Understanding Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Whether you are a family member or a loved one concerned about someone’s drug and alcohol abuse, or you want to help someone who is, it’s important to understand drug and alcohol abuse and the symptoms that can accompany it. You’ll also learn how to spot the signs of addiction and what you can do to get help.

Addiction vs. Dependence

Even though the terms are often used interchangeably in the context of drug and alcohol abuse, there is a vast difference between addiction and dependence. Understanding the differences can help you decide whether you should get treatment at https://impactrecoverycenter.net. Addiction is a condition that causes an individual to behave uncontrollably. Changes to the pleasure system of the brain characterize it. These changes occur due to biochemical reactions. The most obvious symptom is the use of the substance. Other symptoms include significant social and occupational consequences. It is also a risk factor for arrests, marital difficulties, and mental health problems. In the past, the American Psychiatric Association used the term addiction to describe a less complex condition known as drug dependence. Using the term addiction as a substitute for dependency has since been deemed unnecessarily confusing.

Symptoms of physical dependence

Symptoms of physical dependence on drug and alcohol abuse can vary depending on the substance used and the individual. Acute withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. The body may also experience anxiety, tremors, confusion, and insomnia. Many stimulants are capable of disrupting a person’s sleep cycle. When a person quits drinking, the onset of physical cravings can be very difficult to resist. Taking stimulants can also be a form of addiction. A person with a physical addiction will typically require professional help to withdraw from the drug. The process can be done in a hospital or outpatient setting. A professional treatment center can also assist a recovering addict in maintaining a sober lifestyle.

The best way to determine whether you or a loved one has a physical dependence is to seek medical advice. You will also need to decide if you want to receive therapy. A therapist can help you develop coping strategies and deal with relapse.

Treatment options

Whether you are dealing with an alcohol or drug use disorder, many treatment options are available to help you overcome the addiction. These treatments can be inpatient or outpatient. There are also support groups for those suffering from a substance use disorder. The most common form of therapy for substance misuse is talk therapy. The therapist helps you address the issues that led to your addiction. The therapist may also prescribe medications to help manage your withdrawal symptoms. Other forms of therapy include group counseling, individual counseling, and family therapy. These therapies are designed to address the root causes of your addiction and help you learn how to control your use of drugs and alcohol.

Recovery from addiction is not a race

Even though substance use disorder is primarily perceived as a racial problem, it is a universal phenomenon. It is not based on race, age, or social status but on societal expectations. Although addiction is not a race, its stigma can make it difficult for people to seek help. Reminding people that addiction affects anyone, regardless of race, age, or socioeconomic status, can help dismantle the stigma. Several studies have shown that men have higher rates of addiction. This may be because they tended to abuse all types of illegal drugs. It also seems that young adults in wealthier families are more likely to use marijuana and alcohol. Unlike drug use, a physical phenomenon, recovery from addiction is mental. It involves developing the necessary skills and knowledge to prevent relapse. Patients are taught to identify situations that increase their relapse risk using a structured approach and avoid them.