Substance Abuse Defined, Signs, Symptoms, Link to Mental Health

What is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse refers to excessive use of a drug in a way that is harmful to self, society, or both [1]. This definition includes both psychological dependence and physical dependence. Psychological dependence leads to a state of extreme need to continue using drugs in the absence of physical dependence. Physical dependence is caused by continued drug use that leads to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. By these definitions, alcohol is a drug that can cause both psychological and physical dependence. In the United States, 5 to 10% of the adult population is said to have a drinking problem; about 600,000 persons are addicted to heroin, and an estimated 25 million Americans have at least tried marijuana. [2]

What’s the Difference Between Substance Abuse and Addiction?

Link Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health

When a person has both a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression, it is called a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Dealing with substance abuse is never easy, and it’s even more difficult when you’re also struggling with mental health problems. According to the National Institute on Dru Abuse (NIDA) [4], as many as 6 in 10 people with an illicit substance abuse disorder also experience another mental illness, and rates are similar for users of licit drugs—such as alcohol and tobacco.

Individuals entering rehab or treatment either for a substance use disorder or for another mental disorder should be evaluated for the co-occurrence of the other condition. Research indicates that treating both (or multiple) conditions or illnesses simultaneously in an integrated form is generally the best treatment approach for these clients [5].

Sex and Gender Differences in Substance Abuse

Are there gender differences in substance use disorders? The answer is yes, and this is true at any age. Women may face unique issues when it comes to substance abuse due to both sex and gender. Sex differences result from biological factors, such as hormones and sex chromosomes. In contrast, gender differences are based on culturally defined roles for women and men and those who do not identify with either category [6]. In addition, gender roles influence how people perceive themselves and how they interact with others.

Commonly, young men are most likely to try alcohol or drugs because of peer pressure or to try them in a bigger group (for example, friends, or at a party) at the time of initiation. Women, nevertheless, are more likely to initiate substances through a significant relationship, such as a family member, close friend, or significant other, in the privacy of one’s home. Most adolescent women continue using drugs or drinking to maintain this relationship, which places them at higher risk for addiction.

There are more men than women in substance abuse and addiction treatment today. Nonetheless, women usually enter substance abuse rehab with more critical behavioral, medical, psychological, and social problems. This is because women show a quicker progression from imitation to addiction than their male counterparts. Overall, women and men are both and equally as likely as one another to become addicted to alcohol or drugs. However, due to the gender differences in substance use disorders, they have very different obstacles and needs in addiction treatment. Therefore, today, drug treatment professionals recommend gender-specific treatment for substance use disorders.

Substance Abuse During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Experts say misuse of opioids and stimulants like crystal meth is also on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [7], as of June 2020, 13.3% of Americans reported an increasing substance use to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19.

World Health Organization (WHO) Reminders to the Public About Covid-19 and Substance Abuse

Common Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

The use of recreational drugs or substances, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medications can lead to substance abuse. It can frequently lead to problems at home, work, school, and in relationships. Moreover, it can leave the user feeling helpless, isolated, or shamed. If you’re concerned about your own or a loved one’s substance use, it’s crucial to understand the warning signs and more importantly, that help is possible and treatment works.

Here are some common signs and symptoms of substance abuse:

Physical Warning Signs of Substance Abuse

Behavioral Signs of Substance Abuse

Psychological Warning Signs of Drug Abuse

What is Detox?

What Happens During Detox in a Substance Abuse Detox Center?

The detox process can be intense but also an essential part of a person’s recovery. The detox process in a substance abuse detox center typically includes the following stages:

Evaluation

The person will begin medically supervised detox with an evaluation or assessment to make sure they receive the proper support and level of care through the detox process. The evaluation process also includes a comprehensive assessment of the person’s psychological and medical conditions, and social situation to help define the proper level of treatment after detoxification.

Stabilization

Stabilization is the part of the detoxification process where the patient starts experiencing withdrawal symptoms after taking drugs, alcohol, or both. During this stage, medical and psychotherapy is usually administered to prevent any form of harm to the client. Stabilization is different for everyone. It will vary on the type of substance and amount of detoxification needed. If necessary, doctors and clinicians can prescribe medication for addiction treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms, as detoxing from certain substances can be difficult [11].  

Ongoing Support for Continued Treatment and Recovery

This involves preparing the patient for entry into substance abuse rehab or treatment by emphasizing the importance of following through with the complete substance abuse treatment continuum of care. For patients who have shown a pattern of completing detoxification services and then failing to engage in substance abuse treatment, a written treatment contract may encourage entrance into a continuum of substance abuse treatment and care. 

Find the Right Treatment Plan at We Level Up NJ

Please, do not try to detox on your own. The substance abuse detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. However, getting through the detox process is crucial for continued treatment. We Level Up NJ provides proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery. So, reclaim your life, call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.