Substance Abuse / Chemical Dependency
What is substance abuse/chemical dependence? There are three
different terms used to define substance-related disorders,
including the following:
substance abuse Substance abuse is used to describe a pattern of
substance (drug) use leading to significant problems or distress
such as failure to attend work/school, substance use in
dangerous situations (driving a car), substance-related legal
problems, or continued substance use that interferes with
friendships and or family relationships. Substance abuse, as a
disorder, refers to the abuse of illegal substances or the
abusive use of legal substances. Alcohol is the most common
legal drug of abuse.
substance dependence Substance dependence is used to describe
continued use of drugs or alcohol, even when significant
problems related to their use have developed. Signs include an
increased tolerance or need for increased amounts of substance
to attain the desired effect, withdrawal symptoms with decreased
use, unsuccessful efforts to decrease use, increased time spent
in activities to obtain substances, withdrawal from social and
recreational activities, and continued use of substance even
with awareness of physical or psychological problems encountered
by extent of substance use.
chemical dependence Chemical dependence is also used to describe
the compulsive use of chemicals (drugs or alcohol) and the
inability to stop using them despite all the problems caused by
their use.
What substances are most often abused? Substances frequently
abused include, but are not limited to, the following:
alcohol
marijuana
hallucinogens
cocaine
amphetamines
opiates
anabolic steroids
What causes substance abuse/chemical dependence? Cultural and
societal norms influence acceptable standards of substance use.
Public laws determine the legal use of substances. The question
of whether there is a normative pattern of substance use remains
controversial. Substance-related disorders are caused by
multiple factors including genetic vulnerability, environmental
stressors, social pressures, individual personality
characteristics, and psychiatric problems. However, determining
which of these factors are primary and which are secondary has
not been determined, in all cases.
Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Teens There are three
major approaches frequently used to prevent adolescent substance
use and abuse, including the following:
school-based prevention programs School-based prevention
programs usually provide drug and alcohol education and
interpersonal and behavior skills training.
community-based prevention programs Community-based prevention
programs usually involve the media and are aimed for parents and
community groups. Programs such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving
(MADD) and Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) are the most
well known community-based programs.
family-focused prevention programs Family-focused prevention
programs involve parent training, family skills training,
children's social skills training, and family self-help groups.
Research literature available suggests that components of
family-focused prevention programs have decreased the use of
alcohol and drugs in older children and improved effectiveness
of parenting skills that favorably affected their children's
risk factors.
What are the symptoms of substance abuse/chemical dependence?
The following are the most common behaviors that indicate an
individual is having a problem with substance abuse. However,
each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms
may include:
getting high on drugs or getting intoxicated (drunk) on a
regular basis
lying, especially about how much they are using or drinking
avoiding friends and family members
giving up activities they used to enjoy such as sports or
spending time with non-using friends
talking a lot about using drugs or alcohol
believing they need to use or drink in order to have fun
pressuring others to use or drink
getting in trouble with the law
taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the
influence of a substance
work performance suffers due to substance abuse before, after,
or during working or business hours
missing work due to substance use
depressed, hopeless, or suicidal feelings
The symptoms of substance abuse may resemble other medical
problems or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your
physician for a diagnosis.
How is substance abuse/chemical dependence diagnosed? A
psychiatrist or qualified mental health professional usually
diagnoses substance abuse. Clinical findings often depend on the
substance abused, the frequency of use, and the length of time
since last used, and may include the following:
weight loss
constant fatigue
red eyes
little concern for hygiene
Treatment for substance abuse/chemical dependence: Specific
treatment for substance abuse/chemical dependence will be
determined by your physician based on:
your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the symptoms
extent of the dependence
type of substance abused
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or
therapies
expectations for the course of the condition
your opinion or preference
A variety of treatment programs for substance abuse are
available on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Programs
considered are usually based on the type of substance abused.
Detoxification (if needed, based on the substance abused) and
long-term follow-up management are important features of
successful treatment. Long-term follow-up management usually
includes formalized group meetings and developmentally
age-appropriate psychosocial support systems, as well as
continued medical supervision. Individual and family
psychotherapy are often recommended to address the
developmental, psychosocial, and family issues that may have
contributed to and resulted from the development of a substance
abuse disorder.