According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, substance dependence is “a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.” substance dependence (SD) is a chronic disorder characterised by compulsive drug-seeking and use, despite adverse consequences. SD is also associated with high rates of relapse after treatment. Substance dependence has also been redefined as an impulse control disorder that includes three subtypes: substance use disorders, substance-related disorders, and addictive behaviours. Substance dependence is also defined as a behavioural syndrome that develops from repeated exposure to psychoactive substances.
There are three main classifications of substance dependence.
2. Substance Use Disorder
3. Substance Addiction
Substance abuse can be defined as using alcohol or other drugs above what is considered socially acceptable.
People who abuse substances do so without thinking about the long-term consequences of their actions. Their behaviour may cause immediate physical and psychological harm and have long term consequences for their health and well being.
Substance use disorders refer to the compulsive use of substances that result in the user’s negative consequences. SUDs may involve any one or more of the following: alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, opioids, prescription medications, sedatives/hypnotics, stimulants, tobacco, or hallucinogens. The most common type of SUD is alcoholism.
A person with a substance use disorder uses the substance regularly, even when it’s harmful to their health or well-being. The person recognises that they need help controlling the substance but may not want to seek treatment.
Substance addiction is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behaviour and leads to an inability to control the use of legal or illegal drugs or medications.
The development of addiction involves multiple stages, including initiation, escalation, and maintenance.
Substance or drug dependence is a state of physical dependence that develops after repeated drug administration.
Substance addiction can be treated with medication-assisted and therapeutical interventions.
Substance dependence is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
There are two main types of substance dependence: physical dependence and psychological dependence.
Physical dependence occurs when the body becomes accustomed to the effects of a particular substance. It is characterised by tolerance to the substance and a need to take larger doses to achieve the same level of intoxication.
Psychological dependence refers to the emotional and behavioural changes caused by repeated exposure to a substance. These changes include feelings of pleasure from taking the substance, tolerance to its effects, and withdrawal if they stop taking the substance.
When you use a drug regularly, your body develops tolerance to it. Tolerance means that you need more and more of the drug to achieve the same effects.
As your tolerance increases, so does your risk of developing a problem with the drug. To avoid getting hooked on a drug, you must gradually reduce your dosage.
When someone develops a substance dependence, they may also have withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms usually appear within 24 hours of stopping the use of the drug. They can be mild or severe. These symptoms can include:
The development of substance dependence begins with the initial use of a substance. As time passes, continued use leads to tolerance—consuming larger doses of the substance to achieve the same effects.
Continued use leads to physical dependence, which means that the body needs the substance to function normally.
By definition, alcohol dependence is “a chronic relapsing disorder characterised by compulsive alcohol consumption.
Symptoms of alcohol dependence include:
1) Physical Symptoms – You may notice some physical symptoms if you’re dependent on alcohol. Some of these symptoms include:
2) Psychological Symptoms – when you’re dependent on alcohol, you may experience psychological symptoms when you drink too little or too much alcohol. Some examples of these symptoms include:
Opioid dependence can be defined as an illness involving tolerance and withdrawal signs following repeated exposure to opioids.
Signs and symptoms of opioid dependence include:
1. Physical Symptoms – Opioids affect your body through receptors located throughout your central nervous system. When you abuse opioids, you may experience physical symptoms such as:
2. Psychological Symptoms – You may also experience psychological symptoms when abusing opioids. These symptoms include anxiety, depression, hallucinations, paranoia, sleep disorders, suicidal thoughts, and other substance abuse.
3. Social Symptoms – You may experience social symptoms when you abuse opioids, including:
Decreased ability to function at work or school
4. Cognitive Symptoms – You may also develop cognitive symptoms when you abuse opioids.
5. Behavioural Symptoms – You may also exhibit behavioural symptoms when you abuse opioids such as:
6. Medical Symptoms – You may also suffer from medical complications when you abuse opioids. These symptoms include:
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Benzodiazepines are a class of medications commonly prescribed to treat insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, seizures, muscle spasms, and other conditions. Benzodiazepines act on the brain’s GABA receptors to produce sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant effects. They can be addictive if taken regularly over time.
Benzodiazepines can cause dependence in many people who take them long-term. The risk of developing this type of addiction increases with higher doses and longer periods of treatment. People taking benzodiazepines should not stop taking them suddenly without consulting a doctor.
