Substance Use/ Addiction
Substance Use and Addiction affect millions of individuals and families worldwide. Addiction is more than a habit—it is a chronic condition that impacts brain function and behavior, leading to the compulsive use of substances despite harmful consequences. Substances can include alcohol, prescription medications, illicit drugs, and even nicotine.
Substance use often starts as recreational or prescribed use but can progress into dependence or addiction. Understanding the nature of addiction is essential to breaking the cycle and finding pathways to recovery.
Causes of Addiction
- Biological Factors: Genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, or a history of mental health conditions.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to substance use in the home, peer pressure, or high levels of stress.
- Psychological Factors: Coping with trauma, unresolved emotional pain, or untreated mental health disorders.
- Social and Cultural Factors: Societal norms or environments where substance use is normalized.
When to Seek Help
It’s time to seek help if substance use is causing significant harm to your health, relationships, or daily functioning. Signs that professional support may be needed include:
- You’ve tried to quit or cut back but find it challenging to do so on your own.
- Substance use interferes with your ability to work, study, or maintain relationships.
- You experience physical or emotional withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.
- You’re using substances to cope with stress, trauma, or other emotional challenges.
- Loved ones express concern about your substance use.
Common Symptoms of Addiction
- Emotional Symptoms:
- Mood swings, irritability, or anger.
- Increased anxiety, depression, or feelings of hopelessness.
- A sense of guilt or shame about substance use.
- Behavioral Symptoms:
- Difficulty controlling the amount or frequency of substance use.
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home.
- Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence, such as driving.
- Withdrawal from social activities or relationships.
- Physical Symptoms:
- Changes in appetite or weight.
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping.
- Tolerance, requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effect.
- Withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, shaking, nausea, or anxiety, when not using the substance.
What Addiction looks like
- A coworker who frequently misses deadlines or calls in sick.
- A friend who avoids social gatherings and seems distant.
- A loved one who insists they have their substance use “under control” despite clear challenges.