Substance Abuse

The use of illicit drugs by individuals is among the major concerns of health professionals in the world at present. Adolescents and adults, inclusive of males and females amongst them in the world at present, are all involved in the abuse of substances. Among the substances most abused are marijuana, heroin, hallucinogens, tobacco, etc. These substances are so problematic that they often lead to further mental health complications such as substance abuse-induced psychosis.

What is Substance Abuse Disorder?

Substance abuse disorder is a misuse of drugs for pleasure purposes or the use of prescription drugs without a medical prescription. The abuse of substance must also interfere with the normal functioning of the user in order to be diagnosed as a substance abuse disorder

How do you know if you have a substance abuse disorder?

• People with substance abuse disorder often misuse substances at inappropriate places – for instance, smoking cigarette in the workplace setting

• They steal or borrow money to buy substances

• They often exhibit deviant behaviors, especially when under the influence of substances

• People with substance abuse disorder are frequently absent in their workplace or school due to substance abuse

• They have a strong craving for their abused substance, and they are restless until the substance is abused

• They sometimes have mental health complications resulting from substance abuse

Causes of Substance Abuse Disorder

Substance abuse is mainly linked with psychological and social factors:

Psychological Factors: Substance abuse disorders can be caused by psychological factors. For instance, personality traits. People who are taciturn may employ substance abuse in order to boost their confidence in public settings. Other psychological factors that could cause substance abuse disorders include peer pressure, ignorance, and personal beliefs

Sociocultural Factors: There are many sociocultural factors that contribute to the abuse of substances among individuals. For instance, societies where substance abuse is a way of life can contribute to an individual’s willingness to abuse substances. Also, family factors such as the presence of a substance abuser in a family could contribute to the abuse of substances among individuals. Other social factors that can cause substance abuse are socioeconomic factors, availability of substance, and government regulations guiding the production and sales of drugs in the society

How can substance abuse disorder be treated?

The treatment can be broadly grouped as follows:

Use of antipsychotic medications (e.g., Haloperidol) to manage the mental health complications resulting from substance abuse

Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion-focused therapy, etc.)

Lifestyle modification (e.g., exercise, nutrition, reduction of stress, etc.) A combination of the three (3) groups of treatment is often the best form of treatment for people with substance abuse problems