Substance Use Disorders
Opioids, Hallucinogens, PCP, Cannabis, and Inhalants
Worried your drug use has gotten out of control?
It is not uncommon to try drugs while at a party. However, it is important to not let these drugs take over your life. Side effects that come from each of these drugs are very dangerous for the user and could potentially cause death. The following symptoms are used to decide whether drug use can be classified as abuse or dependance;
If any you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. Substance disorders will take over one's life quickly if they are not taken care of immediately.
For more information on the DSM-5 diagnosis criteria, visit this website:
http://www.dsm5.org/Documents/Substance%20Use%20Disorder%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
- Impaired control
- Using drugs despite negative consequences in personal life, work experience, or personal health
- Risky behaviors during time of intoxication or risky behaviors exhibited in efforts to obtain the drug
- Becoming tolerant of the drug or experiencing signs of withdrawal
- Craving the drug
If any you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. Substance disorders will take over one's life quickly if they are not taken care of immediately.
For more information on the DSM-5 diagnosis criteria, visit this website:
http://www.dsm5.org/Documents/Substance%20Use%20Disorder%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder
There are many reasons why people become addicted to drugs. Some of them include the atmosphere they are choosing to use them in. People surrounded by others who abuse drugs are much more likely to abuse drugs themselves (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014). Dependance on drugs can also be learned from parents or other adults someone looks up to. A person is much more likely to abuse a drug if they see their parents abusing drugs. Although women develop problems with drugs, it is much more common for a man to suffer from drug abuse.
Treatment Options
Medication
Medication is used for the symptoms of withdrawal and treating the addiction. Withdrawal from opioids can be treated with methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone (Drugfacts, 2009). It is important for an individual to be completely detoxed from the opioid before starting the medication.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy will help an individual to recognize their choices and be able to analyze the wrong in them. Most often, drug users get so far into their addiction they are unable to decipher right from wrong. CBT helps them take a look at their maladaptive behaviors and correct them.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is very important for drug abusers because it is not only them they are hurting, it's also their family. When someone abuses drugs, the whole family is forced to worry whether the person will overdose or get thrown in jail. It's important to rebuild the family bond that has been broken by drugs.
Common Myths
Drug users will often see no problem with their drug use because everyone around them is also partaking. The myth that it is not a big deal is a big one. Drug users often surround themselves with other drug users which minimizes the consequences of use. Using drugs on a regular basis will hinder your social life, occupational life, and most importantly is very hazardous to your health.
Many believe that therapy is not effective in the treatment of drug addiction and will ultimately result in a relapse. This is untrue. There is hope for a drug free future. It just takes a lot of dedication and desire to stay clean.
Using drugs socially at a party can quickly turn into using drugs on a daily basis. Many people believe that they have control over their drug use and it's a social thing when in reality, they are one step away from becoming an addict. It is important to not slip into a habit that is not easily broken.
Many believe that therapy is not effective in the treatment of drug addiction and will ultimately result in a relapse. This is untrue. There is hope for a drug free future. It just takes a lot of dedication and desire to stay clean.
Using drugs socially at a party can quickly turn into using drugs on a daily basis. Many people believe that they have control over their drug use and it's a social thing when in reality, they are one step away from becoming an addict. It is important to not slip into a habit that is not easily broken.
References
Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders (2013). In American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved August 4, 2014, from http://www.dsm5.org/Documents/Substance%20Use%20Disorder%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
pdresources.org
hdwallpapers.in
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction
eatgfcf.wordpress.com
joshuaspodek.com
trialx.com
pdresources.org
hdwallpapers.in
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction
eatgfcf.wordpress.com
joshuaspodek.com
trialx.com