Substance abuse has been known to be in the mix of mental health disorders.
Meaning that individuals who exhibit new behaviors may use substance abuse as an unhealthy coping mechanism.
Not only that, but many disregard the potential harm it can cause when consuming it with prescribed medications. Many struggle to find a healthier way to express their wants and needs.
Individuals who consume excessively without any remorse or care in the world are regarded as addicts. During this time many require a support system to fall back on. Addiction can strain relationships within the family, workplace and it can even ruin their financial stability.
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, “Drug use is highest among persons between the ages of 18-25 at 39% compared to persons aged 26-29, at 34%”(NCDAS, 2023). Unfortunately, as years go by more teens have started to consume drugs to “numb” their external and internal traumas.
Substance abuse has been used by many to desensitize personal struggles in life.
Individuals who struggle with substance abuse can be diagnosed with a secondary mental health diagnosis. For example, a person diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder can have an addiction with alcohol. They may use it to cope with their symptoms or it could be a direct cause from an untreated disorder. Even though addiction is relatively common within the United States, there are programs that promote sobriety. For example, there is Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and 12 step based recovery programs.
The overall goal is to teach others that they are not alone in this world.
We all have our vices and we’ve all made terrible mistakes. Group therapy teaches a sense of community and unity among those who feel the most alone. The diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorder are the following according to DSM 5 (Hartney, 2023):
- Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you’re meant to.
- Wanting to cut down or stop using the substance but not managing to.
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance.
- Cravings and urges to use the substance.
- Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of substance use.
- Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships.
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
- Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger.
- Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance.
- Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance).
- Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance.
As you can see addiction can affect all aspects of your life.
What should I do?
Unfortunately, if they are an adult it can be difficult to get them into rehab. They have to be willing to seek help to seek sobriety.
Thanks to Covid 19, there are now virtual 12 step meetings that individuals can attend. Addiction is very difficult to beat, but with enough hard work and support it is possible.
There are many resources available online that can help victims of addiction to find a sponsor. A sponsor teaches addicts how to manage their challenges in sobriety.
It is important to remember that sobriety takes time and there has to be a personal willingness to change. For more information visit the SAMHSA’s National Helpline.
This post was written by Jasmine P., and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
Live in New York and want to learn more about working with us? Check us out here!
Check out more content like this here.
References:
National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (2023, January 1). Substance abuse and addiction statistics [2023]. NCDAS. https://drugabusestatistics.org/#:~:text=Drug%20Abuse%20Demographics&text=Drug%20use%20is%20highest%20among,illegal%20drug%20after%20age%2017.
Hartney, E. (2023, April 7). The symptoms used to diagnose substance use disorders. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/dsm-5-criteria-for-substance-use-disorders-21926#toc-dsm-5-tr-substance-use-disorder-criteria
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration . (2023). Samhsa’s national helpline. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
