Addictive disorders, such as substance abuse and dependence are common disorders that involve overuse of drugs and/or alcohol. Addiction develops over a period and is an extremely chronic and relapsing illness.
The 3 types of substance-related addictive disorders are:
Substance abuse
Substance abuse is a disorder that refers to the abuse of illegal or legal substances. It is an addictive disorder that includes a pattern of substance (usually alcohol or drugs) use that leads to severe problems in physical and mental health. A variety of things could become affected such as substance use in dangerous situations (such as driving a vehicle). Substance related legal issues may also occur, including committing crimes whilst under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Substance abuse can also have a negative effect on family relationships or friendships.
Chemical dependence.
This is an addictive disorder that involves the use of chemicals (usually drugs or alcohol) and yet not being able to quit using them despite their negative effects on the person’s health.
In adolescents, the substances abused include the following:
- Methamphetamine
- Tobacco
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Anabolic steroids
- Marijuana
- Alcohol
- Inhalants
- Hallucinogens
The symptoms of addictive disorders vary from person to person. Some of the usual symptoms are:
The symptoms of addictive disorders vary from person to person. Some of the usual symptoms are:
- Avoiding social interactions with family and friends.
- Giving up activities which you would usually do regularly and enjoy, such as spending time with non-using friends or doing sports.
- Taking risks, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Missing school/ work
- Lying, especially about the amount they are drinking or using drugs.
- Drinking alcohol/ using drugs frequently
- Feeling the need to drink alcohol or use drugs to have fun.
- Pressuring others around them to drink or use drugs.
- Feeling depressed, hopeless or even suicidal.
Some of the causes of addictive disorders can be due to varied factors in the person’s life, such as genetic vulnerability, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, environmental stressors and psychiatric problems.
From a neurological point of view, addictive disorders happen when a substance changes the way the substance user’s brain feels pleasure. Addictive substances change the way your brain sends and receives chemicals called neurotransmitters, which cause pleasure. The addictive substances can stop nerves in the brain from receiving those neurotransmitters, meaning that the drug user relies on the drug rather than their natural brain chemicals for those feelings of pleasure.
Due to a lack of research on young adults and substance abuse, there are many questions concerning how it differs from substance abuse in other age groups, as most of the knowledge is based around substance use and abuse in the adult populations.
Some young people are more at risk of developing addictive disorders, this includes adolescents with one or more of the following conditions present. Young adults who are victim of sexual, physical or psychological abuse.
- Physically disabled adolescents.
- Children of substance users.
- Adolescents with mental health issues, especially those with depression and suicidal teens.
Treatments and help for substance abuse
There are a wide variety of organisations and charities that can help if you are struggling with substance abuse. With the right help and support, it is possible to stop using drugs or alcohol, and to stay that way too!
A GP is always a good place to start, they will discuss your individual problems with you to get you the right treatment. They may refer you to your local drug service or even offer you treatment at the practice. If you do not feel comfortable talking to your GP, there are local drug treatment services you can approach yourself.
Talking therapies such as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) is also a fantastic way to express your thoughts and feelings. This can help figure out the root of what is causing your substance use.
Detoxification (detox) is for people who want to stop taking opioids such as heroin completely. This can help you to cope with the withdrawal symptoms you may experience.
Treatments with medicine, if you are dependent on heroin or another opioid, may be available. This will include the offer of a substance drug, such as methadone. This means you can effectively go ahead with your treatment without having to deal with withdrawal or risking buying street drugs.
Alcoholism
Counselling, including self-help groups and CBT can also help with alcoholism.
Detox can be used when treating alcohol abuse. This will involve a nurse or doctor supporting you safely to stop drinking. This can be done by cutting down your alcohol intake to avoid the risks of withdrawal.
There are 2 main types of medicines that can be used when treating alcoholism. These include medicines such as Chlordiazepoxide (Librium). This is used to stop any withdrawal symptoms and is given in reducing doses over a brief period.
The second medicine used are Acamprosate and Naltrexone. These medications are to reduce any urges to consume alcohol.
