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Substance Abuse, Substance Use Disorder, & Chemical Dependency

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News Release

When a person uses alcohol or other drugs, the person can develop an unhealthy relationship with the substance. Often, the individual may continue to use the substance despite the negative impact of their behavior on their health and interpersonal relationships.

A person’s harmful use of alcohol and other drugs can have different classifications, namely substance abuse, substance use disorder, and chemical dependency. These classifications refer to the extent of the person’s harmful relationship with the substance. In this article, we discuss the differences between substance abuse and chemical dependency, and we answer common questions related to alcohol and drug misuse.

What is substance abuse and substance use disorder?

Substance abuse occurs when an individual uses a substance to the point where it severely impairs their health or cognition. These impairments are most often temporary, such as the person being drunk or experiencing intense changes in mood. However, while the person’s state of impairment is usually temporary, the person may suffer lasting physical injuries during their intoxicated state.

Substance abuse can lead to substance use disorder. Substance use disorder refers to a person’s continued use of alcohol or other drugs despite the known, negative impacts of their behavior. A person can think of substance use disorder as repeated instances of substance abuse over time.

When a person has substance use disorder, they may find themselves attending social events primarily for the opportunity to access their substance of choice. Individuals with substance use disorder may also find themselves running into trouble with the law, from problems such as DUIs or possession of illicit drugs. Other signs of substance use disorder include the person spending money on the substance that they need for normal living expenses, such as utilities and rent.

What substances do people most often abuse?

The most commonly abused substances are substances that are inexpensive and easily accessible, such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and over-the-counter drugs. In many states, each of these substances is legal under certain circumstances, which contributes to their widespread use. Other drugs that people frequently abuse include cocaine and heroin. Also, in recent years, prescription opioids have become a commonly abused substance. People who abuse opioids often start on the drug after a medical procedure or surgery, and after prolonged use, they feel compelled to use the drug even after their prescription expired.

What does chemically dependent mean?

When a person is chemically dependent on a particular substance, they typically need more and more of the substance over time to achieve their desired effect. The person also depends on the substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawl includes a variety of physical symptoms that can include anxiety, irritability, tremors, fatigue, clammy skin, and even seizures. Physical withdrawal symptoms vary with each person and each substance. In addition to physical withdrawal symptoms, chemically-dependent people also tend to remove themselves from their interpersonal relationships and responsibilities.

People also refer to chemical dependence as physical dependence, and the phenomenon results from the unfortunate progression of substance use disorder. When a person repeatedly engages in substance abuse, the substance has a lasting effect on the body’s reward pathways. The body begins to consider the substance as beneficial to the person, and the person experiences intense cravings for the substance each day. The person becomes fixated on obtaining the substance when they do not have it, and they will compulsively use the substance despite its known, negative impact on their life.

How can health professionals treat substance abuse-related issues

Treatment for substance abuse-related issues depends on a variety of factors, and treatment centers typically customize treatment programs for each individual’s unique needs. For example, treatment depends on the individual’s age, the extent of their substance abuse, their medical history and experiences with previous treatments, and the impact that substance abuse has already had on their body.

Treatment typically involves behavioral therapy programs, which help the person understand the motivations behind their actions and how they can repurpose those motivations for positive health outcomes. Behavioral therapy can also involve group-support and 12-step programs. Treatment for substance abuse can also include a variety of medications, which can help reduce the individual’s cravings for the abused substance.

For advanced cases where the individual is chemically dependent, treatment may involve a detoxification program. During detoxification programs, the affected individual stops using the abused substance under the care and supervision of medical professionals. Patients usually undergo detoxification programs in inpatient facilities. This standard allows medical professionals to help the affected individual 24/7 during the detoxification process. Common interventions during detoxification programs include administering medicines that help the patient manage withdrawal symptoms.

In many cases of substance abuse, a long-term care plan is necessary for the affected individual’s continued health. Without ongoing care, a person who has struggled with substance abuse can quickly relapse and fall into their past cycles of harmful behavior. Ongoing care for people affected by substance abuse includes counseling sessions with trained healthcare professionals. Often, the affected individual’s family also undergoes counseling sessions, as substance abuse typically impacts the entire family unit.

What can Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital do to help?

Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital proudly serves the behavioral and mental health needs of people living in northern Nevada and beyond. We have a variety of inpatient and outpatient programs for substance abuse and chemical dependency treatment. Our program offerings include detoxification treatment, and each of our programs is family-inclusive. We encourage the patient’s family to participate in the patient’s ongoing efforts to live a healthy and sober lifestyle.

To get started at Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, the first step is to call our caring team at (775) 393-2200. Our hotline is open 24/7, and anyone can call. During the call, we can discuss the potential patient’s needs and help determine if an in-person meeting is the best next step.