Substance Addiction – commonly caused drug addiction – is a problem that impacts and ruins the lives of many people.
Substance addiction at its simplest refers to the state where a person is unable to stop taking a substance. This causes significant harm.
Substance addiction is a common symptom in cases of Substance-Related Disorders. It is also associated with other mental health disorders.
What is Substance Addiction?
Substance addiction is the state where a person is unable to stop taking a substance without problem – causing them to become addicted to the substance.
Addiction happens over time. A person may crave the substance, or feel they are unable to function without it – which becomes substance dependence.
Addiction is a severe problem, and involves the person being unable to control their use of the substance. It has both psychological and physical effects.
As an example, someone may start taking an opioid like Tramadol for moderate pain. Once their pain goes away though, they may continue to take the drug. Once they try to stop, they are unable to do so. At this point, they would be considered to have an addiction.
Symptoms of Substance Addiction
The following are possible symptoms of substance addiction:
- Having urges to take the medicine throughout the day
- Needing more of the substance to get the same effect/high (known as tolerance)
- Ensuring that a supply of the substance remains available
- Spending significant money on the substance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop taking the drug
- Risky behaviour
- Poor work or school attendance
What substances can lead to addiction?
There are ten classes of substances that are typically associated with substance-related disorders:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines/Stimulants
- Cocaine
- Cannabis
- Inhalants
- Opioids
- Phencyclidine/Hallucinogens
- Sedatives, Hypnotics and Anxiolytics
- Tobacco
- Other (e.g., caffeine, anabolic steroids)
The above classes can vary in terms of their impact on humans. But the above substances activate the brain’s reward system – resulting in the feeling of pleasure.
The vicious cycle
Addiction plays a part in what can become a vicious cycle. It is closely related to other areas in substance issues – like tolerance, dependence and withdrawal.
The above four areas are all linked. For example, as discussed above, when a person starts taking an addictive substance, they can eventually become addicted to it.
But as they take it, as discussed, a tolerance slowly develops. This can lead to them becoming dependent on the substance.
They may try to stop taking the substance, but are unable to do so – resulting in withdrawal symptoms developing when they do try to stop taking it.
Physical and mental health issues are related to this cycle. This ongoing cycle can be incredibly difficult to break.
How is Substance Addiction treated?
Substance dependence is a common symptom of Substance-Related Disorders. You can read about treatment for this condition here.
When treating substance addiction, a type of talking therapy is normally recommended. It is crucial to receive treatment for addiction.
Popular types of talking therapy for substance-related disorders include cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy and therapeutic communities. But a range of other types of therapy exist as well.
Summary
Substance addiction is a significant issue. If left untreated, addiction can result in a range of other issues, and develop into a serious disorder.
Getting treatment for addiction is vital. By seeking treatment, a healthier lifestyle and improved mental wellbeing is possible.
See Also
- Everything You Need to Know About Withdrawing from Mental Health Medicine
- What Is The Difference Between Dependence, Tolerance, Addiction and Withdrawal?
- What is Substance Addiction? Information, Symptoms and Treatment
- What is Substance Tolerance? Information, Symptoms and Treatment
- What is Substance Dependence? Information, Symptoms and Treatment
- What is Substance Withdrawal? Information, Symptoms and Treatment
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