Drug and Alcohol Rehab: Substance Use Disorders

Overview

The problematic use of drugs and alcohol is widely accepted to be associated with trauma and attachment difficulties. Self-medication can be understandable or even seen as normal or expected in some circumstances. These problems can also begin simply by the chance combination of genetics and exposure to a substance, such as a prescribed sleeping tablet or pain killer. Abnormal or unnatural rewards from substances can co-opt the brain circuitry usually employed to promote social interaction and natural reward processing, in order to shift attachment towards the addiction.  

These conditions don't tend to occur in a vacuum; mental health problems co-aggregate and families are often affected. People with addictions often hide their problems and can be unreasonably morally blamed by others and themselves.

A substance use disorder is an impaired control over any substance (chemical) or non-substance (behavioural/process), which can cause major social problems, risky behaviour, and tolerance or withdrawal symptoms. Substance use disorders cloud a person’s regular judgement, which affects their decision making, memory, learning, and control over certain behaviours. Substance use disorders are widespread across all socio-demographics — often bearing severe consequences for sufferers, whose symptoms are often chronic and relapsing in nature. Risk factors for substance use disorders include cultural and social triggers, as well as genetic predispositions

Types of addictive disorders

When we think of addiction – alcohol and other drugs immediately come to mind. Substance abuse isn’t the only form of an addiction disorder:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco/cigarettes
• Marijuana
• Sleeping tablets
• Gambling
• Food and eating/sugar/soft drinks
• Opioids 
• Other prescription painkillers and medications
• Nitrous, other dissociative anaesthetics and hallucinogens
• Internet/Mobile phone/social media/Video gaming
• Amphetamines, Cocaine 

Terminologies which are synonymous with addictions include the following:

• Substance Use Disorders
• Drug/Alcohol Dependence
• Drug/Alcohol Abuse
• Gambling Disorder/Pathological Gambling

At Currumbin Clinic, we don’t discriminate; we allow people to choose their own ways to identify themselves and how their condition was derived. How people with addictions identify themselves can vary considerably, for example:

• Terms such as “I am an addict”, “I am an Alcoholic” and “I am a Gambler” and “using” are sometimes used in certain contexts; some people identify strongly with these terms, and occasionally people are offended by them.
• More modern phraseology can include “I am in recovery”, “I have an alcohol problem”, “I can’t stop taking painkillers”, “I self-medicate”, “I gamble to escape”, “I have mental health and addiction problems”, or “I have chronic pain so need to treat it”.

What is a Substance Use Disorder?

“Addiction” is a complex term to grasp — essentially, it is a brain disease which transpires due to compulsive engagement in a seemingly rewarding stimuli. It is a patient’s “loss of control” over a behaviour, despite any adverse consequences they might face. Substance (chemical) dependence and abuse are common manifestations of addiction, and the condition creates powerful urges to recreate the mental “highs” felt from being under the influence of certain drugs, or manage uncomfortable experiences.

In spite of the negative consequences, people with addictions may go out of their way to feed their habit by engaging in risky behaviour that threatens to damage their personal and professional relationships. It’s important to remember that some chemical and behavioural addictions for some patients can be viewed as a disease that is impulsive, progressive, potentially fatal but above all, treatable.

If you want to tell if you have a problem with alcohol, for example, a good screening tool is the AUDIT:

Causes of substance use disorders

There are many reasons why people engage in substance misuse and other unhealthy behaviours. For many people with substance use disorders, using drugs and alcohol becomes a learned way of coping with their issues, instead of reaching out to someone or seeking a healthier solution to manage grief. Many people with addictions have learned to approach certain substances in the same way that family or friends do, especially if they are seen as socially acceptable. Many people use alcohol and other substances because of environmental cues or reminders which act as triggers. Some people use them to relax, sleep, commemorate, celebrate, or to manage boredom, emotions, loneliness or physical discomfort. Substance use can initially relieve but later exacerbate the symptoms of mental health problems.

In summary, substance use disorders are caused by many factors, such as:

• Genetic vulnerability and family history
• Environmental stressors including work, family and relationships
• Social and peer pressure
• Individual personality characteristics and psychiatric problems

Signs and symptoms

The signs of addiction vary from person to person, however there are some key signs and symptoms that mean you may have a substance use disorder:

Physical

• Extreme hyperactivity or lethargy
• Changes or deterioration in hygiene and/or physical appearance
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Tremors, sweating or impaired coordination
• Slurred/incoherent speech or repetitive speech patterns
• Bloodshot eyes/dilated pupils
• Excessive sniffing and runny nose
• Nausea and vomiting

Psychological

• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fear or paranoia
• Anger outbursts
• Sudden mood swings
• Inattentiveness
• Social withdrawal
• Changes in persona
• Euphoria

Behavioural

• Increased risk taking and participation in dangerous activities
• Neglecting usual responsibilities
• Reduced participation/missing important engagements
• Prolonged or regular time off work/school
• Secretive or isolating behaviour/activities
• Unusual sleeping patterns
• Financial problems (i.e. always asking for money)
• Relationship/marital problems
• Complaints from coworkers/teachers
• Criminal activity

Coming to terms with Substance Use Disorder

There are different stages of recognition and understanding of addictions. People can go through these stages in a positive way even without intervention, as can relapse and perpetuation of the cycle itself.

Denial, often a process of intervention, can sometimes influence the patient’s family and friends into enabling behaviour. Addiction sufferers can sometimes struggle to identify their condition, and will instead persuade their loved ones to make excuses, cover for them, or forgo the appropriate care, so they can continue to use substances or engage in certain behaviour. Recovery is all about acceptance. Struggling with addiction can be an isolating experience, but it’s important to remember you and your loved ones are not alone. Coming to terms with and understanding a substance use disorder can open up the doors to recovery.

Helping friends and family with an addiction

Friends and family play a central role in both intervening with and preventing a loved one’s substance use and misuse by offering a level of protection that is invaluable. Facing addiction can be frightening — but family involvement helps to encourage a sense of resilience on the road to recovery. Having the strong social support and guidance of a positive role model can make all the difference in preventing a relapse.

A relationship based on honesty will best convince your loved one to seek help for their problem — so if you do notice any warning signs, make sure you address your concerns with an open conversation. Persistently responding with positive empathy can be an exhausting process for family members. Remember you are not alone. If you are concerned your loved one may be struggling with an substance use disorder, reach out to Currumbin Clinic. Our highly trained and compassionate staff are here to assist you every step of the way.

Treatment and support

It’s important to provide sufferers of addiction with the resources, education and clinical support needed to address their issues, and in turn, limit the risk of misuse or overdose and misuse.

Treatment for addiction addresses the root causes of the disease, including:

• Low self-esteem
• Anger
• Sadness/loss/grief
• Guilt/shame
• Abuse/trauma
• Neglect/loneliness
• Abandonment (emotional or physical)
• Avoidance

Underlying issues or mental illness can vary in their relative importance compared to the substance use disorder itself, but often can be managed simultaneously or contiguously.

Alternative ways to cope with addiction

There are many ways to treat addiction and there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. At Currumbin Clinic we believe in placing an emphasis on both mindfulness-based therapies and evidence-based medicine throughout the recovery process. Each and every patient is unique — as such, one of our healthcare professionals will assess your individual circumstances to design a program that considers all factors unique to your rehabilitation

Reach out

If you’re coming to terms with your addiction or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, we’re here to listen. Call 1800 119 118 to take the first step of recovery. Speak to one of our qualified and compassionate staff members about treatment options today.

If you are in distress call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention. If you need emergency support, please dial 000 for the police or an ambulance.