Substance Abuse

Addiction refers to substance abuse that someone is not able to control. In most cases, the person is aware that they are harming themselves but they find that they are powerless against the pull of the addictive substance. The range of addiction is broad and does not only refer to drugs or alcohol. Some people are addicted to physical activities, gambling,  working,  eating, among others.

The path that leads to addiction is a slippery slope. Many people will take substances out of curiosity, but this can involve using the substances over and over again until it results in addiction.

There are many neurological explanations behind why people are unable to have control over the urge to use addictive substances. It also explains why many individuals go back to using drugs even after seeking and completing an addiction treatment program.

It is essential to realize that there is a distinction between addiction and overuse. Overuse refers to the excessive use of substances without necessarily leading to addiction. For instance, one may binge drink, but be able to keep away from alcohol over consecutive days.

There are sure signs one should watch out for because they could be indicative of substance abuse. These include behavioral, psychological, and physical manifestations. Take note of the following:

Physical Signs

• Tremors,  impaired coordination,  slurred speech
•  Sniffling or runny nose
•  Unexplained weight loss
•  Deterioration in personal hygiene
•  Inability to sleep
•  Bloodshot eyes
•  Poor appetite

 Behavioral Signs

• Inability to relate with other people
•  Suspicious, secretive behavior
•  Sudden violent or negligent behavior
•  Change in friends or favorite Hangouts
•  Incessant borrowing or an increase in financial problems. they may resort to stealing

 Psychological Signs

•  Paranoia,  anxiety, and fear
• Swings between extreme energy and lethargy
•  Mood swings characterized by irritability and outbursts
•  Changing attitude and personality

When substance abuse becomes severe, someone can voluntarily seek help to stop. In other cases, there could be family or Court intervention, which could force the individual into treatment.

The treatment is more likely to succeed if someone chooses to do it themselves. It will come from the realization that the substance has become problematic and is affecting the quality of their life. An addict is not able to function well in all aspects of his or her life, whether at home, school, work, or any other area requiring social interaction.

Treatment and recovery is a lifelong process, and that is why you may find someone who knows the exact amount of time they have been sober. Many times you will hear an ex-addict say they have been sober for ten years, ten months, ten days, and 10 hours. Every day for an ex-addict is one that they can relapse, and that is why every day of sobriety is an achievement.

The type of treatment will depend on the individual’s requirements. The experts will go for the best option after a careful evaluation.

Some of the treatment options available include:

Detoxification

Detoxification is the first step and works towards cleaning the body of the addictive substance while making sure that the withdrawal symptoms do not result in a fatality. Usually it involves the use of medication to reduce the negative effects of the withdrawals.

Behavioral therapy and counseling

Once the body is clean of the addictive substances, the next step is therapy. Healing could be an individual, group, all family therapy. There are different kinds of treatment, and they include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy aims at teaching an individual to realize that they have a problem with regards to substance use.
•  Multi-dimensional family therapy usually works for adolescents or teens and equip families with skills on how to deal with an.
•  Motivational interviewing – these focus on changing and making adjustments to certain behaviors.
•  Motivational incentives – these use positive reinforcement to encourage an individual to stay away from the substances.

Rehabilitation

Rehab is a long-term treatment and works towards keeping an individual substance-free and equipping them with the skills to become functioning individuals of society. There are specific options, an individual can consider.

•  Short-term Residential treatment –  the individual will undergo detoxification within a therapeutic community and intensive counseling.
•  Partial hospitalization programs  (PHP) will require the individual to dedicate a certain number of hours every week to therapy. It works well for those who have completed in-house treatment but want to continue with rehabilitation.
• Sober Living is short-term and will give patients a place to stay as they try to adapt to the new substance-free life.

Self-help groups

Self-help groups work well for recovering addicts and include Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Medication

Someone with a substance abuse problem can take medication continuously. While in the initial stage,  the drugs are useful for dealing with withdrawal symptoms,  an individual may continue to use them on a more prolonged basis. Some medications will reduce the cravings, thus making it possible for the individual to keep away from the addictive substances.