Substance Use Disorder (Drug Use Disorder)
Substance addiction is among the leading causes of death worldwide. Drug users often start with small doses and, with time, advance to larger doses that eventually result in addiction. The lives of such individuals tend to revolve around the drugs, since they may not be able to function without them.
Drug users need to take control of the use of drugs at an early stage to prevent addiction. If a user develops a drug use disorder, they should visit a clinic, stick to their plan and avoid drug-prone areas. Additionally, community programs for people with drug use disorders may also be beneficial when incorporated into the treatment plan.
What is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance or drug use disorder is a condition whereby the use of one or more drugs leads to significant health complications. Drug use affects the mind and ability of a user and may cause an inability to control the urge of consumption. Consequently, this may lead to a substance use disorder. The disorder can lead to physical harm, change in behaviour and mental stress.
Drug addiction and dependence are examples of substance use disorders. The diagnosis of substance use disorder can be considered mild, moderate or severe; drug addiction is considered severe.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are
tiny matters compared to what lies within us
What Causes Substance Use Disorder?
A genetic predisposition to drug use can cause substance use disorder. Individuals from families with a history of drug addiction are more likely to follow suit. Peer pressure is also another factor. Young people often want to associate with their friends and end up using drugs to fit into social groups.
Mental health disorders such as depression can cause people to seek drugs repeatedly, leading to a drug use disorder. Early use of drugs can lead to changes in the brain‘s functionality at an early age, hence increasing the chances of the user developing a drug use disorder.
A user develops tolerance with time and ends up increasing the drug dosage to feel the effects of the drugs, rendering him or her susceptible to a substance use disorder.
Signs and symptoms of substance use disorder
Losing yourself or watching one of your loved ones lose themselves to substance abuse can be truly heartbreaking. As with all addictions, substance abuse can have severe adverse effects on your life. The signs to watch out for that you or one of your loved ones are struggling with a substance abuse disorder are as follows:
- Withdrawal symptoms
The user develops physical and psychological symptoms when they attempt to quit using drugs - Uncontrollable cravings
The person feels an urge to use drugs regularly - Tolerance
The use finds that they need an increasingly larger dose to feel the
same effect of the drugs - Taking drugs for longer periods than intended
- Failed attempts to stop using drugs
- Inability to cut down on the costs of drug purchase
Dangers Associated with Substance Use Disorder
Drug use disorder can lead to memory problems, with the user being unable to make informed and balanced decisions on their own. Health complications such as lung diseases, liver damage and heart conditions like heart attacks may arise. Additionally, the user may develop a weakened immune system with an increased risk of contracting opportunistic diseases.
Drug users are prone to accidents because they are likely to engage in dangerous activities while under the influence of drugs. Extreme dangers may also include brain damage and death of individuals suffering from drug use disorder.
Additionally, drug users spend large amounts of cash on the purchase of the drugs, which could lead to financial instability, bankruptcy and ultimately poverty.
FREE Addiction Assessment
If your or a loved one are struggling with addiction, we understand the challenges you’re facing and we’re here to offer compassionate help.
Our highly trained advisers are available to speak to you right away, simply call 0808 252 3379 today.
We can discuss your concerns in complete confidence, explore the options for treatment, and help you to understand what will work best for you.
We’ll also help you to book your free addiction assessment there and then, with appointments usually available within only a few days.
We understand that taking the first step can be the most difficult, but we’re here to support – with no pressure or judgement.
Professional and compassionate help is just a phone call or click away.
