Drug addiction, sometimes known to be substance use disorder, is a mental and behavioral problem that makes it difficult for a person to control their use of drugs or pharmaceuticals, whether they are legal or not.
Alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are all substances that go down under the category of drugs and are included in this condition. Drug addicts many times continue to take drugs despite the negative result of their behavior.
So, let’s all understand what substance use is and it plays with your mind. Let’s have a look at the causes, aftereffects, and treatment.
Table of Contents
What are Substance Use Disorder Symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of substance use vary greatly from person to person and are influenced by the substance, the amount and intensity of usage, as well as the personality of the user.
Experts at Holy Family Hospital, these can be categorized into physical, behavioral, and psychological signs. So, let’s have a look.
Physical Symptoms of Substance Use
- Bloodshot eyes
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Runny nose
- Slurred speech
- Dilated or small pupil
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Tremors or impaired coordination
- Unusual odor on body or clothes
Psychological Symptoms of Substance Use
- Unexplained change in personality
- Feeling excessively=y tired
- Feeling anxious, fearful, or tired
- Lack of motivation
- Feeling spaced out
- A feeling of being tired
- Sudden changes in mood
- Increased anger and agitation
Behavioral Symptoms of Substance Use
- Beginning to act in a suspicious way
- Neglecting family and friends
- Frequently trying to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
- Using substances under conditions that may not be safe
- Increased tolerance for substance use
- No longer engaging in activities like before
- Continue using despite health consequences
Causes of Substance Use
It is unknown what specifically causes substance use disorder. Genes, pharmacological effects, peer pressure, emotional anguish, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and environmental stress are all potential contributing variables.
Depression, attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental illnesses are common among those who acquire substance use disorders. Low self-esteem and a hectic or chaotic lifestyle are also prevalent.
What are the Stages of Drug Use?
Drug usage can progress through a number of phases before becoming addictive. Young people appear to progress through the stages more swiftly than adults do. These stages include;
Experimental Use – The user may enjoy drugs for recreational purposes and does it for recreational purposes. The user may also enjoy disobeying parents or other authority figures
Regular Use – The user starts to isolate themselves from friends and family, may switch pals to regular users, and exhibits greater tolerance and ability to “handle” the drug. They also worry about losing their drug supply and use drugs to “fix” their bad emotions.
Problem or Risky Use – The user loses all motivation, has obvious behavioral changes, prioritizes drug use over all other interests, including relationships. The user starts to become secretive, may start selling drugs to support their habit, uses other, harder drugs more frequently, and may have more legal issues.
Addiction – Cannot function without drugs; denies issue; physical condition deteriorates; loss of “control” over use; may turn suicidal; worsening financial and legal issues; possible rift with family or friends.
Substance Use Disorder Treatments
There are effective treatments available for substance use disorder (SUD). The treatment approach is personalized, as individuals may require different types of treatment at various stages of their journey.
Continuity of care is often necessary for successful treatment, as SUD is a chronic condition that involves the possibility of both recovery and relapse.
Dr. Erum Moosa who is one of the top addiction specialists in Pakistan says that it is often preferable to treat co-occurring mental health illnesses along with substance use disorders (SUD) rather than treating them separately.
The three primary types of treatment are as follows:
- Detoxifiction
- Cognitiive and Behavioral Therapies
- Medication-assisted Therapies
Detoxification
You stop using the substance(s) during detoxification, allowing your body to rid itself of them. The substance or an alternative way might decrease the effects of withdrawal, depending on the severity of the SUD.
It’s the first significant step in treating SUD. Detoxification can be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies
Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a valuable treatment option for addressing substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Suggested Read: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
It provides support and guidance while teaching individuals healthy coping strategies. Healthcare professionals may suggest cognitive and behavioral therapies as standalone treatments or in combination with medications. Effective therapies for adults with SUDs include various approaches, such as the following examples:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal-directed, structured form of psychotherapy. During CBT, a mental health expert assists you in taking a careful look at your ideas and feelings. You’ll learn how your thoughts impact your behaviour. Through CBT, you can unlearn harmful behaviours and attitudes and learn to think and act in healthier ways.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with emotion regulation and management. DBT has shown promise in the management and treatment of a number of mental health problems, including Substance Use Disorder.
Therapeutic communities (TCs)
A TC is a long-term residential treatment program with a primary goal of assisting individuals with SUD in creating new, healthier values and behaviors in relation to substance use and other co-occurring mental health issues.
Medication
You might include medication in your treatment strategy. Certain SUDs can be treated with the use of medications that alter your brain’s chemistry.
Medication assisted therapies include:
Opioids
Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Tobacco
Some tobacco substances can help a lot including nicotine patch, spray, gum or lozenge can help. Or your provider might prescribe you bupropion or varenicline.
When Should You See a Healthcare Provider
Substance use disorder is a sophisticated brain and mental health disease. Substances, including alcohol, stimulants, and opioids, have an impact on your brain, which includes your capacity for decision-making.
Even if you wish to stop taking the drug, these modifications make it difficult. Speak with a healthcare professional or contact Healthwire o book an appointment with the best addiction specialist as soon as you can if you or a loved one has a substance use disorder.
