Drug and Alcohol Addiction
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What are Substance-Related Disorders?
Substance abuse and dependence (addiction) are common disorders that involve the overuse of
alcohol or drugs. Although addiction begins when an individual makes a conscious choice to
drink or use other drugs, most individuals who experiment with addictive substances do not
become addicted. Addiction develops over time and, once established, is a chronic and relapsing
illness. Overwhelming evidence indicates that alcohol and other addictive drugs interfere with
normal brain functioning that can have long-term effects on brain metabolism and activity. At
some point with continued substance use, changes occur in the brain as use progresses from
experimentation to addiction. Those addicted to alcohol or other drugs have lives dominated by
drug seeking and taking, and cannot imagine surviving without drugs. Research shows that
treatment is as effective as treatments for such conditions as hypertension or diabetes in
helping people recover from addiction.
Substance-related disorders are by far the leading cause of preventable illnesses and premature
death in the U.S. About fifty percent of fatal automobile accidents involve either an
intoxicated driver or pedestrian. Substance use is associated with impulsive, aggressive or
violent behavior, which can result in criminal activity and injury to the person or others.
About ten percent of substance-dependent persons commit suicide.
What are the Symptoms and Course of Substance-Related Disorders?
Substance abuse consists of a pattern of recurrent substance use within a twelve month period
that results in significant impairment or distress as evidenced by one or more of the
following:
- Failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home;
- Intoxication in physically hazardous situations (such as driving a car);
- Legal problems related to the substance use (such as disorderly conduct);
- Continued substance use despite interpersonal or social problems caused by it.
Substance dependence consists of a pattern of recurrent substance use within a twelve month
period that results in significant impairment or distress as evidenced by three or more of the
following:
- Tolerance, or need for increased amounts of the substance to achieve desired effect;
- Experiencing the withdrawal syndrome from the substance upon not using it;
- Taking more of the substance, or for a longer time, than intended;
- Devoting a great deal of time to obtain the substance, use it, or recover from using it;
- Giving up important social, recreational or occupational activities because of substance use;
- Continuing to use the substance despite knowing it is causing a physical or psychological problem
Substances of abuse include alcohol, marijuana, stimulants (crack, cocaine, amphetamines),
opioids (heroin), hallucinogens (LSD, ecstasy), sedatives, as well as inhalants and
nicotine.
The course of substance abuse and dependence varies with the type of substance. Substance abuse
is more likely among those who more recently started using, and often evolves over time into
dependence. The course of substance dependence is usually chronic, lasting years, with periods
of heavy use as well as periods of partial or full remission. Individuals are most vulnerable to
relapse in the twelve months following abstinence. Age of first intoxication is likely to be in
adolescence or early adulthood. Age at onset of alcohol dependence peaks in the 20’s to mid
30’s; amphetamine abuse and dependence is most common among 18 to 30 year olds; problems
associated with opioid use usually become apparent in the late teens or early 20’s.
What are Effective Treatments?
Drug abuse and addiction are treatable disorders. Treatment for people who abuse substances but
are not yet addicted most often consists of behavioral therapies, such as psychotherapy,
counseling, support groups (including Alcoholics Anonymous and other “12 Step Groups”), or
family therapy. Treatment for drug-addicted individuals often involves a combination of
behavioral therapies and medications, such as methadone. In general, the more treatment, the
better the results. Those who stay in treatment longer than three months usually have better
outcomes than those who stay for shorter periods.
Links:
She's In Recovery
Recovery.org.uk (UK)
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Web of Addictions
Addictions.co.uk
Tina's Recovery World
As Waters Passing By > Aftermath Info > Drug & Alcohol Addiction