Substance Abuse and Addiction

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition that involves misusing prescription, illicit, or legal substances. Addiction is not just a physical condition. It involves a person’s emotions, genetics, behaviors, and more. In 2022, an estimated 48.7 million people aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder, including 29.5 million with an alcohol use disorder and 27.2 million with a drug use disorder.[1]

Using addictive substances can change how the brain and body work. These changes can make it very challenging for people to stop using substances without professional help.

 In this article, we will explore what substance abuse and addiction are. You will learn:

•  The definition of substance use disorder
•  The most commonly abused substances
•  How to recognize the signs of substance use disorder and addiction
•  How to treat addiction 
•  Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support

If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Center Specialists to explore our programs or schedule an intake appointment.

What is Substance Use Disorder?

Drug addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), develops when people use addictive substances and develop dependence on them. People may begin using addictive substances for a range of reasons. They may feel curious about the drug’s effects, want to fit in with peers, or want to use substances to self-medicate physical or emotional pain.

Frequently using addictive substances can make changes in how the brain and body work. Over time, people may need to use larger amounts of a substance to get its desired effects. This is called tolerance. Developing tolerance can lead to increased use of a substance.

In some cases, people may develop physical dependence very quickly. In others, it may take months or years of abuse to cause physical dependence. 

Some substances with the potential for misuse and dependence include:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Opioids, including both illegal and prescription drugs 
• Prescription stimulants, including prescription drugs used to treat ADHD
• Illegal stimulants, including cocaine and methamphetamine
• Prescription barbiturates
• Prescription benzodiazepines 

Once someone has developed a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol, they often cannot choose to simply stop using it. If they stop using the substance abruptly, they will experience withdrawal symptoms that may be dangerous or life-threatening. People with addiction often find it incredibly challenging to stop using substances without significant interventions and ongoing support. 

Certain risk factors can increase someone’s risk of developing substance use disorder. These factors include:

•  Living with a mental health disorder
•  Having family members with substance use disorder
•  Living in an environment with high levels of drug abuse
•  Starting to use addictive substances at an early age

People with substance use disorder may experience long-term physical and mental health problems. Substance use can worsen mental health conditions, lead to chronic medical conditions, and put people at risk of overdose and death.

Recognizing the signs of substance use disorder and seeking treatment is essential. Comprehensive treatment can help people understand and address the complex underlying roots of their addiction. 

Recognizing the Signs of Addiction

Addiction is an inability to control your intake of an addictive substance. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), there are several criteria required to diagnose someone with substance use disorder (SUD).[2] These signs of addiction include:

• Using a larger amount of a substance or using it more often than before
• Spending a lot of time and energy getting using or recovering from using the substance
• Experiencing cravings for the substance
• Falling behind in your responsibilities at work, school, or home because of substance use
• Neglecting your relationships, hobbies, and other responsibilities because of your substance use
• Taking risks while using substances, including having unprotected sex or driving while intoxicated
• Wanting to stop using the substance but finding it is impossible
• Continuing to use a substance, even when it hurts your body, mind, relationships, or other areas of your life 
• Needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects or finding you can use a large amount of a substance without appearing or feeling intoxicated
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it

If you recognize any of these signs of addiction in yourself or someone you love, seek treatment. It is essential to seek treatment as soon as you realize a problem. The sooner you begin treatment, the more effective it is likely to be.

How to Treat Addiction

Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. People have different needs throughout treatment and recovery. There are many levels of treatment available for since use disorder, including:

•  Inpatient and residential treatment programs
•  Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
•  Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
•  Outpatient rehab
•  Medical detox programs

The primary goal of comprehensive treatment programs is to help people safely stop using drugs or alcohol and prevent relapse.

Comprehensive addiction treatment programs may include:[3]

•  Medications
•  Mental health treatment
•  Behavioral therapies
•  Individual, family, and group therapy
•  Relapse prevention education
•  Coping skills
•  Nutrition support, exercise, mindfulness, and other holistic Therapies
•  Aftercare planning and support

Throughout treatment, people receive tailored care from medical and mental health professionals. Comprehensive treatment programs provide the treatments, support, and structure people need to put addiction in the past.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love requires treatment for substance use disorder, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Center specialists to explore our treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment. 

References:

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH): DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders: Recommendations and Rationale
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Treatment of Substance Use Disorders