdrawal Symptoms
If an individual decreases or ceases the usage of the substance, then he will suffer from withdrawal effects which include anxiety, nervousness, sweating, insomnia, confusion, and sometimes convulsions.
The withdrawal effects vary according to the drug being used and also to the general condition of the user.
3. Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences
The individual abuses the substance despite the problems that the abuse creates for him in his work, social relations, financial situations, or in his health conditions.
4. Loss of Control
It may be hard for the individual to manage their substance usage, despite their desire to do so.
5. Risk-Taking Behaviour
The consumption of the substance can result in dangerous behavior that can put the person’s life or other people’s lives at risk.
6. Neglecting Other Activities
Instead of socializing or participating in different kinds of activities, the individual may devote all their time to consuming the substance.
7. Changes in Physical Health
Overconsumption of substances can affect the person’s sleeping patterns, digestive processes, eating habits, and physical appearance. Moreover, the individual may experience other health issues.
8. Changes in Mood
While taking any drug may cause temporary pleasurable and relaxing effects, excessive usage of any drug causes mood swings, irritability, anger, anxiety and depression.
9. Changes in Thinking and Memory
Substance abuse over a long period of time can affect one’s memory, concentration, planning, reasoning, and decision-making. For additional information, visit MedlinePlus – Substance Use Disorder.
Course of Addiction Disorders
Addiction disorders are chronic diseases that can adversely impact a person’s health and life if not treated.
Most individuals feel that they can stop their consumption of the substance at will. This is not easy because the prolonged consumption of the substances might impact the brain’s reward and motivation circuitry.
The myths surrounding addiction disorders could act as an impediment for early treatment.
Common Myths About Substance Addiction
MYTH 1: People Can Give up the Use of Substances at Any Time They Want
The idea that people are just lazy enough not to give up substances is quite widespread among the public.
FACT: Addiction is likely to have an impact on certain parts of the brain associated with self-control and decision making processes. Hence, even the desire of the individual is not enough for him or her to recover without help of professionals.
MYTH 2: Addiction Is a Disease and There Is No Solution for It
The misconception about the irreversibility of the situation is also rather popular.
FACT: Addiction is one of the diseases that can be treated. The type of treatment can vary depending on certain personal factors.
MYTH 3: People Must Hit Rock Bottom before Recovery Becomes Possible
There is an opinion that one should have everything lost before agreeing to enter treatment programs.
FACT: Any stage can be a starting point for recovery. Seeking treatment early may help avoid additional damage and solve substance abuse-related issues easily.
MYTH 4: Treatment Should Be Asked for by Oneself Only
According to some individuals, a person needs to ask for help himself or herself to receive proper treatment.
FACT: It is possible to convince an individual to see a professional by encouraging this individual; moreover, it is important to consider an individual’s safety, needs and legal rights.
MYTH 5: The Previous Attempts at Treatment Were Unsuccessful, So It Does Not Make Sense to Repeat This Process
When people go back to substance abuse after receiving some treatment, they lose hope.
FACT: Recovery takes time, and sometimes it comes with some obstacles on its way. If people go back to substance abuse, it does not mean that treatment was unsuccessful. Sometimes, it means that treatment programs should be reconsidered.
Find out more about the principles of addiction treatment developed by NIDA.
Causes of Substance Abuse Disorders and Factors Affecting Their Course
Addiction to substances does not have one sole reason behind its emergence. There are many different biological, psychological, social and environmental factors that can increase one’s risk of developing it.
1. Genetic Factors
Genetic factors could affect a person’s susceptibility to addiction disorders. People who come from families with a history of substance abuse are at higher risk of having substance abuse disorder.
Teenagers and people with certain psychological problems could be more vulnerable to substance abuse disorders.
2. Environmental Factors
Family life and home: The environment is very important, especially in childhood. Being raised in an environment where family members misuse drugs and alcohol may increase the risk of one developing the same addiction.
Peers and school: The group of friends and peers could have an influence on the behavior of adolescents, thus increasing the risks of trying some substances.
3. Other Risk Factors
Young start: Using a substance from an early age is one of the factors that makes a person susceptible to developing more severe problems related to substance abuse. Younger brains are very sensitive to substances.
Mode of intake: Smoking and injection are two modes of administration of substances which make them go straight to the brain.
Management of Substance Abuse Disorders
The management of substance use disorders is dependent on the substance used, patient’s overall health, severity of the problem, and need for support.
1. Medical Assessment and Hospitalisation
Admission to the hospital is needed in case of severe use of the substance, in case of appearance of severe physical symptoms or psychological disturbances, or during withdrawal.
Hospital admission is not always needed, as it is determined by the physician according to the patient’s condition.
2. Psychoeducation
The patient and his/her family is educated about the disease, treatment and recovery process. This would assist in reducing fear, blame and misunderstanding that the person may have about the illness.
3. Psychological and Behavioural Therapies
Psychological therapy will assist the individual in understanding the emotions and behaviors associated with drug abuse and how to cope in a more positive manner.
4. Rehabilitation
Patients may be recommended to engage in some form of rehabilitation in order to enhance their day-to-day functions and re-establish relationships.
5. Family Support
Families can become a great source of assistance in the process of treatment and recovery. They can offer patients a lot of understanding, encouragement and support to achieve recovery.
Ahana Hospitals provides treatment for mental health, de-addiction and rehabilitation based on individual needs.
For more information about treatment, please call +91 90060 06000.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a substance use disorder?
It is a health problem characterized by an inability on the part of an individual to stop using alcohol or any other substance when such behavior leads to harmful effects on one’s health, performance, interpersonal relations, or lifestyle.
2. What are some of the initial signs of addiction to substances?
Initial signs might consist of substance abuse, tolerance, craving, withdrawal symptoms, mood changes, neglecting one’s duties, and the inability to stop the use of substances.
3. Is substance addiction curable?
Yes. Substance addiction is curable. It may be cured by medical treatment, psychological therapy, medication where necessary, rehabilitation, and more.
4. Does relapse signify the failure of treatment?
No. Relapse to the use of the substance does not mean that cure is no longer possible. This could mean that there is need to reconsider the existing program of treatment.
5. Can relatives assist in the treatment of the addict?
Yes. Relatives can offer emotional support, motivate the individual to seek help and also help to establish a normal routine.
6. Is hospitalization required for all persons suffering from substance addiction?
No. There are some people who can undergo treatment using the outpatient program, while others require hospitalization due to their health condition.
Conclusion
Substance abuse disorder can impact an individual physically, mentally, socially and functionally in his/her everyday life. It should be noted that substance abuse is not merely a bad habit.
The early identification of the problem, knowledge about the causes of this problem and proper treatment can make a difference. In other words, the proper medical assistance and therapy can help people recover.
In case you or your loved one have problems with substances, we strongly recommend you consult professionals and get treatment. The first step can help lead a better life.