Substance Abuse; Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Substance abuse is when you take drugs that are not legal. It’s also when you use alcohol, prescription medicine, and other legal substances too much or in the wrong way. So substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others, and is a form of the substance-related disorder. Widely differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public health, medical and criminal justice contexts. In some cases, criminal or anti-social behavior occurs when the person is under the influence of a drug, and long-term personality changes in individuals may occur as well. In addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, use of some drugs may also lead to criminal penalties,

Types of Substance Abuse

Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Each substance affects people differently, but there are some signs of addiction that are fairly universal

• The onset of withdrawal symptoms after the person suddenly stops using the substance
• Feeling as though he or she must consume the substance to deal with the stresses of daily life
• Increased tolerance levels requiring the person to consume more of the substance to achieve the same effect
• Uncharacteristic or irrational behavior such as angry or violent outbursts
• Dramatic changes in appearance like weight loss, hair loss, or skin problems
• Loss of interesting previously enjoyable activities
• Loss of important relationships
• Lying to cover up consumption patterns
• Impaired performance at work, home, or school
• Incessantly borrowing money or stealing money
• Legal, medical, or personal problems associated with consumption of the substance

Or

Effects of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can wreak havoc on a person’s life. Depending on the longevity and severity of the addiction itself, the effects that could result can be life-changing. The effects listed below are among those that may occur if a person continues to abuse substances without seeking professional help:

• Development of certain types of cancers
• Job loss
• Financial difficulties
• Interaction with the legal system
• Development or worsening of mental health concerns
• Malnutrition
• Hindered immune system
• Heart failure
• Damage to vital organs
• Poor lung functioning
• Exposure to viruses, including HIV and hepatitis
• Stroke
• Seizures
• Coma
• Overdose
• Self-harm
• Suicidal ideation
• The demise of meaningful relationships
• Loss of child custody
• Irreversible cognitive damage
• Memory loss

Co-Occurring Disorders of Substance Abuse

Some individuals who are grappling with mental health concerns turn to the abuse of drugs and/or alcohol as a means of coping with their turmoil. Additionally, there are those who only begin to suffer from mental health disorders once they start abusing substances. In either case, it is possible for a person to seek treatment for an substance abuse and be diagnosed with a mental illness at the same time. The following mental health conditions are among those that people can suffer from at the same time as a substance abuse problem:

• Borderline personality disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Depressive disorders
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Anxiety disorders

Effects of Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of withdrawal: The longer than an individual abuses drugs and/or alcohol, the more likely that person will be to develop a tolerance to his or her substance(s) of choice. When this occurs, it can signify that that individual has become chemically dependent on that substance(s) and will thusly experience withdrawal symptoms in the event he or she ceases his or her substance abuse. The process of withdrawing from a substance can be extremely uncomfortable and, unfortunately, trigger a person to seek out his or her substance of choice once more. The following are signs and effects of withdrawal, which also suggest that a person is in need of treatment for his or her addiction:

• Cravings
• Seizures
• Bone pain
• Muscle pain
• Suicidal ideation
• Nausea, Vomiting
• Anxious feelings
• Paranoia
• Depression

Effects of Overdose of Substance Abuse

For many substances of abuse, there is an ever-present risk of overdose when drugs and/or alcohol are used on an ongoing basis. Depending on the substance that is being abused, the telltale warning signs of overdose can vary. If any of the following occur, it should heed as a warning that emergency medical attention is needed in order to prevent a grave outcome

• Seizures
• Losing consciousness
• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Labored breathing
• Stroke
• Chest pains
• Heart failure
• Psychosis
• Confusion
• Skin tone changes

Diagnosis of Substance Abuse

If a healthcare provider suspects that you are misusing alcohol or medications, he or she will first confirm that you are dependent on a harmful substance by:

• asking you questions
• reviewing your prescriptions for commonly abused drugs or medicines
• examining your body
• ordering blood and urine tests

The CAGE questionnaire is often used by healthcare providers to establish whether you have a drinking problem. It has four questions:

• “Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?”
• “Have you ever felt annoyed by criticism about your drinking?”
• “Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?”
• “Have you ever felt the need for a drink (an “eye-opener”) in the morning to steady your nerves?”

Treatment of Substance Abuse

When you drink alcohol with some medications, the alcohol can make the effect of the medication dangerously strong. For example, taking alcohol with pills for sleeping, pain, anxiety, or depression can produce harmful effects. In particular, you should avoid alcohol if you take:

• Benzodiazepines (sedatives)
• Sleeping pills
• Pain medications
• Anti-seizure or anti-psychotic medications
• Antihistamines
• Anti-depressants

Non-Drug Therapies of Substance Abuse

Substance and Medication Abuse

The following are among the effective treatments that are part of a team approach:

• Talk therapy (psychotherapy) with a trained supportive counselor
• Group therapy with a trained therapist
• Keeping a diary to record your patterns of use of the problem substance
• Residential care in a rehabilitation facility
• 12-step programs and other long-term programs (such as Alcoholics Anonymous)
• Programs to help you stop smoking

Tobacco Abuse (Cigarette, Cigar or Pipe Smoking)

If you are addicted to smoking, you have probably tried to quit many times. But another serious try is always worth it, even if you are among the very old. Quitting at any age slows the decline in lung function.

