Samir Parikh
Our society is grappling with alcohol and drug addiction. The abuse has a far-reaching impact on the physical, emotional and psychological being of the addict. Addiction can be defined as the continuous use of mood-altering substances, despite their detrimental effects on the body, mind and the immediate surroundings of the individual.
The line between casual use and drug abuse is thin and dangerous, and more often than not, the consumer becomes an addict with a gradual increase in the quantity. Drugs or alcohol are consumed to elevate mood or relieve pain. Youngsters turn to substances simply out of curiosity or even as a coping mechanism to deal with their feelings of loneliness, depression, stress or anxiety, or to cope with family-related problems.
There are typically two patterns relating to misusing substances. Either the individual has become a regular user in which case he or she will need to use the substance everyday and possibly several times a day. Or the person might be a binger, in which case he or she may not take drugs or drink alcohol for some time (usually a few days) and then will binge or take higher quantity of drugs or a lot of alcohol.
Substance abuse is not the occasional use of alcohol or other substances. It is a continuous and frequent use of substances, despite being aware of its negative consequences to the person’s functioning at familial, academic and social levels over a period of time.
Substance dependence occurs when the individual consuming it has become tolerant to the substance, which means that he or she needs to consume more of the substance than was previously required in order to achieve the same level of ‘high’. People who have developed a dependency on a substance would not be able to give it up without experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which are the immediate effects of discontinuing a substance after a prolonged use.
What is substance use disorder?
The disorder can be described as:
There are many forms of substance abuse. Prescription drugs are usually taken orally, while other drugs can be smoked, inhaled or taken intravenously. Drugs commonly fall under the following categories.
Understanding effects of substance use
Addiction is characterised by compulsive drug use causing significant changes in brain that further perpetuates the addiction cycle.
Symptoms of addiction
Say yes to treatment
It is important to remember that substance use disorders are medical conditions, requiring adequate professional interventions, including a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Professional help is irreplaceable, and addictive behaviours do not change abruptly, but through a series of stages. Support and motivation are a very important part of the recovery process. And once a person has developed a dependence on a substance, there almost always remains a danger of relapse. Counseling in such a scenario for the recovering addict as well as motivation from family is very useful.
The writer is Director, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare, New Delhi
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