Everything You Need to Know About Substance Abuse Disorder

What is Substance Abuse Disorder?

Substance abuse disorder, which is also referred to as Substance Use Disorder is a chronic and complex medical condition which involves the continued use of drugs or alcohol (substances) despite significant substance-related problems.

Substance Use Disorder Categories

Depending on the substance and symptoms, people can fall into different categories which include:

• Mild Substance Use Disorder: a person displays 2-3 symptoms

• Moderate Substance Use Disorder: a person displays 4-5 symptoms

• Severe substance use disorder: a person displays 6 or more symptoms

Symptoms of Substance Abuse Disorder

These may include:

• Appetite or sleep changes.

• Sudden weight changes.

• Personality or attitude changes.

• Mood swings or irritability.

• Unusual hyperactivity or energy.

• Lack of motivation.

• Bloodshot eyes or small pupils.

• Poor physical appearance.

• Smelly breath or clothing.

• Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.

• Skipping school or missing work.

• Having frequent fights, accidents, or legal trouble.

• Secretive or suspicious behavior.

• Changes in social circle.

• Asking for money.

Causes of Substance Use Disorder

• There is no known cause of substance use disorder; however, there are several risks that have been identified. These include:

• Biological factors such as person’s genes, ethnicity, gender, and presence of mental health issues may all increase the risk of developing an addiction.

• Surrounding environment such as experiencing abuse or neglect during childhood, or intense stress levels at any age.

• Specific age such as adolescense makes it more likely to develop substance use disorder.

Treatment

As there are varying levels of intensity, treatment is based on each individual’s situation. Common treatment modalities for substance use disorder include:

• Detoxification centers

• Inpatient treatment which include daily talk therapy, support groups, education on addiction and substance use, family therapy, and more.

• An intensive treatment program offering group and individual therapy

• Outpatient program that offers less intensive type of follow-up treatment

• An educational component to learn about the nature of addiction, denial, and relapse prevention

• Behavior therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy

• Medications for detoxification and to help manage a person’s withdrawal symptoms

• Counselling or therapy with a professional therapist or licensed drug and alcohol counselor

• Establishing a regular exercise routine

• Adopting a stress-reduction program such as yoga