Let your healthcare provider know that you want to stop smoking. Together, you will take the following steps

• Choose a date that suits you
• Obtain any needed medications
• Arrange a follow-up visit
• Educate yourself about smoking and the benefits of quitting
• Get involved in a support group or buddy system to help keep you motivated

Self-help for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders

In addition to getting professional treatment, there are plenty of self-help steps you can take to address your substance abuse and mental health issues. Remember: Getting sober is only the beginning. As well as continuing mental health treatment, your sustained recovery depends on learning healthier coping strategies and making better decisions when dealing with life’s challenges.

Recovery tip 1

• Learn how to manage stress – Drug and alcohol abuse often stems from misguided attempts to manage stress. Stress is an inevitable part of life, so it’s important to have healthy coping skills so you can deal with stress without turning to alcohol or drugs. Stress management skills go a long way towards preventing relapse and keeping your symptoms at bay.
• Cope with unpleasant feelings – Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to cover up painful memories and emotions such as loneliness, depression, or anxiety. You may feel like doing drugs is the only way to handle unpleasant feelings, but Help guide’s free Emotional Intelligence Toolkit can teach you how to cope with difficult emotions without falling back on your addiction.
• Know your triggers and have an action plan – When you’re coping with a mental disorder as well as a substance abuse problem, it’s especially important to know signs that your illness is flaring up. Common causes include stressful events, big life changes, or unhealthy sleeping or eating patterns. At these times, having a plan in place is essential to preventing a drink or drug relapse. Who will you talk to? What do you need to do to avoid slipping?

Recovery tip 2

• Make a face-to-face connection with friends and family a priority – a Positive emotional connection to those around you is the quickest way to calm your nervous system. Try to meet up regularly with people who care about you. If you don’t have anyone you feel close to, it’s never too late to meet new people and develop meaningful friendships.
• Get therapy or stay involved in a support group – Your chances of staying sober improve if you are participating in a social support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous or if you are getting therapy.
• Follow doctor’s orders – Once you are sober and you feel better, you might think you no longer need medication or treatment. But arbitrarily stopping medication or treatment is a common reason for relapse in people with co-occurring disorders. Always talk with your doctor before making any changes to your medication or treatment routine.

Make healthy lifestyle changes

• Exercise regularly – Exercise is a natural way to bust stress, relieve anxiety, and improve your mood and outlook. To achieve the maximum benefit, aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days.
• Practice relaxation techniques – When practiced regularly, relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being.
• Adopt healthy eating habits – Start the day right with breakfast, and continue with frequent small meals throughout the day. Going too long without eating leads to low blood sugar, which can make you feel more stressed or anxious. Getting enough healthy fats in your diet can help to boost your mood.
• Get enough sleep – A lack of sleep can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression, so try to get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep a night.

Recovery tip 4

To stay alcohol- or drug-free for the long term, you’ll need to build a new, meaningful life where substance abuse no longer has a place.

• Develop new activities and interests – Find new hobbies, volunteer activities, or work that gives you a sense of meaning and purpose. When you’re doing things you find fulfilling, you’ll feel better about yourself and substance use will hold less appeal.
• Avoid the things that trigger your urge to use – If certain people, places, or activities trigger a craving for drugs or alcohol, try to avoid them. This may mean making major changes to your social life, such as finding new things to do with your old buddies—or even giving up those friends and making new connections.

Group support for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders

• As with other addictions, groups are very helpful, not only in maintaining sobriety but also as a safe place to get support and discuss challenges. Sometimes treatment programs for co-occurring disorders provide groups that continue to meet on an aftercare basis. Your doctor or treatment provider may also be able to refer you to a group for people with co-occurring disorders.
• Just make sure your group is accepting of the idea of co-occurring disorders and psychiatric medication. Some people in these groups, although well-meaning, may mistake taking psychiatric medication as another form of addiction. You want a place to feel safe, not pressured.

Helping a loved one with a substance abuse and mental health problem

• Helping a loved one with both a substance abuse and a mental health problem can be a roller coaster. Resistance to treatment is common and the road to recovery can be long.

The best way to help someone is to accept what you can and cannot do. You cannot force someone to remain sober, nor can you make someone take their medication or keep appointments. What you can do is make positive choices for yourself, encourage your loved one to get help, and offer your support while making sure you don’t lose yourself in the process.

• Seek support – Dealing with a loved one’s mental illness and substance abuse can be painful and isolating. Make sure you’re getting the emotional support you need to cope. Talk to someone you trust about what you’re going through. It can also help to get your own therapy or join a support group.
• Set boundaries – Be realistic about the amount of care you’re able to provide without feeling overwhelmed and resentful. Set limits on disruptive behaviors and stick to them. Letting the co-occurring disorders take over your life isn’t healthy for you or your loved one.
• Educate yourself – Learn all you can about your loved one’s mental health problem, as well as substance abuse treatment and recovery. The more you understand what your loved one is going through, the better able you’ll be to support recovery.

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