Watch almost any movie and you will be able to spot drug abuse in an instant. In reality, though, substance use disorder is sneaky.
And can be difficult to identify even by medical professionals.
Having one too many drinks at a party or experimenting with recreational drugs in a social context doesn’t necessarily lead to abuse. For some people, recreational drug use becomes more frequent until they become addicted to.
It while for others addiction starts with prescribed medications, such as opioid painkillers.
So, how can you recognize the signs and what you should do.
If you suspect that a loved one is abusing substances?
Causes Of Substance Use Disorder
The exact cause of substance use disorder isn’t known. But a number of factors like a person’s genes, peer pressure, anxiety, action of the drug, emotional distress, depression and environmental stress can result in substance use according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. People take drugs to feel good, relieve stress, improve performance and to gain spiritual enlightenment.
The Signs of Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Here are some of the most common signs of substance use disorder (SUD:)
- Difficulty controlling substance use, whether it’s alcohol, opioids, or other types of drugs. The person is consuming higher quantities, more often, and for longer periods.
- Although they may want to quit or cut back, they are not able to do it.
- They start frequently missing school or work or lost interest in activities that they were passionate about before.
- Noticeable physical health issues, such as sudden weight loss or gain, bloodshot or glazed eyes, apathy, and lack of energy or motivation.
- They started neglecting the personal hygiene and don’t seem to be caring about grooming or their appearance.
- Drastic behavioral changes, like aggression, being secretive, mood swings, irritability, and so on.
Sorts Of Drugs That Cause Substance Use Disorder
1. Liquor
2. Cocaine
3. Remedy and over-the-counter drugs
4. Weed
5. Heroin
6. Tobacco Products
7. Club drugs
8. Against tension and narcotic medications
9. Drugs
10. Inhalants
11. Narcotics
12. Anabolic steroids
13. Focal sensory system depressants
Stages Of Substance Use Disorder
- Experimental use – In this stage, an individual uses substances with peers for amusement.
- Regular use – The individual misses the everyday schedule, avoids loved ones, blended in with companions who use substances consistently and utilizes medications to fix negative sentiments.
- Problem or dangerous use – this stage, the individual has conduct changes, loses interest in work or school and engross with the substance.
- Addiction – At this stage, monetary and lawful issues increment, can’t manage without drugs, actual wellbeing deteriorates, loss of command over drug use and may become self-destructive. How Alcohol, Drug Abuse Can Cause Depression
Hazard Factors Of Substance Use Disorder
- Physical and sexual maltreatment
- Trauma openness
- Family individuals or friends who use substances
- Mental medical conditions, for example, a lack of ability to concentrate consistently confusion and post-horrendous pressure problem
- Eating issues. Complexities Of Substance Use Disorder ( SUD )
- Short-term and long haul emotional well-being issues
- Contracting an irresistible sickness
- Legal and monetary issues
- Accidents
- Suicide
- Problems at work or school
- Family issues
Analysis Of Substance Use Disorder
The specialist will completely direct an actual assessment and lead further tests, for example, blood and pee test to really take a look at the presence of medications. It is assessed that 20.8 million individuals matured 12 or more established met the symptomatic rules for substance use problem in 2015.
The analytic models for substance use problem incorporate the accompanying:
- Taking the substances in unnecessary sums and for a more drawn out period.
- Wanting to quit utilizing the substance however not having the option to.
- Spending a great deal of time utilizing or recuperating from the utilization of substance.
Intense longings to utilize the substance.
- Can’t oversee work, everyday life because of substance use.
- Continuous utilization of substances in any event, when it messes up connections.
- Losing interest in friendly and sporting exercises.
- Using substances constantly, in any event, knowing the medical issues it causes.
- Taking a greater amount of substances to dispose of withdrawal manifestations.
Treatment Of Substance Use Disorder
The treatment of substance use disorder varies depending on substances used, severity, comorbidities and the individual’s preference. The treatment will help individuals stop the use of substances, improve health and overall quality of life.
1. Individual and group counseling – This involves focusing on reducing the use of substances, building your skills, and adhering to a recovery plan. Counsellors provide therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and motivational enhancement therapy
2. Medications – Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications used in combination with counselling and behavioral therapies to treat individuals with alcohol and opioid use disorders
3. Recovery support services – These are non-clinical services that are used along with treatment to support patients in their recovery process. These services include employment or educational support, specialized living situations, mentoring, coaching, and parenting education
4. Rehabilitation – This involves enabling the patient to confront substance dependence to avoid the psychological, social, financial and physical consequences that can be caused by extreme abuse. 5. Hospitalization – Extreme overdose of drugs requires immediate hospitalization.
Prevention Of Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
- Abstain from unsafe medications including liquor.
- If you are a parent, converse with your youngster about the unsafe outcomes of substance use issue.
- Stay away from individuals who use substances.
- Educating families, schools, youths and networks can be powerful in decreasing the abuse of medications.
Entanglements Of Substance Use Disorder •
Short term and long haul emotional well-being issues
- Contracting an irresistible infection
- Legal and monetary issues
- Accidents
- Suicide
- Problems at work or school
- Family issues
How to Approach Someone Who Is Struggling with SUD (Substance use disorder)
If you think that a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, don’t put them on the spot. Don’t point a finger at them, don’t be aggressive, and definitely don’t make them feel ashamed. This will only make them deny their problem and reject your help.
Choose a moment when they are calm and simply ask them if you can talk. Don’t start this conversation if they are under the influence or if the spirits are high. Once you found a good opportunity to talk to them about this issue, try to show support and let them know you are there for them. You could say something like:
“I can see you are going through something. Do you want to talk about what’s going on?”
“I’m worried about you. Can we talk? How can I help?”
If they refuse to talk to you, ask them if there is someone they trust and feel more comfortable talking to.
Listen carefully to what they have to say, don’t judge them, and don’t be quick to offer answers and solutions, even though they may seem so simple and obvious. Encourage them to get professional help and reassure them that you will be there to support them all the way.
Ask for Help Now!
If you or a loved one are dealing with substance abuse, it’s not too late to get help. Look for a rehabilitation centres johannesburg center that fits your needs and being your journey towards rehabilitation.
Rehab is the best place you could send you loved ones.
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