Substance use disorder (SUD) is a psychiatric illness characterized by changes in your thoughts and behavior as a result of your failure to regulate your use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, opiates, and other drugs. When you develop this condition, it is very difficult to quit taking substances, even if you are aware that the substances are causing you harm.
People suffering with SUD frequently have neurological (brain-related) alterations that might impair their judgment, decision-making, learning ability, memory, and self-control. As a result, you may experience symptoms such as intense cravings for drugs, mood fluctuations, strange movements, and difficulty doing regular tasks.
The good news is that SUD may be treated with the appropriate care. Individual treatment plans may differ, but they may involve medication-assisted treatments, detoxification and withdrawal management, outpatient programs, and rehabilitation (often known as rehab). Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that 12-step programs' peer support is highly successful in preventing relapse.
Substance Use Disorder Types
Both the use of legal and illicit drugs can be a part of substance use disorders. Substance abuse disorders (SUDs) come in several forms, and among them are addictions to drugs such
Spirits:
Most individuals use this drug in social situations, and it can have negative effects on thinking, acting, reflexes, coordination, and driving safety. It can also lessen inhibitions. Abruptly quitting alcohol usage might result in significant withdrawal symptoms for heavy drinkers on a daily basis.
Cannabis or marijuana:
These can be used for therapeutic or recreational purposes, but overuse can lead to dependence and cognitive decline.
Psychedelics or hallucinogens:
includes the mind-altering drugs PCP (angel dust) and LSD, which can distort your view of reality.
Opioids:
Painkillers, which doctors give after major operations or injuries, include oxycodone and codeine. If taken excessively, these drugs can become addictive and produce excruciating withdrawal symptoms when stopped.
Heroine:
This is an additional class of opioid medication, a highly addictive narcotic that produces excruciating withdrawal symptoms.
Calm-makers:
These drugs, which are usually used to treat insomnia or anxiety, include sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics. When used excessively, they can become addictive, and when mixed with alcohol, they can be harmful.
Incentives:
These include stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, which provide short-term spikes in energy, attention, and exhilaration but may also have serious negative effects on one's physical and mental health as well as a crash after they wear off.
Nicotine:
This is the active ingredient in vapes, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. It is extremely addictive and raises the risk of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory (lung-related) disorders.
Signs and symptoms
It's critical to recognize the warning symptoms of a substance use problem since doing so may enable you or a loved one to begin treatment earlier. Nevertheless, the following addiction signs can be present in individuals with SUD:
- Substance dependence, which is typified by:
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or quit taking a drug
- Tolerance, or the requirement for increasing doses of a chemical to have the same effects
- Severe physical adverse effects from stopping usage include trembling, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Feeling lost or confused
- Abrupt violent or aggressive outbursts
- Displaying hostility or defensiveness when asked about substance usage
- Difficulty cutting back or quitting drugs, even with a strong desire to do so
- Making justifications for drug usage
- Acting slyly in order to conceal drug use
- Performing worse at work or school, or not showing up at all
- A dependency on a drug that must be used frequently—sometimes even every day—in order to get by
- Not remembering to eat
- Purchasing the item even when it's not readily available or reasonably priced
- Not engaging in once-pleasurable activities
Reasons
It's not always obvious why a person would start using substances. Researchers think that a number of variables, including stress, peer pressure, heredity, and the aftereffects of drug use, may be involved.Research also indicates that individuals with underlying mental health issues, including as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD, may be more likely to take drugs, according to a report published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Studies reveal that among young individuals between the ages of 18 and 25, alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco are the drugs that they use most frequently. The following variables may put children, adolescents, and young adults particularly at risk for SUD:
- Drug usage in the family history
- Being raised by a negligent parent or guardian
- Poor performance in school
- Trauma, abuse, or assault throughout childhood
- insufficient social support at school or at home
- underlying disorders related to mental health
- having the impression that one's sexual orientation or gender identity is not accepted
Assessment
It is a good idea to visit a healthcare practitioner for a drug use disorder examination and screening if you are worried about your own substance use or the substance use of a loved one. Your primary care physician can do drug testing by taking urine and blood samples to look for drugs.
Depending on the kind of substance you're being tested for and how recently you took it, these tests' accuracy may change. Although urine tests are more popular and usually yield faster results, blood tests are more effective. Another tool for measuring alcohol content is a breathalyzer that you blow into.
But more testing than just a blood or urine test is required to properly diagnose SUD. You will need to contact a qualified substance use counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist for help. Before making a diagnosis, they will need to do a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and collaborate with your primary care physician to better understand your drug use symptoms.
Handling
Your healthcare team, which often consists of your primary care physician and mental health specialist, will assist you in selecting the best course of treatment if you are diagnosed with a drug use problem. Everybody is affected by substance use differently, thus everyone's road to recovery will be different. The good news is that different rehab and treatment programs are available to meet the needs of each patient. The following are some typical forms of care:
Detox:
A medical detox program helps you stop using drugs and manage withdrawal symptoms, usually through medication, in a safe and controlled environment. These programs usually last from a few days to a few weeks. After detox, your doctor may recommend that you switch to an inpatient treatment program, where you will always be seen by a healthcare provider.
Inpatient Rehabilitation:
Commonly referred to as "rehab," these residential facilities offer 24-hour care from healthcare providers to help you manage your condition. These programs can last from a few weeks to a few months and offer a structured approach to addiction treatment.
Outpatient programs:
These programs are more flexible than inpatient programs and offer regular appointments at a treatment center or community clinic. Many programs also offer evening, weekend and telehealth sessions for those with work or family commitments.
Psychotherapy:
To help you manage addiction symptoms and reduce cravings for certain substances, your treatment team may offer psychotherapy (psychotherapy) as a way to express your feelings, reframe your thoughts about drug use, and find healthier ways of coping or speaking. therapy) may be recommended. Cope with stress.
How to Avoid Substance Abuse Disorder
Prevention of substance use disorders requires a combination of personal, social and educational strategies. The Office of Addictions and Mental Health Services offers a variety of resources, including:
They will listen to you. Campaign:
This program provides parents with useful tools about the risks of alcohol and drug use in their children before the age of 21 and how to have these conversations effectively.
Stop Underage Drinking:
This website is the only site for information and resources on underage drinking prevention.
National Prevention Week:
Each May, this event encourages communities to share resources and engage in substance abuse prevention and mental health awareness.
It is important to start preventing drug use from an early age. Having these conversations at an early age, listening as your child expresses their thoughts and concerns, and offering support when needed can help prevent drug use at a young age and prevent drug use from worsening in adolescence. I'm getting old. .
Related terms
People who are addicted may be at a higher risk of other harmful health problems. These include:
- Gambling or other addictions
- Risky sex
- Sharing needles
- Ignoring medical problems
- Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, personality disorders and schizophrenia
Living with a substance use disorder
Managing a substance use disorder can be mentally and physically challenging. In some cases, continued use of the drug can lead to a fatal overdose. If you or a loved one gets the right support and treatment, it's important to know that some people can relapse or return to drug use after quitting. This is common and can be frustrating, but it is important to continue your healing journey even if there are some setbacks. Therefore, relying on your health care team and having a social support system can be very helpful during recovery.
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