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Published In: Substance Abuse | July 31 2023
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It’s not always easy to recognize drug addiction. The distinction between drug abuse, dependence, and addiction can be vague. If you’re wondering, “Am I an addict,” it’s important to commend yourself for taking the first significant step toward healing. The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a chronic medical condition. Recognizing it as such can help us establish a more solid and practical understanding of what individuals dealing with addiction are going through. Addiction is not just a temporary issue but a disease that requires both medical and therapeutic care.
Dealing with addiction is not a straightforward matter. It entails a person’s brain wiring and genetic tendencies, which are further influenced by external circumstances like their surroundings and daily experiences. The intricate interplay between these elements sets addiction apart from mere dependence and substance misuse.
Sometimes, you might hear words like “substance abuse,” “dependence,” and “addiction” used interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. To get the most appropriate treatment for your condition, it’s important to know the difference between them and identify which one fits your situation the best.
The term “substance abuse” refers to a behavior rather than a physical, mental, or medical condition. It’s the act of misusing substances like alcohol, painkillers, or illicit drugs. It is common for individuals to engage in substance abuse at least once in their lifetime without becoming dependent or addicted.
Using a substance in excess of recommended amounts is considered abuse. For instance, moderate drinking is usually limited to one or two daily drinks. Going beyond five drinks in a day is considered heavy drinking. Additionally, using illegal drugs or prescription drug abuse is also considered substance abuse. Even if it doesn’t lead to addiction, certain behaviors related to drugs or alcohol can still be classified as substance abuse.
When someone becomes physically or chemically dependent on prescription drugs, alcohol, or illicit substances, it means they have a dependence on these substances. While dependence is often a sign of addiction, it doesn’t encompass the entire scope of what addiction entails.
Drug use and alcohol abuse cause a dependence that alters the brain’s chemistry by affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which control our reactions and behaviors. When these pleasure centers are activated, our brains crave more of the substance to experience the same effect. This results in tolerance, where more and more of the substance is needed to achieve the desired outcome.
If you get addicted to a substance, you will probably feel withdrawal symptoms when the substance wears off. Different factors, such as the substance and the level of dependence, can cause different withdrawal symptoms.
However, common withdrawal symptoms include:
Please be aware that this list is not comprehensive, and not everyone will experience all of these withdrawal symptoms. However, if you have become dependent on a substance, you should anticipate symptoms to start approximately 4-6 hours after you stop using it. Typically, withdrawal symptoms will be at their most intense around 10 hours after stopping use, but relief may begin to be felt within the first 24-72 hours.
Addiction, or substance use disorder, is different from dependence. Dependence refers to a physical or chemical reaction to substance use. Addiction involves an emotional or mental response that makes it difficult for an individual to stop using a substance. Studies have shown that attending a rehab program, setting up a transitional care plan, and continuing to attend support groups can increase the chances of achieving sobriety and staying sober.
For some people who have developed dependence, these steps are all they need, and they may not struggle to stop using. Addiction, on the other hand, is a chronic disease that may need lifelong treatment to avoid relapse.
What are the most common signs of addiction? Let’s take a look at some of the questions you can ask yourself to assess your own health. If at least two of these signs have been present in the span of one year, it is highly possible that what you are living with is addiction.
Do you dedicate a significant amount of time to thinking about ways to obtain more of a substance? Do you prioritize purchasing a substance over necessities like food or bills? Do you spend a considerable amount of time recovering from substance abuse throughout the day?
Have you stopped finding joy or fulfillment in social or recreational activities that you used to enjoy because of substance use? Do you now prioritize activities that involve or allow for substance use over those that do not? Is it difficult for you to enjoy social or recreational activities if you are not under the influence of a substance?
Have you placed yourself in harm’s way while under the influence of a substance, such as operating heavy machinery or driving a vehicle? Have you persisted in this behavior despite the known risks to yourself and others?
Are you aware that your substance use may be causing negative emotional or physical effects? Addiction can often lead to a worsening of mental or medical conditions. Despite this, do you still prioritize substance use over improving your overall well-being?
Have your relationships with friends, family, peers, or employers been negatively impacted by your substance use? Despite this, do you still prioritize using substances over your important relationships and employment opportunities?
Have you failed to fulfill your responsibilities due to substance use, causing you to become less reliable to your friends, family members, peers, and employers? Are people who once considered you trustworthy now doubting your ability to stay true to your word because of your substance use?
Do you struggle to stop thinking about a substance after its effects have worn off? Do you eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to use the substance?
Do you struggle to quit using? Are you overcome by cravings? Have you struggled with relapses?
Dependence often results in tolerance, which can be difficult to recognize in ourselves. Do you notice that the substance’s effects don’t feel as strong anymore? Do you need to consume the substance more often or in larger amounts than before to achieve the desired effect?
Have you noticed that you consume a substance more often or in larger quantities than you initially planned? Additionally, have you observed any changes in your behavior related to substance use? For instance, did it start as a social activity but has now become more of a necessity?
Do you experience unpleasant symptoms like feeling sick, irritable or restless as the substance wears off? Does using the substance make you feel better in ways that sleep or food can’t? If so, these withdrawal symptoms can trigger cravings.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the method of “going cold turkey” when trying to recover from addiction. There are safer and more effective ways to recover, such as exploring various rehabilitation options. One recommended option is medication-assisted treatment, which combines FDA-approved medical treatment with counseling and behavioral therapy to provide a comprehensive approach to whole-health recovery.
For some people, addiction therapy or outpatient programs may be a suitable choice. We suggest keeping up with these programs after finishing an in-patient program. As mentioned before, creating a detailed aftercare plan and following it can assist patients in avoiding relapse.
If you’re struggling with both addiction and mental illness, a dual-diagnosis program may be the best option for you. This program allows for safe detoxification, therapy, and exploration of how addiction and mental illness can work together. By addressing both issues, you can gain a better understanding of what you need to achieve a healthy and fulfilling life.
At Psyclarity Health, we acknowledge the intricate nature of addiction and mental health problems and the need for a multidisciplinary approach. Therefore, we provide comprehensive care that covers all aspects of a patient’s health and wellness. Our team of experts comprises psychiatrists, therapists, and addiction specialists who collaborate to design tailored treatment plans for every patient.
Psyclarity Health offers a range of facilities and programs to tailor personalized treatment plans for patients based on their individual needs. If you or someone you know is dealing with such issues, reaching out for professional help is crucial. Our team at Psyclarity Health is committed to supporting you on your journey toward recovery.
