Substance addiction is a relapsing and continuous condition that is differentiated by the uncontrollable use of alcohol or substance in spite of the negative impacts on the health and wellness of the individual. Someone who has actually developed tolerance to addictive substances will require constantly enhancing dosages to achieve the satisfaction he or she craves. This pattern of abusive use of substances quickens the reliance that will then lead to addiction.
When people become dependent on a substance, they need to continuously take a dose of the drug or alcohol to operate generally every day. When use of the substance is reduced or stopped, the individual will experience symptoms of withdrawal which then triggers them to have a higher dosage.
The list below includes the most common substances many people get addicted to:
- Heroin and other opioids
- Sedatives
- Anxiolytics
- Sleeping pills
- Tranquilizers
- Inhalant
- Methamphetamines, popular known as meth, and various other amphetamines
- Hallucinogens
- Cocaine
- Marijuan (Cannabis).
- Alcohol.
- Inhalants.
- Nicotine (in tobacco).
- PCP or Angel Dust.
- Various other undefined substances
When Somebody You Know Has a Substance Use Disorder
If you know people who have drug or alcohol problem, there are many things you can do to give the help they need.
Reach out. Find some time to talk with the person alone to express your concerns and offer support and help without being judgy. Do not wait for that person to hit the bottom! Every second count and the earlier you seek treatment, the far better.
Self-blame must be avoided. You can provide help and assistance to a person with a substance use disorder, but you can never require them to quit their addiction overnight or even in a month. Quitting addiction is a difficult and it can months and years for a person to recuperate. Remember that you can never ever dictate anyone’s decisions in life. However, the most effective method you can do to help is to let the person accept responsibility for his/her actions and to always make them feel that you are always there.
Stay safe. Avoid placing yourself in harmful circumstances. Do not get so absorbed in the person’s drug or alcohol addiction issues that you forget your own needs. In this process, you need to make certain you also get support from other people whom you can talk to.
Don’t…
- intimidate or punish.
- become a saint. Don’t go all emotional because this might just push them to the brink and rely more on their addiction.
- make excuses for the drug addict or cover them from the adverse results of their addiction.
- feel responsible for their actions.
- throw away or hide drugs.
- start heated discussions with the person when they are high; and
- take drugs with them.