Addiction

There are lots of reasons why addictions begin. In the case of drugs, alcohol and nicotine, these substances affect the way you feel, both physically and mentally. These feelings can be enjoyable and create a powerful urge to use the substances again.

Gambling may result in a similar mental “high” after a win, followed by a strong urge to try again and recreate that feeling. This can develop into a habit that becomes very hard to stop.

Being addicted to something means that not having it causes withdrawal symptoms, or a “come down”. Because this can be unpleasant, it’s easier to carry on having or doing what you crave, and so the cycle continues.

Often, an addiction gets out of control because you need more and more to satisfy a craving and achieve the “high”.

Drug tests (toxicology screens) on blood and urine samples can show many chemicals and substances in the body. How sensitive the test is depends on the substance itself, when the substance was used, and the testing laboratory. Blood tests are more likely to find a substance than urine tests, though urine substance screens are done more often.

Substance use disorder is a serious condition and not easy to treat. The best care and treatment involve trained professionals.

Treatment begins with recognizing the problem. Though denial is a common symptom of addiction, people who are addicted have far less denial if they are treated with empathy and respect, rather than told what to do or being confronted.

The substance may either be slowly withdrawn or stopped abruptly. Support for physical and emotional symptoms, as well as staying substance free (abstinence) are also key to treatment.

• People with substance overdose may need emergency treatment in the hospital. The exact treatment depends on the drug used.
• Detoxification (detox) is the withdrawal of the substance abruptly in an environment where there is good support. Detoxification can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
• At times, another substance with a similar action or effect on the body is taken, as the dose is slowly decreased to reduce the side effects and risks of withdrawal. For example, for narcotic addiction, methadone or similar medicines may be used to prevent withdrawal and continued use.

Residential treatment programs and intensive outpatient programs monitor and address possible withdrawal symptoms and behaviors. These programs use techniques to get users to recognize their behaviors and learn how not to go back to using (relapse).

If the person also has depression or another mental health issues, it should be treated. In many cases, a person starts using substances to try to self-treat mental health illness.

Substance use may lead to a fatal overdose. Some people start taking the substances again (relapse) after they have stopped.

Complications of substance use include:

• Depression
• Cancer, for example, mouth and stomach cancer are linked to alcohol use and dependence
• Infection with HIV, or hepatitis B or C through shared needles
• Loss of job
• Problems with memory and concentration, for example, hallucinogen use, including marijuana (THC)
• Problems with the law
• Relationship breakup
• Unsafe sexual practices, which may result in unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, or viral hepatitis

Make an appointment with your provider if you or a family member is using a substance and wants to stop. Also contact your provider if you have been cut off from your drug supply and are at risk of withdrawal. Most employers offer referral services for their employees with substance use problems.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night.

You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.

If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.

Substance misuse; Chemical use; Chemical misuse; Drug addiction; Addiction – drug; Dependence on drugs; Illicit drug use; Narcotic use; Hallucinogen use