Substance Use Disorder is a condition that results due to a pattern of continuous use of any substance like alcohol, cannabis (hash/weed), opiods, cocaine, cough syrups, sleeping pills and such that is pleasurable but the continuous use/act of the same becomes obsessive and leads to dysfunctionality in all spheres of life.
Symptoms or behavior of substance abuse include:
- Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly – this can be daily or even several times a day
- Having intense urges for the drug
- Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
- Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the substance.
Teenagers and people with mental health disorders are more at risk for drug use and addiction than other populations. Many people who are dependent on drugs are also diagnosed with other mental health disorders and vice versa. The high rate of comorbidity between substance use disorders and other mental health disorders calls for a comprehensive approach that identifies and evaluates both. We recommend, anyone seeking help for either substance use or other mental health disorders be checked for both and treated accordingly.
Aside from addiction and abuse of substances, it's also possible to develop a behavioral addiction. In fact, people can get hooked on everything from gambling to sex to the Internet. Some activities are so normal that it's difficult to believe people can become addicted to them. People may seek out more and more opportunities to engage in the behavior. The desire to experience a ""high"" from the behavior becomes so strong that the individual continues to engage in the activity despite negative consequences. Behavioral addictions (also called process addictions) follow the same pattern as substance-based addictions, and may result in adversely affecting the individual's life.
Management and Treatment Goals for Any Issue Related to Substance Abuse -
- Abstinence
- Harm minimisation
- Improvement of health, social, occupational functions
- Improved quality of life.
There are several treatment approaches to deal with Substance Use Disorder. Medication to curb cravings, aid detoxification, and suppress withdrawal symptoms may be prescribed by a doctor. A broad range of psychosocial interventions such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Contingency Management (CM) have been used and evaluated as the cornerstone in treatment strategies for substance dependence. Call Us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
In addition, the 12 steps program at VIMHANS is for individuals who have been addicted to a substance (s), and seek help in their transition from Treatment phase to being Sober. The program is conducted by our professionals - certified to deliver these particular sessions. In addition, it is also customised to the individual that signs up for it, or is referred by a doctor.