People with substance use disorders continue using intoxicating substances despite their negative impact. Also known as drug addiction, substance use disorder affects a person’s mental health and can cause distinct changes in behaviour. Over time, a person’s brain chemistry may be altered by their continued use of the drug.
People can become dependent on or addicted to both legal and illegal substances. Continued substance abuse can affect numerous areas of a person’s life, and often results in legal issues. It can also be detrimental to overall health and is associated with a higher disease risk. It’s possible to overcome addiction and substance abuse provided proper treatment is sought.
Drug addiction and abuse can have a drastic impact on behaviour, including the following symptoms:
Continued use of substances over time can also result in withdrawal symptoms when you stop suddenly. While it can depend on the drug you’re using, common withdrawal symptoms include:
Some withdrawal symptoms can be more severe, such as seizures and significant confusion. In this case, immediate medical intervention is necessary to manage the effects.
Environment and genetics are thought to play a role in substance abuse and drug addiction. For instance, exposure to drug use can increase the risk of an issue, while people with certain genetic traits are more prone to substance abuse overall. Other common risk factors include:
Upon diagnosis, substance abuse and addiction issues require comprehensive treatment from a range of medical professionals. Withdrawal symptoms are managed through detox, which can vary depending on the substance being abused. For instance, some people require hospitalization to manage withdrawal effects, while others can go through detox on an outpatient basis.
Treatment programs are another essential aspect of recovery, and these programs can take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting. They can be focused on the individual or cater to a group of people battling substance abuse and addiction. Because many people who are addicted to intoxicating substances also have underlying mental health issues, behavioural therapy is often recommended. There are also self-help and peer support groups, which allow people to share their experiences and provide support.