What You Need to Know About Substance Use Disorder
The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) keeps comprehensive data on drug use, addiction, and abuse. Whatever the reason for taking drugs, several are highly addictive, and people can quickly become reliant on their effects. Drug addiction and substance misuse can be challenging to overcome without help -- thankfully, a lot of support is available! Here are some insights into how psychotherapy could help.
Substance use disorder is a health condition involving compulsive substance use. It develops when substance use interferes with the ability to function day to day. It can occur with prescription or nonprescription drugs.
Medical professionals previously used the term “drug abuse” to describe substance use disorder. Another term for substance use disorder is addiction. This differs from dependence.
Substance misuse greatly affects public health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70,000 people in the United States died from overdoses in 2017. And every year, around 88,000 people die from excessive alcohol use in the United States.
Substance misuse also leads to other public health problems, such as:
drunk and impaired driving
violence
familial stress
potential for child abuse and neglect
Sharing or reusing needles for intravenous drug use also increases the risk of contracting and transmitting infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) describes substance use disorder as a brain disease. It’s characterized by repeated substance use despite negative effects. Substance use disorder involves many social and biological factors.
The most successful way to prevent substance use disorder is through education.
Risk factors
Substance misuse and addiction can affect anyone. However, there are some things that may increase the chance of developing a substance use disorder.
As is the case with many conditions, genetics play a key role in addiction. Research indicates that genetic factors may be responsible for 40 to 60 percent of an individual’s susceptibility to developing a substance use disorder.
Other risk factors for developing substance misuse issues include:
physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
exposure to trauma
family members or peers who use or misuse substances
access to these substances
mental health disorders, such as:
depression
anxiety
eating disorders
personality disorders
substance use at an early age
Adolescent substance misuse
Adolescents are likely to experiment with substances. Their brains aren’t fully developed, so they don’t have the same decision-making abilities as adults. As such, they may develop substance misuse issues.
Risk factors for adolescent substance misuse include:
parents or family members who misuse substances
childhood mistreatment, such as abuse or neglect
peer pressure to use substances
bullying
gang affiliation
certain conditions, like ADHD or depression
Having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t mean someone will develop an addiction. However, the more risk factors present, the greater the likelihood substance use will progress to misuse or addiction.
Depressants
Substances classified as depressants (or central nervous system depressants) reduce activity in your central nervous system (CNS). They make you feel relaxed and drowsy.
However, depressants’ effects vary depending on the amount consumed and an individual’s specific reaction to the substance.
For example, low doses of depressants can actually have a stimulant effect and cause a euphoric feeling. Larger doses cause depressant effects, such as cognitive impairment or loss of coordination.
Alcohol
Your body rapidly absorbs alcohol from your stomach and small intestine into your bloodstream. Alcohol impairs brain function and motor skills. It can affect every organ in your body. Alcohol can also harm a developing fetus in those who are pregnant.
Alcohol in moderation may be part of a healthy diet. One standard drink equals:
12 ounces of beer
8 to 9 ounces of malt liquor
5 ounces of wine
1.5 ounces of liquor
But heavy alcohol use increases the risk of:
liver disease
stroke
cancer
Alcohol use disorder occurs when your use of alcohol affects your daily life, like your ability to work or maintain relationships. Heavy alcohol misuse can harm your health in the long term.
Alcohol is the most commonly used recreational substance in the United States. The 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that, over a 30-day period, approximately 139.8 million Americans 12 years old and older (51.1 percent) used alcohol at least once, and 16.6 million Americans reported heavy alcohol use.
Heroin
Heroin is an opioid. Like the prescription drug morphine, heroin is made from the seed of the poppy plant, or opium. Heroin is also referred to as:
smack
H
ska
junk
It’s typically injected into a vein, smoked, or snorted. It can also be administered rectally. Heroin produces a euphoric feeling and clouded thinking, followed by a drowsy state.
