Substance Related Disorders

WHAT IS SUBSTANCE RELATED DISORDER

Refers to the harmful use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco or any other drugs, leading to significant impairment or distress

Both legal and illegal drugs

Some Drugs include:

• Alcohol
• Amphetamines
• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Prescription medications that may be abused (such as sedatives)
• Cocaine
• Marijuana (cannabis)

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE

Substance-related disorder is usually classified as “Substance Abuse” or “Substance Dependence” depending on the problems involved

Substance abuse is diagnosed when individuals repeatedly use substances in dangerous or illegal situations

Substance dependence is diagnosed when users become physically and mentally addicted, requiring increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect

Signs of addiction disorders:

• Frequent washing of clothing
• Changes in mood
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Going to frequent hangovers
• Need of more money

Effects of substance related disorders:

• Addiction, abuse, intoxication,
• Various mental states (anxiety, mood disorders), depression, hallucinations
• Paranoia, memory loss, damage to brain and eyesight
• Increase chances of cancer

Symptoms:

• Panic attack
• Obsessions and compulsions
• Denial of the problem
• Loss of control of body, emotions, neglecting responsibilities
• Taking dangerous risks, fights with family, friends, and partner
• Loss of control over drug use, and guilt

How can it be treated?

• Counselling
• Behaviour therapy
• Group and Individual Therapy
• Self-help Recovery Groups (alcoholics anonymous)
• Motivation to change (MI)
• Contingency Management
• Therapeutic Communities
• Family Involvement Therapy

Interesting facts...

• More teens die from prescription drugs than heroin/cocaine combined.
• 60% of seniors don't see regular marijana use as harmful, but THC (active ingredient in the drug) is nearly 5 times stronger than it was 20 years ago
• Individuals who begin using drugs as juveniles are at greater risk of becoming addicted compared to drug use as an adult

Story:
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/real-life-stories.html