Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder and its Treatment

Things About People Substance Use Disorder!

Substance use disorder is a mental health condition marked by a problematic behavioural pattern of substance use that causes suffering to an individual and/or interferes with his or her functioning.

SUD may be mild, moderate, or severe. It normally includes an overpowering wish to take the substance, increased tolerance to the substance, and/or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the substance.

It is important to note that a person sometimes may suffer from more than one substance use disorder, such as alcohol and cocaine use disorders.

Substance use disorder can do a great deal to damage your health and relationships and the authentic quality of life. It even can be fatal. It will be very important to know when to seek help immediately once SUD symptoms start to show.

What are the Substances?

The drugs that have addiction potential are called substances. They might be non-prescribed or prescribed drugs; they include,

• Non-Prescription and Prescription stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine. 
• Caffeine
• Hallucinogens like LSD and PCD
• Sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics  like sleeping pills for anxiety 
• Inhalants like aerosol sprays, nitrites and paint thinners.
• Nicotine or tobacco like electronic cigarettes, vaping or smoking cigarettes. 
• Cannabis 
• Non-Prescription and Prescription opioids like heroin and oxycodone.
• Alcohol 

The substances may vary harmfully, but all of them activate the reward center in the brain, which brings forth the sensation of euphoria.

These vary in their potential or probability of leading to SUD. This is known as the "addiction liability," which depends on numerous factors including:

• How do you take the substance (e.g., orally, injection, or inhaling)?
• How rapidly does the substance cross your blood-brain barrier to engage the reward pathway in your brain?
• The time it takes to feel the effect of the substance.
• The substance's ability to induce tolerance and/or symptoms of withdrawal.

Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder

The following are the most common behaviours which denote a person is misusing or using alcohol or drugs. However, each person may have different symptoms. Symptoms may include:

• Much time spent getting, using, or recovering from the use of drugs or alcohol.
• Risky behaviours, like sexual risks or driving under the influence.
• Continually needing or unsuccessfully trying to control or cut down the use of drugs or alcohol.
• Continually using drugs or alcohol in spite of its physical or psychological problems.
• The need to use more drugs or alcohol or develop tolerance to get the same effect. Or using the same amount of drugs or alcohol but without the same effect.
• Craving or a strong desire to use drugs or alcohol.
• Using or drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than planned.
• Having withdrawal symptoms if not using alcohol or drugs. Or using alcohol or another drug to avoid such symptoms during withdrawal.
• Continued use of drugs or alcohol that interferes with work, school, or home duties.
• Use of drugs or alcohol continues despite ongoing relationship problems caused by substance use.
• Giving up or more limiting activities because of drug or alcohol use

Symptoms of substance use disorder can mimic medical problems or psychiatric disorders. Therefore, consult a doctor for an adequate diagnosis.

Treatment for Substance Use Disorder

Detoxification

In some cases of substance use disorder, particularly those involving physical dependence, the initial treatment step may involve medically assisted detoxification. During this process, supportive care is provided while the substance is cleared from the bloodstream.

Other treatments include those that follow detoxification, aimed to promote long-term abstinence. Most treatments include individual and group counselling. These are offered in outpatient facilities or inpatient residential recovery programs.
Medicines also decrease withdrawal symptoms and support recovery. These medicines will help make your recovery easier and help you deal with the very intense withdrawal stage.

Medical intervention has been developed to treat substance use disorders. Programs should adhere to the following addiction treatment principles:

• Addiction is a complex but treatable health condition.
• There's no single treatment that works for everyone.
• During treatment, one is checked on for possible substance use as relapse may and will happen.
• Treatment is readily available.
• Long-term stay in treatment is vital. Both voluntary and involuntary treatments are very effective.
• Treatment focuses on your multiple needs.
• In addition, treatment programs should include testing and screening for infectious diseases and provide education pertaining to the risk. This puts you in charge of your health so that you do not let yourself get infected or pass an infectious disease on to someone else.
• Treatment is good for your mental health. The professionals, from time to time, assess your treatment needs to ensure that your treatment is meeting them.

Conclusion

Substance abuse disorder is a complex mental health condition. Substances like opioids, stimulants and alcohol affect the brain; this includes decision-making ability as well. Even if a person wishes to stop taking the substance, these changes make it difficult for them to stop. Talk to a healthcare provider if someone you love or you yourself have a substance use disorder and get the help needed.