The Canadian Mental Health Association reminds us that “substance use is a problem when it causes problems for you or others” and that the reason behind use strongly influences risk according to. When the substance becomes a primary coping tool, the likelihood of sliding into abuse rises sharply. They can help steer you to the right resources, like rehabilitation, therapy, support groups and more. In time, as both heal from their injuries, their bodies have become dependent on the medication. One person follows drug addiction their provider’s guidance to safely stop the medication, and soon, they no longer need it.
Addiction as a Mental Disorder
When a person misuses drugs or alcohol, they typically consume the substances in an unhealthy or improper way. The misuse of alcohol or drugs occurs when a person uses them outside the realm of their intended use. The opposite of substance misuse is taking medication as written by a doctor or drinking in moderation. Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical diagnosis that describes a pattern of substance use causing significant impairment or distress. SUD includes behavioral signs like cravings, continued use despite negative consequences, and inability to control use. For substance abuse, interventions often focus on education, motivation, and developing coping skills.
- The danger of normalizing frequent drug use is the promotion of harmful activities that can be life-altering to a person’s health, relationships, and work life.
- It’s not just about the substance or behavior itself, but rather the compulsive need to engage in it, despite harmful consequences.
- For example, use alcohol-exposed pregnancy vs. mother/person who drinks during pregnancy.
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When used in larger quantities or regularly, drugs can bring on imbalances and changes in the mind that lead to cravings and physical and/or psychological dependence. Drug abuse is usually https://garudanusantara.net/2022/10/20/functioning-alcoholics-who-they-are-and-how-to-2/ the first stage, leading to warning signs of drug dependence and ending up with addiction as the worst-case scenario. However, the distinction between dependence and addiction can significantly impact treatment approaches. Managing physical dependence often involves a medically supervised detoxification process, gradually reducing the substance to minimize withdrawal symptoms. It’s like slowly taking off a Band-Aid instead of ripping it off all at once.
What are the potential consequences of substance abuse?
As you know, the use, misuse and abuse of drugs and alcohol can have serious consequences. Did you know that substance abuse can lead to other health issues such as addiction and dependence, which are both considered diseases? Let’s look at the nature and progression of substance use that leads to abuse, dependence and addiction. These affiliated terms of substance use may seem to represent the same thing, and you’ll find that some providers use a few of them interchangeably.
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- People can have just a physical dependence, addiction, or both at the same time.
- Physical Harm – The patient has consumed alcohol in situations that are dangerous or that pose a threat to physical health.
It involves the recurrent use of a substance despite the harmful effects it may have on an individual’s physical, mental, or substance use vs abuse social well-being. Some common signs of substance abuse include an inability to fulfill responsibilities, legal problems, relationship issues, and neglecting other important activities due to substance use. The respective definitions highlight the fundamental difference between substance abuse and addiction.
On the other hand, addiction develops when substance use becomes compulsive and feels less like a choice and more like a necessity to function. Those suffering from substance abuse may find themselves using drugs or alcohol in risky situations, such as before driving or when mixing substances in unsafe ways. It often becomes challenging for them to consistently meet their responsibilities at home, work, or school due to their reliance on these substances. Over time, substance use begins to affect their relationships and ability to take care of themselves. Many turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotional pressures.
According to MedicineNet’s substance abuse definition, abuse involves “excessive use… that causes problems in health, relationships, work, or the law.” It’s the point where enjoyment turns into risk. Not every instance of drug use will lead a person to become dependent on illicit drugs. However, it significantly raises the likelihood of you taking the drug on a more regular basis. If you’re using drugs to perform some kind of function, such as falling asleep, numbing emotions or raising confidence, there’s a serious risk of dependence. With prescription drugs, taking them more frequently or in higher quantities than prescribed puts you at an increased risk of dependency. If drug use begins to impact your health, relationships, or finances, it’s time to seek professional support.