Heroin use can lead to:
heart problems
miscarriages
overdose
death
Regular heroin use leads to increased tolerance. This means that over time, you may need to take more of the substance to experience its desired effects. If abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms typically occur. Because of this, many people who use heroin continue to use it to avoid feeling sick.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase CNS activity. They can temporarily make someone feel more alert, energized, or confident.
Misuse can lead to serious risks, such as:
insomnia
cardiovascular issues
seizures
Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful substance. It’s injected into veins, snorted, or smoked. Cocaine produces energetic and euphoric feelings. It’s also called:
coke
C
crack
snow
flake
blow
Cocaine use increases:
body temperature
blood pressure
heart rate
Heavy and prolonged cocaine use can lead to:
heart attacks
respiratory failure
strokes
seizures
death
The 2018 NSDUH found that around 5.5 million Americans ages 12 and older had used cocaine in the past year.
Methamphetamines
Methamphetamine is closely related to amphetamine. It can be snorted, injected, or heated and smoked. Other names for methamphetamine include:
chalk
meth
ice
crystal
glad
speed
crank
Methamphetamine can produce long-term wakefulness. It may also increase physical activity, which can result in increased:
heart rate
body temperature
blood pressure
If used for a long time, methamphetamine can lead to:
mood problems
violent behavior
anxiety
confusion
insomnia
severe dental problems
Marijuana
Marijuana is a dried mix of the following parts of the cannabis plant:
flowers
stems
seeds
leaves
It can be smoked or ingested via a variety of edible products. It can produce feelings of euphoria, distorted perceptions, and trouble solving problems. Marijuana is also called:
ganja
pot
weed
grass
420
trees
The NSDUH estimates 43.5 million Americans ages 12 and older used marijuana in 2018.
Research has supported and continues to explore the ability of marijuana to treat certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma and chemotherapy side effects.
‘Club’ drugs
This category refers to a wide variety of substances people often use at dance parties, clubs, and bars.
They include the following:
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). It’s also known as grievous bodily harm, G, and liquid ecstasy.
Ketamine. Ketamine is also known as K, special K, vitamin K, and cat valium.
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). MDMA is also known as ecstasy, X, XTC, adam, clarity, and molly.
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). LSD is also known as acid.
Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol). Flunitrazepamis also known as R2 or as a roofie, rophie, roche, or forget-me pill.
Club drugs can lead to feelings of euphoria, detachment, or sedation. Due to their sedative qualities, roofies in particular have been used to commit sexual assaults, or “date rape,” on unsuspecting people.
They can cause:
serious short-term mental health problems, such as delirium
physical health issues, such as rapid heart rate, seizures, and dehydration
death
Risks of these side effects increase when they’re mixed with alcohol.
Other compounds
There are other commonly misused substances that don’t fall into the above categories.
Anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are also commonly known as:
juice
gym candy
pumpers
stackers
Steroids are lab-made substances. They mimic testosterone, the male sex hormone, and are taken orally or injected.
In the United States, they’re legal with a prescription. However, some athletes misuse them to enhance performance and build strength.
Steroid misuse can cause serious and chronic health problems, including:
aggressive behavior
liver damage
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
Infertility
Women who misuse steroids face additional symptoms, such as:
facial hair growth
menstrual cycle changes
baldness
a deepened voice
Teens who misuse steroids may experience:
impaired growth
accelerated puberty
severe acne
Inhalants
The act of using inhalants is sometimes known as huffing. Inhalants are also known as:
whip-its
poppers
snappers
Inhalants are chemical vapors that people breathe to experience mind-altering effects. They include common products, such as:
glue
hair spray
paint
lighter fluid
The short-term effects cause a feeling similar to alcohol use.
Using inhalants comes with risks. They can lead to:
a loss of sensation
a loss of consciousness
a loss of hearing
spasms
brain damage
heart failure
The 2018 NSDUH found that about 2 million people ages 12 and older used inhalants in the past year. That represents 0.7 percent of Americans in this age group.
Prescription drugs
Many people are prescribed medication to manage pain and other conditions. Prescription drug misuse occurs when you take a medication that’s not prescribed to you, or you take it for reasons other than those prescribed by your doctor.
