Do you sometimes feel, or do you know someone who does, that using a drug, perhaps alcohol, cigarettes, or another drug, has gone a little too far? What started out as a little fun, but now it's become a necessity and everything else in your life is messed up? If so, this story will be very important to you. Today we're going to talk about a condition called `Substance Use Disorder (SUD)`.
What is this substance use disorder (SUD)?
Simply put, substance use disorder (SUD) is a mental health condition in which your use of a substance becomes so severe that it interferes with your health, life, and relationships. It was also called "drug addiction" in the past.
Think about it, when we use these drugs, our brain functions change little by little. These drugs release a chemical called `(Dopamine)` in our brain. This `(Dopamine)` is what makes us feel happy and good. But then, when the effect of the drug wears off, that happiness also disappears. Then the brain and body want to get that "good" feeling again. No matter how bad it is for your health, that need continues. This can have a big impact on your mental well-being, family relationships, education, and work. In some cases, this can even be life-threatening.
This condition (SUD) can affect each person to varying degrees. Some may experience mild symptoms , others moderate symptoms, and some may experience severe symptoms . No matter where you are, remember that this is a treatable condition , and there are many ways to get help if you are ready.
What are the types of substance use disorders (SUD)?
There are several types of drugs that can cause this condition. The most common types are:
- Problems related to alcohol use (`Alcohol use disorder`).
- Problems related to cocaine use (`Cocaine use disorder`).
- Problems related to cannabis use (`Cannabis use disorder`).
- Problems related to tobacco use (`Tobacco use disorder`).
- Problems related to the use of methamphetamine (such as ice) (`Methamphetamine use disorder`).
- Problems related to the use of opioids (painkillers such as heroin and morphine) (`Opioid use disorder`).
Sometimes a person can be addicted to more than one drug. For example, using tobacco along with alcohol. This is called ``Polysubstance use disorder''.
In fact, as in many countries around the world, one of the most common types of ``SUD'' seen in our country is alcohol-related problems.
What are the symptoms of this condition?
The symptoms of a substance use disorder can vary depending on the type of drug you are using. There are two main categories of symptoms:
1. Intoxication: This is the immediate and short-term effects of taking a drug. It can include drowsiness, drowsiness, excessive excitement, and intense emotions. It can also affect your judgment, decision-making, and physical and mental functioning.
2. Withdrawal symptoms: These are the symptoms that occur as the short-term effects of the drug wear off and the drug gradually leaves the body. These are often unpleasant. They can include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, insomnia, muscle twitching, and mood swings.
What are the symptoms of a substance use disorder (SUD)?
According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, symptoms of a condition called ``(SUD)'' may include:
- Taking drugs (especially prescription drugs) in more than the prescribed amount or for longer than the prescribed period of time.
- A strong desire or urge to use drugs.
- Failure of attempts to reduce or control drug use.
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of drugs.
- Difficulty fulfilling responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drug use.
- Continuing to use drugs despite relationship problems.
- Giving up social, professional, or recreational activities due to drug use.
- Repeated drug use , despite knowing that it could be dangerous to oneself.
- Continuing to use drugs despite having a physical or mental problem that may be caused or made worse by the drug.
- Development of tolerance (needing to increase the amount of the drug to get the same effect - `tolerance`).
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms , which are relieved by taking more of the drug.
If you think you have one or more of these symptoms, it is very important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Why do these drug use-related problems (SUD) occur?
The exact cause of this is still unknown. However, research suggests that the addictive nature of drugs may be due to changes in your brain's "reward system." Simply put, the brain becomes accustomed to the temporary pleasure that drugs provide, and then craves it.
How does this substance use disorder (SUD) develop?
Studies have found that many factors can contribute to the development of this ``(SUD)`` condition. For example:
- Social pressure: Influence from friends, being told to "try it a little" at parties and events.
- Curiosity: The desire to know how it feels to use drugs.
- Improving performance: Some people think that these will help them do better at work or study for exams.
- Stress relief: Trying to temporarily relieve stress, anxiety, fear, and depression.
The pattern that often leads to a `(SUD)` situation may look like this:
1. Experimental use (or prescription use): Trying a drug for the first time or using a medication as prescribed by a doctor.
2. Occasional use: Occasional use, such as in social settings, when hanging out with friends, or using medication in a way other than as prescribed by a doctor.
3. Heavy use: Using drugs continuously, almost daily, or every few days.
4. Substance Use Disorder (SUD): A condition in which a person uses drugs daily or several times a day. There is hardly any time to go without using drugs.
This is just an example, because this situation can vary greatly from person to person, and the severity also varies.
Who is at higher risk of developing substance use disorders (SUD)?
This condition can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. However, you may be at increased risk for developing this condition for the following reasons:
- If you already have another mental health condition (e.g. depression, anxiety).
- If someone in your family (biological relative) has a condition called `(SUD)`.
- If you have had adverse childhood experiences.
- If there is a genetic susceptibility (certain genetic mutations can cause SUDs to occur more frequently).
- Exposure to drugs or easy access to them .
What complications can arise from this condition?
The most common and dangerous complication of SUD is an overdose . An overdose is when you take too much of a drug. This is a medical emergency!
Different drugs affect different parts of the body. For example, if you overdose on an opioid, it affects the part of your brain that controls breathing. If not treated quickly, your breathing can slow down, stop, and even lead to death.
There are many complications that can occur with SUD, and they vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of drug used. Common complications include:
- Cancer .
- Depression .
- Infections (e.g. `(Hepatitis B)`, `(Hepatitis C)` and `(HIV)`).
- Memory loss .
- Educational or professional challenges .
- Difficulties in interpersonal relationships .
- Unsafe, illegal, or risky behavior .
How is this substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosed?
