Substance-use disorder (SUD) is a diagnostic term from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that refers to recurrent use of alcohol or other drugs that results in clinically and functionally significant impairment, such as health problems, disability, and failure to meet primary responsibilities at work, school, or at home.
A mental health disorder can often accompany it. Examples of associated mental disorders can be anxiety, depression and personality disorders.
People who have substance use disorders may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using substances. A severe substance use disorder can cause acute symptoms, and the severity of the symptoms depends on the substance used and how long someone has been abusing it.
A substance use disorder can be related to illicit drug use, prescription drugs or legal drugs, such as tobacco or alcohol.
If your loved one needs support dealing with an Alcohol Addiction, contact us today on 0800 999 1083. We can help you by recommending treatment options.
There are different types of Substance use disorders. Each type involves a different pattern of behaviours and symptoms.
There are three common types:
An alcoholic drinks too much alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant. Depressants slow down the central nervous system. Alcohol slows down the brain so that it cannot think clearly. An alcoholic may have trouble thinking about things before acting on them.
A drug-use disorder is when a person uses a particular substance repeatedly, often in dangerous situations. Drugs are any chemicals that alter how the body works. Examples of drugs include alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, and hallucinogens.
People who smoke cigarettes usually do so because they enjoy the feeling of having something in their mouth. People who smoke also believe that it helps them relax. However, nicotine is addictive. It makes you want to keep smoking. You get used to the high of nicotine. You crave it.
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As explained above, mental health can play a role in developing an addiction, as the individual might start using the substance as a coping strategy for dealing with their mental illness.
The development of addiction begins with repeated exposure to a substance in which the individual becomes dependent on it. This type of dependency occurs because the body adapts to the presence of the substance by creating physical changes in the brain. These changes are called adaptations. When a person stops taking the substance regularly, the brain will go back to its original state, but without the chemical change caused by the adaptation. This causes withdrawal symptoms.
The brain adapts to the presence and effects of a substance by changing the way it functions. Some of the ways this happens include:
Addiction is a chronic condition. It does not happen overnight. Over time, the brain adapts to the effects of the substance. As a result, the person needs to take larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect. This process continues until the person has developed an addiction.
When someone develops an addiction, they experience cravings for the substance. Cravings are strong urges to use the substance, even though the person knows it is wrong. They feel like they need the substance to function normally. Without the substance, the person feels anxious, depressed, irritable, and restless. They may begin to neglect meaningful relationships and responsibilities. If left untreated, the person’s life may be ruined.
Some people become addicted to one specific substance, while others develop addictions to more than one substance at once. For example, some people smoke marijuana every day and then drink alcohol every night. Others might start smoking pot after drinking heavily and then move on to illegal drugs, such as cocaine. In either case, both substances affect the same part of the brain. The only difference between these two groups of people is the order in which they started using the substances.
Speak to us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options and to find the best alcohol rehab centre.
When you stop using a substance, your body goes through withdrawal. Withdrawal happens gradually over several days. Your body starts to produce many physical changes. These changes make you uncomfortable. They cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Some people experience anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Some extreme drug addiction withdrawal symptoms can lead to coma and even death if not treated.
The best treatment for Substance Use Disorders is prevention. Prevention means avoiding getting into situations where you will be tempted to use a substance. One way to avoid this is by staying away from places where you know you will be exposed to substances.
Another way is to talk to your doctor about ways to prevent yourself from becoming dependent on a substance. It’s advisable to be aware that mental health problems can lead to 0800 999 1083.
Signs and symptoms of substance abuse can 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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