The withdrawal syndrome associated with the cessation of sedative-hypnotics includes symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, muscle twitching and tremors. If you experience these withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug, you’re likely to be addicted to the substance.
Symptoms of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic dependence include:
1. Physical and psychological signs:
2. Psychological Symptoms – You may also experience Psychological Symptoms when you abuse sedatives or hypnotics. These include:
Other signs of dependence include:
The use of cocaine is a significant public health problem in the entire world. Cocaine dependence has been associated with significant medical, social, and economic problems.
The following list includes some of the more common signs of cocaine dependence:
Speak to us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options and to find the best alcohol rehab centre.
Cannabis (aka marijuana) is one of the most widely abused illicit substances in the world. In 2018/19, around 2.6 million individuals used cannabis in the UK. Marijuana can cause serious psychological and physical harm if it is taken frequently over time.
Physical signs of cannabis dependence include:
Psychological and social signs of cannabis dependence include changes in personality and behaviour. These include:
Amphetamines are synthetic stimulants that produce similar effects to those produced naturally by epinephrine and norepinephrine. Amphetamines are commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, obesity, depression, and anxiety disorders. In addition, they are sold illegally on street corners and in convenience stores throughout the world.
Amphetamines work by increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved with pleasure and reward; serotonin is associated with mood and sleep. The increase in these chemicals causes euphoria, alertness, energy, and focus. However, long-term use of amphetamines may lead to drug addiction.
Amphetamine dependence can manifest itself through the following signs:
Hallucinogens are substances that cause hallucinations. Common examples are LSD, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms, and peyote.
People who take hallucinogens often report feeling more connected to nature, spirituality, and to other people. But some people experience negative side effects such as paranoia, panic attacks, and flashbacks. Hallucinogens are not addictive per se, but they can cause dependency if taken repeatedly.
Common signs of hallucinogen dependence include:
An inhalant is a substance that is inhaled through the nose instead of being swallowed. Examples of inhalants include gasoline, glue, paint thinner, freon, aerosol sprays, and solvents.
Inhalants are often abused during parties, dances, raves, and other social gatherings. They are also popular among teenagers. Inhalants can be used to get high on drugs such as alcohol or marijuana. Some people use inhalants for body modification purposes.
The effects of inhalants depend on how much you take in, whether it’s mixed with another drug, and what type of inhalant you’re using.
The most common signs of inhalant dependence are:
Polysubstance means using more than one type of substance at once. This includes mixing two or different kinds of drugs together. For example, using cocaine and
Mixing different types of drugs can create dangerous situations because it makes it harder for people to know how much of each drug they’re taking. Mixing different drugs also increases the risk of overdose.
There are many reasons why people mix drugs. Some do so to get high faster or have a stronger effect. Others do it to try to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Some polydrug users will smoke crack cocaine along with drinking alcohol. This combination creates a very strong high.
Other polydrug users mix alcohol with heroin, methamphetamine, or prescription medications like Valium. This combination is very dangerous and can lead to fatal overdoses.
People who use multiple drugs are likely to experience serious withdrawal symptoms.
If you think you might be addicted to more than one kind of drug, talk to should seek help.
Substance dependence is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
People who are physically dependent on a particular substance often find that they cannot stop using it without suffering severe withdrawal symptoms. They also believe that stopping would cause them to lose the ability to function normally.
Other reasons why someone may continue to use substances include:
A number of factors can contribute to the development of substance dependence. Some of these include:
A family history of substance dependence increases the risk of developing a substance-related problem.
The genes you inherit from your parents play an important role in determining whether or not you will become dependent on drugs or alcohol. Some people have inherited a predisposition to developing substance use disorders. In other words, they are more likely to become addicted to substances than others.
This predisposition can be linked to some personality traits. Some heritable characteristics are more prevalent among addicts than others. These are traits that are passed down via generations. Personality qualities like impulsivity and aggression are some of the characteristics that may make someone more prone to become an addict.
Changes in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain also appear to play a role in causing substance dependence.
Speak to us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options and to find the best alcohol rehab centre.
Drugs and alcohol are available everywhere. They are easily accessible. Many people start abusing them before they reach adulthood. Others see friends and family members abusing substances and decide it’s something they want to try.
