Substance use disorder (SUD) is a harmful pattern of substance use that impairs your health and well-being. Some of the most prevalent substances are alcohol and painkillers. It can vary from minor to severe (addiction). SUD is a curable mental health issue. Help is accessible when you are ready!
What Is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder (SUD), also known as drug addiction, is a mental health disease in which you have a problematic pattern of substance use that impairs your health and quality of life. Substances affect how your brain functions over time. They cause the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in your brain that makes you feel good – until it wears off.
Your brain and body want to maintain this pleasant feeling, even if it is unhealthy. It can have a big impact on your emotional health, relationships, education, and career. It is often life-threatening. SUD exists on a spectrum and can be mild, moderate, or severe. No matter where you are, know that this condition is treatable, and assistance is accessible when you are ready.
Some of the most common types of substance use include:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Opioid use disorder
- Methamphetamine use disorder
- Cocaine use disorder
- Tobacco use disorder
It is typical to have multiple SUDs at once, such as alcohol use disorder and tobacco use disorder. This is referred to as a polysubstance use disorder.
Symptoms Of Substance Use Disorder
The symptoms and effects of drug use disorder differ depending on the type of substance used. There are two types of symptoms, depending on when or if the chemical is in your body.
Intoxication
This is the instant and temporary action of a drug in your body. Symptoms include:
- Feeling sleepy
- Calm
- Excited
- Intense emotions
- Slowed speech
Withdrawal
These are the symptoms that appear after a substance’s short-term effects wear off and begin to depart your body.
Symptoms are unpleasant and may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle cramping
- Mood changes
Signs of A Substance Use Disorder
According to the American Psychiatric Association, the indications of substance use disorder are:
- If you have a prescription, you should not take the item in bigger amounts or for longer periods of time than recommended.
- Having an intense desire or want to use the substance.
- Having ineffective attempts to reduce or manage substance usage.
- Spending a significant amount of time obtaining or using the material or recovering from its effects.
- Having difficulty performing tasks at work, school, or family due to substance abuse.
- Continuing to use the substance, even if it disrupts relationships.
- Abandoning social, occupational, or recreational pursuits due to substance abuse.
- Using substances repeatedly, even when they endanger you.
- Continuing substance usage despite a continuing bodily or psychological condition that is most likely caused or exacerbated by the substance.
- Developing tolerance (the requirement for higher doses to achieve the same effect).
- Withdrawal symptoms might be alleviated by consuming more of the substance.
What Causes Substance Use Disorder?
The specific cause of a substance use disorder is unclear. However, research indicates that alterations to your brain’s reward system as a result of a substance’s addictive potential may induce the illness. According to studies, numerous factors may contribute to the development of an SUD.
This could include:
- Social pressure
- Curiosity about substance effects
- Cognitive performance enhancement
- Emotional escape (such as release from stress, worry, fear, or depression)
- Experimental usage (sometimes known as prescription use) refers to trying a substance for the first time or following instructions.
- Occasional use is defined as taking a substance socially or not following the directions on a prescription.
- Heavy use is defined as taking a substance on a regular basis with few or no days off.
- Substance use disorder occurs when you consume the substance on a daily or several times each day. There are rare occasions when you do not use a substance.
These are only examples; this disorder can look very different and vary in intensity from person to person.
Risk Factors For A Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorders impact people of all ages, races, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
You may have a higher risk of having it if:
- Have an underlying mental health issue
- Have a biological relative with an SUD
- Have a history of negative childhood events
- Have a genetic predisposition (a genetic variant increases the likelihood of developing SUDs)
- Have exposure or easy access to drugs
What Are The Complications Of Substance Use Disorder?
Overdose is a common and dangerous complication of substance use disorder. An overdose occurs when you consume too much of a chemical. This is a medical emergency. Different drugs have varying effects on your body.
For example, if you overdose on opioids, it affects the region of your brain that controls your breathing. If not treated soon, your breathing will slow or stop completely, resulting in death. SUD complications are many and vary according to degree and kind.
Common complications can include:
- Cancer
- Depression
- Infections (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV)
- Memory loss
- Academic or professional challenges
- Interpersonal relationship difficulties
- Unsafe, illegal, or risky practices
How is Substance Use Disorder Diagnosed?
There is no one test available for diagnosing substance use disorder. Instead, healthcare experts rely on a detailed assessment of your medical history and substance-related behaviours. They may request drug tests to determine how much and what types of chemicals are present in your body at the moment. They may also assess prescription drug monitoring program records (a database including dispensed controlled medications).
A provider will also inquire about your mental health history, as it is typical to have both an SUD and a mental health disorder. A study found that to be diagnosed with substance use disorder, a person must exhibit at least two symptoms in the symptoms area over a 12-month period.
It’s vital to note that this illness occurs on a scale of severity:
- Two to three indications suggest a minor substance use disorder
- Four or five indications suggest a moderate substance use disorder
- Having six or more signs indicates a significant substance use disorder
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
The first step in treating substance use disorders is to manage withdrawal symptoms. This is when you stop taking the chemical and let it exit your body. Depending on the intensity, a healthcare provider may prescribe drugs to alleviate the impact of withdrawal symptoms, which can be physically and emotionally taxing.
Sud Therapy
A variety of therapies can be used to treat SUD and other co-occurring mental health disorders.
Examples of effective therapies for adults with substance use disorders include:
- Assertive community treatment (ACT): ACT offers mental health services in the community rather than in residential or hospital settings. ACT is quite personalized. Your treatment approach will be tailored to your individual strengths, requirements, and future goals.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT can assist you in identifying harmful patterns of behaviour and think. You’ll develop goals for healthy methods to cope.
- Contingency management: This sort of therapy pushes you to establish personal goals. When you achieve a goal, you receive a reward.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is a sort of talk therapy similar to CBT. It’s intended to help you handle strong emotions and understand how your ideas influence your actions.
- Family therapy: Family therapy can help you improve relationships and behaviors in a family or group context.
- Motivational enhancement therapy: This sort of therapy pushes you to set realistic goals. A mental health professional will inspire you to take action toward your goals.
- Therapeutic Communities (TCs): A TC is a long-term residential treatment program that aims to help you create new, healthier beliefs and behaviours connected to substance abuse and other co-occurring mental health issues.
Sud Medications
Medications can help change your brain chemistry and treat certain SUDs. They can also help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Medication-assisted treatments approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include the following:
- Opioids: Opioids include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
- Alcohol: Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
- Tobacco: A nicotine patch, nasal spray, gum, or lozenge; and bupropion or varenicline.
Conclusion
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complicated mental health issue. Substances alter the way your brain functions, making it difficult to stop consuming them, even if you want to. It is okay to seek assistance when necessary, even if it is one of the most difficult tasks. Treatment is difficult. Detoxifying is uncomfortable. Therapy is emotionally taxing. But rehabilitation is rewarding.
Take the first step towards seeking help and remember that you don’t have to face it alone – help is always within reach. Here is to a healthier YOU!
