Drug Misuse, Abuse, and Addiction
While the medical community has a general consensus about the stages of addiction and corresponding levels of care for substance use disorders (SUDs), there is some nuance in definitions. Particularly, what constitutes drug misuse vs abuse vs dependence. The overlap in terminology can cause confusion and make it difficult to recognize when your use of a substance requires inpatient treatment.
Drug abuse, misuse, and addiction can all have serious consequences on a person's life. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Understanding the differences and similarities between drug abuse, misuse, and addiction is important in order to recognize when someone needs help and how to address the problem.
What Does it Mean to Misuse a Substance?
Misusing a substance means using it in a way that is not intended or recommended. This is most often seen with substances such as prescription drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
Misuse of drugs can include taking too much of a prescribed medication, taking a medication that was not prescribed to you, or taking a medication in a way that is different from the instructions on the label. Misusing a substance can lead to serious health problems, including overdose and death.
What Does it Mean to Abuse a Substance?
Abusing a substance refers to using it in a way that is harmful to yourself or others. Substance abuse can occur with both legal and illegal substances and generally describes when a person goes above and beyond moderate use.
Methods of substance abuse include taking it more frequently than recommended, taking a greater quantity at a time than recommended or subscribed, or using a substance to get drunk or high.
One of the most common examples of abuse is excessive alcohol use. Binge drinking or prolonged heavy drinking are both types of alcohol abuse that can trigger serious immediate health effects, as well as long-term risks.
Substance abuse is a mild form of an SUD. In addition to giving rise to an addiction, it can lead to other negative consequences, such as severe legal, financial, and relational problems.
What Does it Mean to Be Addicted to a Substance?
Addiction is a chronic brain disease characterized by a loss of control over drug use, continued use despite negative consequences, and compulsive drug-seeking behavior. Some of the most common signs of addiction include:
- Uncontrollable cravings
- Behavioral changes
- Risky behavior
- Social isolation
- Financial hardship
- Sudden change in appetite
Addiction is a severe form of substance use disorder. Left unaddressed, a physical or even psychological dependence upon a substance can lead to addiction. The longer the addiction goes on, the more difficult it becomes for that person to quit using drugs without professional help. Additionally, prolonged addiction increases a person's chances of overdose or even death.
Dependence vs Addiction
Although they often occur simultaneously, dependence and addiction are two different things. Dependence means that a person's body has become accustomed to the presence of a drug, and they experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug.
Addiction, on the other hand, is a complex behavioral and psychological disorder that goes beyond physical dependence. It is often referred to as a substance use disorder (SUD) when it involves drugs. The term "drugs" encompasses a wide range of substances that can affect the body, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, street drugs, alcohol, and even nicotine. Although there is no known cure for addiction, it can be effectively managed through various treatment options.
Stages of Addiction
Addiction typically progresses through four stages:
- Experimentation
- Regular use
- Dependence
- Addiction
While each stage isn’t a guarantee that a person will progress to the next one, the probability is exceedingly high. This is especially true for those who—due to genetic or circumstantial factors—are more predisposed to developing an addiction if they begin experimenting or misusing substances.
During the experimentation stage, a person may try a drug out of curiosity or social pressure.
During the regular use stage, a person’s use of the drug is still a choice, but they may begin taking the drug on their own, outside of the social or situational context(s) that originally triggered their use.
Once a person has crossed into the dependence stage, the brain and/or body is so accustomed to the substance that their ability to exercise free will to choose their use is greatly diminished.
Finally, in the addiction stage, a person has lost control over their drug use and is compulsively seeking out and using drugs, despite the negative consequences.
Do You Have to be Diagnosed with an SUD to Seek Help?
No, you do not need to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder to seek help. If you are concerned about your drug use, or the drug use of someone you know, you can seek help from a healthcare professional, a support group, or a rehab center. Seeking help early can prevent the problem from getting worse and increase the chances of successful recovery.
Sequoia Behavioral Health has the resources to help people experiencing any kind of unhealthy relationship with chemical substances—and any co-occurring disorder that might contribute to this relationship. Reach out today.
Preventing Misuse of Drugs
Addressing misuse of drugs at the source involves preventing people from misusing drugs in the first place. This can include educating people about the risks and dangers of drug misuse, promoting safe prescribing practices among healthcare professionals, and increasing access to addiction treatment programs.
Since substance abuse often co-occurs with other types of disorders, traumas, and general life struggles, seeking counseling for these early can make a big difference in how deep into addiction a person goes. Some people simply need solid resources and tools to enact effective behavioral changes or coping mechanisms. These might include:
- Exercise and eating healthy
- Replacing bad habits with healthy ones
- Having an accountability-buddy who can help keep you on track (or you can keep each other on track)
Treating SUDs
Generally speaking, treating SUDs requires more intense counseling and significant lifestyle changes. SUDs are often treated with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Medications can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while behavioral therapy can help address the underlying psychological factors that contribute to addiction.
It’s also important to remember that recovery from addiction is a lifelong process, and support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals is essential for successful recovery.
Make a Change Today
Whether you or someone you know is struggling with misuse of drugs, or they’re battling a full-blown addiction, contact us here at Sequoia Behavioral Health today to find out how our holistic approach to therapy can help you break free. Recovery is possible, and taking the first step towards help can make all the difference.