Substance Abuse

There is a lot of stigma and much controversy that surrounds substance abuse. Many people have different opinions and perspectives concerning how to treat those who suffer the most. However, they can all agree on one thing: it’s a problem and it needs to be solved.

Definitions

“Substance” is defined as an intoxicating, stimulating, or narcotic chemical or drug, especially an illegal one.

“Dependence” in this case does not mean addiction. The term dependence can refer to how the body normally responds to a substance. The more a person takes a substance, the more dependent the body becomes.

Abuse vs Addiction

There is often a lot of confusion about whether substance abuse is addiction. Let’s define the two terms:

Addiction is diagnosed clinically as a “condition involving compulsive use of a substance despite negative consequences.”

Abuse is the “inappropriate use of substances for pleasure, to perform better, or to change one’s perception of reality.”

Often, the difference also has to do with timing. Developing a tolerance and developing cravings which both lead to addiction takes time. Abuse of a substance can happen almost immediately.

There is also one other key difference between abuse and addiction: the ability to stop using. It’s extremely hard for those who are addicted to substances to stop using. Someone who is abusing is likely to have an easier time cutting themselves off the substance.

However, ongoing use or abuse of substances often leads to addiction. The regular use of the substance can build up a tolerance. This tolerance does a few things: First, it makes the user want more. They crave the substance.

Second, if they started using the substance for a specific purpose (anxiety management, pain management, social situations, etc.), they may depend on the substance for stressful situations. They may believe they need it to function, thus creating a psychological dependence and an addiction.

DSM-5 definitions

The DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, has the different criteria that need to be met to be diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder or an addiction. Each disorder has been defined and the diagnosis criteria is laid out beneath. Please find them below.

If your loved one is showing signs of any of the following, please reach out for help.

Drug Abuse

A drug abuse problem is signified if one or more of these issues has been met in the past year:

Legal problems caused by drug abuse or behaviors under the influence
Physical harm to others caused by the individual’s use of drugs and/or his behaviors under the influence (or lack of action caused by the use of drugs)
Inability to do what is necessary at home, at school, at work, or to manage responsibilities in general
Ongoing use of drugs despite continued problems in these and other areas caused by drug abuse

Drug Addiction

A drug addiction problem can be diagnosed if three or more of the following issues occur within a 12-month period:

Onset of withdrawal symptoms when without the drug of choice
Using larger and larger amounts of the drug of choice in order to achieve the same results experienced initially
Less interest in old hobbies and interests in career/school pursuits
Withdrawing from friends and family
Patterns of behavior that revolve solely around getting or staying high
Multiple attempts to cut down or stop drug use without success
Continued use of drugs and alcohol despite continued and growing problems related to their use

Alcohol Use Disorder

Below is the DSM-5 criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD).

There are 11 criteria under AUD in the DSM-5. The severity of the disorder is based on the number of criteria the patient meets. The severity levels are: mild, moderate, and severe. If the score is 0-1, the patient doesn’t have AUD. 2-3 is mild; 4-5, moderate; and 6+ is severe.

Missing work or school
Drinking in hazardous situations
Drinking despite social or personal problems
Craving for alcohol
Build up of tolerance
Withdrawals when trying to quit
Drinking more than intended
Trying to quit without success
Increased alcohol-seeking behavior
Interference with important activities
Continued use despite health problems

Controversy

There is huge controversy surrounding substance abuse and addiction. Here in the U.S., we tend to look down at people who are in trouble with substances. We tend to assume that they have failed in some way.

This is one of the big controversies: only “bad people” or those who have “failed at life” are addicted or abuse substances. Addiction or substance abuse is a world only for the low-income or homeless, or those with criminal records.

On the contrary, however. Addiction and substance abuse has the ability to affect everyone throughout every race, culture, belief system, and through every economic status.

Another big controversy surrounding substance abuse and addiction is the argument of whether it’s a disease or a choice.

