Drug addiction, often identified as a substance use disorder, is described as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite negative consequences, and can cause long-lasting changes in the brain. Substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment that includes health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at home, school, or work.

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Substance Use

Substance use covers a large range of substances, which includes alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine, and are considered drugs. Substance use can also refer to the use of any illegal substance such as: opioid or cocaine. Drug use can have both short-term and long-term effects that can be physically, mentally, and emotionally damaging that can last long after the use of substances has ended.  There are some drugs that can be particularly risky, especially if they are taken in large doses or are combined with other drugs and/or alcohol. In addition, substance use can include the recurring use of drugs (legal or illegal) to produce pleasure, relieve stress, and/or modify or escape reality.  The term drug misuse is used to describe irregular or unhealthy use of a prescribed medication or the use of someone else’s prescription medication.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can cause foggy memory, alter speech, slow reaction time, impair vision and weaken muscles.  Alcohol is processed through the liver and heavy drinking over a period of time can cause damage to the liver.  Research shows that people who misuse alcohol have a greater risk of liver disease, heart disease, depression, stroke, and stomach bleeding. This also includes cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, larynx, pharynx, liver, colon, and rectum.  In addition, those who use alcohol, may also have problems managing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, pain, and may develop sleep disorders. 

In 2019, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 139.7 million Americans 12 years or older had used alcohol, 65.8 million people were binge drinkers, and 16 million people reported being heavy drinkers. In the United States, a standard drink is considered to contain about 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol. The illustrations below show various drink sizes with each containing approximately the same amount of alcohol, and each counting as one U.S. standard drink or one alcoholic drink equivalent.

12 fl. oz. of regular beer

12 fl oz of regular beer - about 5% alcohol

=8-9 fl. oz. of malt liquor (shown in a 12-oz glass)

8 - 9 fl oz of mAlternateText liquor in a 12 oz glass - about 7% alcohol

=5 fl. oz. of table wine

5 fl oz of table wine - about 12% alcohol

=3-4 fl. oz. of fortified wine (such as sherry or port; 3.5 oz shown)

3-4 oz of fortified wine - about 17% alcohol

=2-3 fl. oz. of cordial, liqueur, or aperitif (2.5 oz. shown)

2-3 oz of cordial, liquer, or aperitif - about 24% alcohol

=1.5 fl. oz. of brandy or cognac (a single jigger or shot)

1.5 oz of brandy (a single jigger) - 40% alcohol

=1.5 fl. oz. shot of 80-proof distilled spirits (‘hard liquor’ – whiskey, gin, rum, , vodka, tequila, etc.) – about 40% alcohol

1.5 fl oz shot of 80-proof distilled spirits ('hard liquor' - whiskey, gin, rum, , vodka, tequila, etc.) - about 40% alcohol

Risk Associated with Alcohol Use

Although, there are risk associated with using alcohol, not everyone who uses alcohol will develop an alcohol use disorder. The questions listed below, known as the “CAGE” questionnaire may offer insight regarding the risk associated with developing an alcohol use disorder. By answering “yes” to any one of the questions, can offer insight into being at risk.

Have you experienced in the last year:

C: The need to cut down or stop drinking, or have you tried to, but could not?

A: Have you become angry or annoyed when family or friends suggested that you might be drinking too much?

G: Have you felt guilty or bad after drinking?

E: Have you needed an eye-opener first thing in the morning to feel better or to get your day stated?

Nicotine

Tobacco contains nicotine, which is an ingredient that can lead to addiction, as a result, many people who use tobacco, find it difficult to quit. The risk associated with the use of any tobacco product, including hookah tobacco and smokeless tobacco can potentially have damaging effects on the person who uses it.  

When using nicotine, it quickly absorbs into the bloodstream stimulating the adrenal glands to release the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), which effects the central nervous system. The harmful chemicals found in tobacco or created by burning it can lead to lung cancer, mouth cancers, and other cancers, such as leukemia.  Tobacco use also increases the risk of heart disease, which can lead to having a stroke or heart attack and it is associated with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, cataracts, and Type 2 Diabetes. 

Marijuana

Marijuana is the most commonly used addictive drug after tobacco and alcohol. In 2018, research showed that Marijuana use was widely used among young people noting that more than 11.8 million young adults using it. 

Marijuana use also has short-and long-term effects on the brain, and can cause a wide range of negative effects physically and mentally. When people begin using marijuana as teenagers, the drug has the potential to impair thinking, memory, and learning functions.  It also affects how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions. There is ongoing research studying how long marijuana’s effects last and whether some changes may be permanent.

Marijuana use has caused to altered senses, and when used in higher doses, can cause hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis with higher potency marijuana.  Marijuana use has also been known to cause changes in mood, difficulty in thinking and problem-solving, as well as memory problems. 

Seek Emergency Assistance

If you or someone you know are experiencing trouble breathing, or are showing changes in consciousness, having seizures, convulsions, or signs of an overdose, call 911 immediately, or go to your nearest hospital.

Treatment

Substance use is a chronic, relapsing disorder that can be managed successfully. Research shows, relapse rates for substance users to be similar to that of other chronic medical conditions, such as hypertension and asthma, therefore, if relapse occurs, it is necessary to address it with renewed interventions.  However, research shows that combining behavioral therapy with medications, when prescribed, is the best way to achieve success for most people.

Medications to treat various substances, such as opioids, is known as medication for addiction treatment or MAT. Treatment approaches should always be tailored to address a person’s individual drug use pattern and drug-related medical, psychiatric, environmental, and social problems.  In addition, when treating a person with a substance use disorder, is it important to offer services to family members, due to the fact, like many other disorders, substance use disorders, affects the entire family.

Appointments

If you or a loved one are having trouble with using substances, RCC-Psalm 23 offers telehealth therapy sessions to assist. To schedule a confidential appointment, please contact us at: 888-277-2563 or (888-2PSALM3).

Source:

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