If you’ve been exposed to drug or alcohol-seeking behaviours, especially at a young age, you may assume it’s acceptable to abuse these substances.
Certain experiences during early childhood can lead to substance dependence later in life. Children who were neglected are more prone to develop substance abuse than those who were well cared for.
Stressful situations can trigger substance dependence because they can be used to cope with stressful life events.
Substance dependence is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
There are many dangers associated with substance dependence. The most obvious danger is physical harm. In fact, substance dependence is one of the leading causes of death among young adults between the ages of 15 and 34.
Other dangers include:
People who abuse alcohol or other drugs are at risk for serious health problems.
They face higher rates of:
Many people who abuse alcohol or other drugs end up having financial troubles. That’s because they spend money on drugs instead of paying for daily living expenses.
For example, they might:
The costs of addiction are genuine. However, there are ways to get help, overcome your substance dependence and live a happier and healthier life.
Substance dependence is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Violent crime rates are higher among individuals who use drugs and alcohol than among non-users. Some studies show that the rate of violent crimes committed by people who use these substances is 25 times greater than the rate of such crimes committed by non-users.
Research shows that most people who commit violent crimes were abusing drugs or alcohol before they did so. However, not everyone who commits a violent crime was using drugs or alcohol at the time of the offence.
Some people become violent because they’re dealing with depression or anxiety that can also be triggered by substance abuse.
It’s important to remember that all people who commit violent acts are responsible for those acts.
When you become dependent on alcohol or another drug, your brain changes. It stops producing natural chemicals that control your behaviour. This change makes you crave the effects of the substance. When you try to avoid taking drugs, you end up feeling anxious, depressed, or angry.
Addiction also causes you to lose control over your actions. That’s because your brain has changed. It no longer controls your impulses and makes you prone to make bad decisions.
For example, you may start drinking or using drugs just before driving, putting yourself and others at risk. This type of behaviour can lead to serious injury or death in some cases.
You may also engage in activities such as:
These behaviours are dangerous, leading to accidents, injuries or health problems.
Some people find themselves unable to live without a particular drug. This leads to drug-seeking behaviour.
People who are dependent on alcohol or other drugs often seek them out. They do so by going to places where they think they can buy or use the drug. They may also look for friends who use the same drug.
Drug-seeking behaviour can cause problems. For instance, you may not be able to work or study and may miss appointments or classes. You may also run into trouble with the law.
Drug-seeking behaviours can also hurt others. For example, someone who uses cocaine may steal from their employer.
Drug-related crimes and accidents cost money to society, and they can put your health at risk.
Being responsible means taking care of yourself and your family. You should take care of your body, mind, and spirit. But if you’re abusing alcohol or other drugs, it’s hard to do all three.
Not only does neglecting responsibilities affect you, but it affects everyone around you. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to care for others.
For instance, if you’re drunk, you may:
Addiction can make you lose control over your life. It makes you less likely to follow through on plans. It causes you to lie, cheat, or steal.
When you’re addicted, you may:
This kind of behaviour hurts you, your family, and your friends. People who are close to you may:
Addiction destroys trust and creates division within families. Some of these connections may be impossible to rebuild even after going through rehab and recovery.
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. Treatment providers can answer your questions. Get in touch with one today.
Call 0800 999 1083 today!
Isolation can hurt you physically and emotionally while also hurting your relationship with other people.
If you’re not careful, isolation could turn into self-isolation. That means you spend more time alone than you would otherwise, creating feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and despair.
Isolation is dangerous, and it can also cause stress and depression. It often leads to relapse.
Individuals with substance abuse problems are often socially isolated because they do not have access to social support networks or other resources.
In addition to being socially isolated, these individuals often lack employment opportunities due to their substance abuse history. As a result, they typically live in poverty and have little money to buy food, pay rent, or purchase medication.
These factors also contribute to the development of severe health issues such as malnutrition, liver disease, and heart disease.
Some people who struggle with substance dependence choose to isolate themselves from others. Others become isolated because they don’t have friends or family members who understand what they’re going through.
You may isolate yourself from people by:
Substance dependence is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
A co-occurring disorder refers to a mental health condition that occurs along with a substance dependency. It is called a dual diagnosis when the two conditions are present simultaneously.
Many people that suffer from mental illness turn to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms.