People who believe substance abuse is a disease might cite groups like the AMA, APA, and WHO, which all have proof and facts stating that addiction is indeed a disease – using the substance has effected the brain long-term. Those who believe substance abuse is a choice might argue that no one forced the person to start using and therefore it can and should be stopped.

There are many other controversies surrounding the issue of substance abuse and addiction. They include: “Do people who abuse drugs or are addicted deserve treatment?” “Does an addict need to hit “rock bottom” to get help?” “Are sober living homes good or bad?”

These are difficult questions, and the answers are just as complicated. Not only do the consequences of the actions taken to “fix the problem” affect families, but they affect neighbors, cultures, businesses and the economy, the medical and mental health industries, the justice and prison systems, and more.

It is not an easy fix.

Is Treatment Needed?

There are a number of serious signs related to substance abuse. If you witness any of these symptoms, substance abuse may be an issue that needs to be addressed in treatment as soon as possible.

Isolating from family and friends who don’t do drugs
Spending time with new friends or friends who get high or drunk
Never having money or often asking to borrow money, even for small items
Showing up late to work/school or not showing up at all
Losing a job
Doing little to find a job if out of work
Paying less attention to basic hygiene
Changes in sleeping habits
Extremely private about possessions, including their bags, room, or car
Lying about using or drinking
Sneaking away to get high or drunk

If you or your loved one are showing any of these signs, or know anyone who is, please reach out for help.

Realities of Substance Abuse

The earlier one starts abusing substances, the more likely one will become addicted. Substance use and abuse can start a pattern of unsafe behaviors in teens and young adults which can affect their lives in serious and dangerous ways:

Addiction
Poor judgement
Impaired memory
Injury due to intoxication
Lifelong legal problems
Development of mental health issues
Serious and irreversible health problems such as HIV, Hepatitis C, damage to major organs
Overdose
Prison
Death

Treatment Options

“Rock bottom” isn’t the point where you want to start treatment for your loved one. If possible, start getting help as soon as the signs and symptoms are noticed.

Hitting “rock bottom” can certainly wake people up to the reality of the path they’ve chosen, but the chances of your loved one getting help and recovering are much better if the signs are noticed sooner.

Below are some treatment options available for you and your loved one. Please read them carefully and do extensive research to find the treatment option that is best for your loved one.

Interventions

Interventions are good ways to get your loved one to understand how the choices and actions they make are affecting everyone around them.

Family, friends, and coworkers will gather together with their loved one to discuss the issue. Everyone will sit down and be open and upfront about how they have been treated. Interventions can be an intense and emotional time for everyone. However, it’s extremely important for the suffering individual to understand that their actions have negatively impacted the people in their life. Being forced to face the reality will be a startling wake-up call, but it might be exactly what your loved one needs.

During the intervention, everyone will talk about how the issue has negatively impacted their lives. Your loved one will then have the opportunity to apologize for their choices and actions. Take your time and remember that this is an emotionally charged time for everyone – especially for your loved one.

After the intervention, your loved one will have the choice of going to treatment or not. Make sure to come up with a plan if they say “no” to treatment.

Consider having a professional interventionist present as well. They are trained in conducting calm and successful interventions.

Recovery Programs

There are many recovery programs available to those who are suffering from substance abuse issues.

These recovery programs all follow a basic structure:

Detox
Treatment & rehabilitation
Therapy
Classes
Outpatient

Every program has unique treatments. Please research the recovery programs extensively. There are programs available for whatever you and your loved one need.

Hotlines & Chat Rooms

Hotlines and chat rooms are good treatment resources if you or your loved one are in need of help or support.

If you’re a family member or friend who has a loved one dealing with substance abuse or addiction, hotlines and chat rooms can give you the support and help you need.

Final Thoughts

Everyone is affected by substance abuse. It is not confined to a single culture, race, city boundary, or economical status.

There are many signs for drug abuse, drug addiction, and AUD. Please read the information for each diagnosis carefully. Your loved one can be helped if the signs are identified quickly.

If you or your loved one is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call 1-888-975-SAVE (7283) or visit Universal Crisis Intervention: Home for more information.