There is no single test to diagnose this condition. Instead, doctors will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history and drug use behaviors. They may also perform drug tests to see how much and what types of drugs are in your body at one time.
The doctor will also ask about your mental health history, as it is common for SUD to co-exist with other mental health conditions.
According to the American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-5) manual, to be diagnosed with a condition called "SUD", a person must have at least two of the symptoms listed in the symptom section within a 12-month period .
It is also important to remember that this condition can have different levels of severity:
- If there are two or three symptoms, it is a mild `(SUD)` condition.
- If there are four or five symptoms, it is a moderate `(SUD)` condition.
- If there are six or more symptoms, it is a severe `(SUD)` condition.
What are the treatments for this?
The first step in treating SUD is withdrawal management . This involves stopping the drug and allowing it to leave your body. This is also called detox. Depending on the severity of the condition, a doctor may prescribe medication to reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms, which can be very difficult, both physically and mentally.
After the `Detox`, you can continue with treatments like these:
- Counseling and Therapy .
- Medication .
Treatment for SUD is highly individualized . You may need different types of treatment at different times in your recovery journey. There are a variety of treatment settings, including residential and outpatient treatment centers, short-term and long-term therapeutic communities.
Therapy
There are a variety of treatments that can help treat SUD and other mental health conditions that may coexist. Some of the most effective treatments for SUD in adults include:
- Assertive Community Treatment (ACT): This is a form of mental health care that is provided in the community, rather than in a residential or hospital setting. It is highly individualized. The treatment plan is based on your strengths, needs, and future goals.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This helps you identify your problematic behaviors and thought patterns. You can set goals to deal with problems in a healthy way.
- Contingency management: This therapy encourages you to set personal goals. When you achieve a goal, you receive a reward.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This is a talk therapy, similar to CBT. It helps you manage intense emotions and understand how your thoughts affect your behavior.
- Family therapy: This helps improve relationships and behaviors within a family or group.
- Motivational enhancement therapy: This encourages you to set achievable goals. A mental health counselor will encourage you to work towards those goals.
- Therapeutic communities (TCs): This is a long-term residential treatment that helps people develop new, healthy values and behaviors related to substance use and other related mental health conditions.
Participating in self-help groups like Narcotics Anonymous can also play a role in treating SUD. These programs help people change their behavior through self-help and peer support. Group therapy helps people with SUD stay sober and avoid drugs.
Doctors may recommend these treatments alone or in combination with medication.
Medications used for this purpose
Medications can help treat some SUD conditions by changing your brain chemistry. They can also help relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Some of the drug-assisted treatments approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are:
- For opioids: `(Methadone)`, `(Buprenorphine)` and `(Naltrexone)`.
- For alcohol: `(Naltrexone)`, `(Acamprosate)` and `(Disulfiram)`.
- For tobacco: nicotine patches, nasal spray, chewing gum or lozenges; `(Bupropion)` or `(Varenicline)`.
Can these drug use-related problems (SUD) be prevented?
Not all cases of SUD can be prevented, as there are many factors that contribute to the development of the condition (many of which are beyond your control). However, you can take steps to reduce your risk.
Education in schools, communities, and within families can reduce the risk of first-time drug use or misuse of prescription medications. Other ways to prevent SUD include:
- Follow the directions on your prescription exactly. Don't take more than the prescribed amount. For example, problems associated with opioid use can start after just five days of misuse.
- Never share your prescription medications with anyone else or sell your medications. Always keep them in a safe place out of the reach of children.
- If you have leftover prescription drugs (like opioids) at the end of treatment, find a community-based drug collection program or a mail-in pharmacy return program to safely dispose of them.
The risk of substance abuse increases during times of stress and life changes. For an adult, things like a divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one can increase the risk of substance abuse. For a young child, things like moving, a family divorce, or a school change can increase the risk. During times of change like these, it's important to find healthy ways to cope, such as exercising, meditating, or learning a new hobby. If you're having trouble managing stress, see a mental health counselor .
What is the outlook for this situation?
The prognosis of this condition depends on several factors:
- The type and severity of `(SUD)`.
- The level of commitment to treatment and recovery.
- Genetic influences .
- How do you cope when you're stressed?
Drug addiction is a lifelong illness . However, recovery is definitely possible . Different people find success in different ways. Many people find success through support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and ongoing therapy.
Relapses are common in SUD. A relapse is when you go off the drug for a period of time and then start using it again. You then have to detox and start the treatment cycle all over again. This can be a stressful process. You can relapse years after you last used the drug. If you are at risk of relapse, it can be very helpful to have a strong support system that you can trust.
Your doctor should review your treatment plan regularly. It's normal for your goals or lifestyle to change. That means you may need to try a different treatment or a new medication. A doctor can help you make the necessary changes throughout your life.
When should you see a doctor?
If you are currently using a drug regularly and are concerned that it is becoming a habit that you cannot stop on your own, it is important to talk to a doctor . You can also get guidance from a doctor on how to talk to your children about SUD and how to get them help if they think they are at risk.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a complex mental health condition. Because drugs change the way your brain works, it can be difficult to stop using drugs, even if you want to. However, it's not wrong to ask for help if you need it, even though it's one of the hardest things to do.
Finally, you have to say...
Treatment is a challenge. Detoxing is unpleasant. Therapy is emotionally draining. But recovery is so worth it. As you begin your treatment journey, you may want to seek support from a trusted friend or family member. Their encouragement may be the motivation you need to talk to a doctor.
Because SUD is a chronic condition, you may need ongoing care throughout your life. Remember, your care team is with you every step of the way. You don't have to go through this journey alone. Ask for help, and get well.
` Drugs, addiction, mental health, alcohol, tobacco, treatment, recovery
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න