Mental illnesses and substance dependencies can affect each other. For example, a person with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia might also have an addiction to alcohol or drugs. When this happens, both disorders can interfere with treatment and recovery.
Many people with co-occurring disorders don’t receive adequate care from mental health professionals. As a result, they continue to suffer from both mental health issues and substance dependency.
In addition, untreated mental health conditions can make it difficult for people to recover from substance dependency.
Adolescents are at risk for developing substance dependence if they consume alcohol or illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, hallucinogens, inhalants, heroin, among others.
Young adults are also vulnerable to substance dependence. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that about 10% of young adults meet the criteria for some form of substance dependence.
Most people who start drinking regularly do so during adolescence. However, not everyone who starts drinking early becomes dependent. Some teens experiment with alcohol without becoming addicted.
There are several reasons why adolescents become addicted to alcohol and other substances.
Some teens are exposed to these substances through friends and family members. They might see peers being rewarded by getting high and feel like taking drugs to experiment and fit in.
Teens who feel pressured to drink or use drugs sometimes turn to those substances as a way to cope with stress. It’s important to remember that all teenagers go through stressful times and some teens find coping strategies that lead to substance abuse.
If you think your teen has a problem with alcohol or drugs, talk to them about how they feel and you may be able to help prevent further problems.
Substance dependence is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
The first step toward getting help for substance dependence is to recognise that you’re addicted.
Ask yourself how long you’ve been abusing alcohol or other drugs:
If you answered yes to some of these questions, then you might have a problem.
You don’t have to continue suffering alone. You can start by talking to your doctor. They can refer you to a counsellor or addiction specialist. Counsellors can help you learn ways to cope with stress and deal with painful emotions. They can also teach you techniques to avoid relapsing into substance abuse.
You might also want to go to a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
Substance dependence is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
There are many different types of treatments available for substance abuse. Some treatments focus on changing the way you think about your substance use. Others focus on helping you change your behaviours and to manage your emotions better.
Your doctor may recommend one type of treatment over another, depending on your personal circumstances and what might work best for you.
Treatments for substance dependence include counselling, medications, psychotherapy, rehab, and support groups.
Counselling helps you learn how to deal with your substance problem while it also teaches you ways to avoid getting involved in situations where you could become dependent on drugs.
Medications help relieve the symptoms of withdrawal when you go through substance detox. They can also prevent relapse. For example, antidepressants can help ease anxiety and depression during treatment.
Antianxiety medications such as Xanax can help reduce panic attacks and medications such as Valium can help control insomnia. Medications can also help treat other problems associated with substance dependence. Some people take medications to help them sleep better at night while others take them to control weight gain or to lower blood pressure.
Medications aren’t always necessary for treating substance dependence but they generally help ease the way to recovery.
Inpatient rehab treatment is often recommended for people who suffer from severe addictions providing round the clock care. You will receive individualised treatment based on your needs.
Outpatient treatment is usually recommended for mild to moderate cases. There are many benefits to this form of treatment, for example, continuing working while undergoing treatment or keeping living at home instead of going through a lengthy hospital stay.
The UK government’s Department of Health states that “the number of people dependent on illicit drugs in England rose from 826,000 in 2001/02 to 934,000 in 2006/07. The number of people dependent on cannabis fell slightly over the same period, but the number dependent on ecstasy and amphetamines remained stable.
There were 270,705 adults in contact with drug and alcohol services between April 2019 and March 2020. This is similar to the previous year (268,251).
The number of adults entering treatment in 2019 to 2020 was 132,124, which is also very similar to the previous year’s figure (132,210 in 2018 to 2019). The numbers of people entering treatment for the first time now seem to have stabilised after falling steadily from the 2013/2014 statistics.
Drug dependence is defined as a psychological and physical state in which a person's compulsions to take a drug on a continuous or periodic basis in order to experience its influence and, at times, to avoid the discomfort of its absence are manifested through behavioural and other responses.
Signs and symptoms of substance dependence can include:
Drug-seeking refers to any action taken by an individual in order to obtain a specific substance. For example, if you want to get drunk, you might go to a bar or club. If you want to take drugs, you might visit your local dealer.
It's important to get treatment for any kind of addiction right away so that you don't have to deal with serious problems later.
Side effects of drug addiction may include:
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
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