What Is Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a widespread condition affecting millions worldwide. It is characterized by unhealthy dependence on specific substances that adversely impact daily life and overall well-being. Recovery typically requires residential treatment or rehab programs for optimal results.

What Types of Substance Use Disorders Exist? 

People can experience various substance use disorders (SUDs), each associated with different substances and exhibiting unique symptoms. Here, we highlight some of the more prevalent SUDs; please be aware that this list is by no means comprehensive.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) 

An alcohol use disorder, or AUD, is a specific form of substance use disorder in which an individual becomes overly dependent on alcohol consumption.

Alcohol dependence can become so intense that a person struggles to manage their drinking, with severe adverse impacts on their personal, work, and physical lives. Symptoms of alcohol dependence syndrome may include increased tolerance to alcohol, withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and an irrepressible desire to drink regardless of negative consequences.

Individuals struggling with alcohol dependence should seek professional help immediately, as it can lead to serious health problems like liver or heart disease. Recovering from addiction often requires residential treatment or rehab to break free from its cycle.

Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction, often involving heroin, fentanyl, or certain prescription medications, is another pervasive substance use disorder.

Though opioids were designed for medical pain relief purposes, misusing them can quickly turn into an addiction, altering brain chemistry and creating a dependence that's hard to break without professional assistance. 

Symptoms of an opioid addiction include increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped, and persistent urges to use regardless of harmful consequences. The recovery often requires residential treatment followed by rehab plus medication-assisted therapy.

Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction is a type of substance use disorder in which an individual develops an unhealthy dependence on the stimulant drug cocaine.

Cocaine interferes with the brain's reward system, leading to cycles of intense highs and debilitating lows that disrupt daily functioning. People struggling with cocaine addiction may find it challenging to control their use despite negative health and social repercussions.

Cocaine addiction symptoms include intense cravings for the drug, increased tolerance, disturbed sleep patterns, loss of appetite, and possible paranoia or psychosis.

Substance addictions such as cocaine can cause serious physical and mental health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and severe mental disorders. Recovering from cocaine addiction requires professional assistance in the form of residential treatment, rehab programs, and ongoing support to sustain sobriety.

Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine addiction, more commonly referred to as meth addiction, is a debilitating substance use disorder marked by an overwhelming addiction to methamphetamine. 

Meth is an extremely potent and highly addictive stimulant drug. Drugs like meth have an immediate and profound effect on the central nervous system, producing intense feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and sharpened focus. However, their short-term benefits quickly lead to detrimental long-term consequences. 

Meth addiction may result in severe dental issues (commonly referred to as "meth mouth"), dramatic weight loss, extreme behavioral changes, and skin sores caused by constant scratching. Over time, meth addiction can result in significant cognitive impairment, cardiovascular complications, and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. 

Just like with other substance use disorders, recovery from meth addiction is possible with professional help, typically consisting of residential treatment, rehab programs, and an ongoing support network comprised of caregivers and loved ones.

Prescription Medication Addiction

Prescription medication addiction, another SUD, refers to individuals developing an unhealthy dependency on prescribed drugs like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or stimulants prescribed for them by healthcare professionals.

Misuse of these medications, whether by overconsumption or use without a valid prescription, can quickly lead to addiction. For benzodiazepines, in particular, misuse can result in physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms, including increased anxiety, restlessness, and seizures in some extreme cases. 

Regular use of barbiturates and stimulants can cause physical dependence as well as serious health problems. Addiction to prescription medication is a serious business that affects physical and mental health as well as relationships and daily life. 

Recovery from prescription medication addiction is possible with professional help. Residential treatment, rehab programs, and long-term medical supervision can greatly assist in breaking this habit.

The Risks of Improper Medication Use

Addiction to prescription medication often starts with improper usage. Inappropriate usage includes taking higher dosages than prescribed, taking medication more frequently than instructed, or using another person's prescriptions without prior permission from their healthcare provider. 

Even when used correctly, certain individuals may develop a tolerance to their prescription medication over time, leading them to take more and more of it to achieve the same effect. This phenomenon increases the risk of addiction and creates a dangerous cycle that can be difficult to break without professional support. 

Individuals should use their medications strictly as directed by their healthcare provider and seek medical advice if their dosage needs increasing. Prevention is better and easier than rehabilitation. Recognizing signs of potential medication misuse is the first step toward avoiding substance use disorders.

Safe Practices

Above all else, it is critical that patients exercise extreme caution when consuming prescription medication. No matter their purpose, any misuse–intentional or otherwise–could potentially lead to a substance use disorder.

If any unusual symptoms or behaviors arise or you realize you no longer feel the effects of your medication, seek guidance from your healthcare provider immediately.

Seek Assistance for Substance Use

Seeking help shouldn’t be considered shameful, as it is essential to recovery. Residential treatment centers and rehabilitation programs like Jackson House offer individuals a safe space to focus on their recovery journey. 

Treatment methods typically include medical detoxification, individual therapy, group sessions,  and aftercare planning. It is important to remember that you are not alone on the road to recovery.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a substance abuse disorder, reach out to Jackson House Recovery Centers today. Allow our compassionate team of healthcare professionals to help you create a brighter future for yourself.

 

28 Feb 2024

• Sobriety