Some people who take these medications can develop a substance use disorder, even when they’re using the medication exactly as prescribed.
These drugs may include:
opioids for pain management, such as fentanyl (Duragesic, Subsys), oxycodone (OxyContin, Xtampza ER), or acetaminophen/hydrocodone
anxiety or sleep medicine, such as alprazolam (Xanax) or diazepam (Valium)
stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
Their effects differ depending on the medication, but misusing prescription drugs can lead to:
drowsiness
depressed breathing
slowed brain function
anxiety
paranoia
Seizures
The misuse of prescription drugs has increased over the past few decades. This is partially because they’ve become more widely available.
Stages of substance use disorder
Some experts break up substance use disorder into the following stages:
In the experimental use stage, you use the substance with peers for recreation.
In the regular use stage, you change your behavior and use the substance to fix negative feelings.
In the daily preoccupation, or risky use, stage, you’re preoccupied with the substance and don’t care about your life outside of your substance use.
In the dependence stage, you’re unable to face your life without using the substance. Your financial and personal problems increase. You may also take risks to obtain the substance that result in legal problems.
Treating substance use disorder
Medical treatment is available for substance use disorders. Programs should follow these principles of addiction treatment:
Addiction is a complex but treatable health condition.
There’s no single treatment that works for everyone.
Treatment is readily available.
Treatment focuses on your multiple needs.
Treatment addresses your mental health. Your treatment needs are regularly evaluated to ensure your treatment is meeting them.
It’s critical to remain in treatment for an adequate amount of time. Voluntary and involuntary treatment can be effective.
Potential substance use is monitored during treatment because relapses can and do happen.
Treatment programs should also check and assess for infectious diseases while providing risk-education counseling. This empowers you to take control of your health so you don’t contract or transmit infectious diseases.
Detoxification
Depending on the type of substance use disorder, the first stage of treatment may be medically assisted detoxification. During this process, supportive care is provided as the substance is cleared from your bloodstream.
Detoxification is followed by other treatments to encourage long-term abstinence. Many treatments involve both individual and group counseling. These are provided in outpatient facilities or inpatient residential recovery programs.
Medications can also reduce withdrawal symptoms and encourage recovery. In heroin addiction, for example, your doctor may prescribe a medication called methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone). These medications can ease your recovery and help you cope with the intense withdrawal stage.
Preventing substance use disorder
The best way to avoid a substance use disorder is to prevent use in the first place. However, while abstaining from substances is the safest approach, it may not be the most realistic. Because of this, education and safety practices are the best tools to reduce harm and avoid addiction.
Mental healthcare, community outreach, and reducing stigma can all help prevent the development of substance use disorders. Harm reduction programs can also reduce complications of substance use and connect people to treatment.
If you’re a parent and concerned about your children’s substance use, create a safe space to talk openly with your children. The more knowledge and trust, the better.
Resources, phone numbers, and support groups
Consider using the following resources for support and treatment referral:
Above the Influence provides information targeted at youth and young adults regarding substance use, peer pressure, and treatment options.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers free resources and referrals to treatment. If you have questions or need help, call the 24/7 helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).
The National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teenagers provides information and research for teenagers and young adults about substance use disorders.
The National Association for Children of Alcoholics provides information and resources for children of parents with alcohol use disorder.
Al-Anon provides confidential groups and meetings across the United States for adult friends and family members of people who misuse alcohol. Call 888-4AL-ANON (888-425-2666) for more meeting information.
Alateen provides confidential groups and meetings across the United States to help teenagers and young adults cope with a friend or family member’s alcohol use. Try Alateen chat.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers meetings and support groups for people in recovery from alcohol addiction or misuse.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offers meetings and support groups for people in recovery from narcotic addiction or misuse.
Fighting drug and alcohol dependency is not easy -- and the caring, certified experts at MorMindful are here to help with highly individualised, effective psychotherapy. Recovering from addiction is possible with the proper support. Visit us at www.MorMindful.com or call us at 561-460-1885 to schedule an appointment.