When Does Substance Use Turn Into Abuse?
Not everyone who drinks alcohol or uses drugs is an addict. In our culture, drinking and partying are glamorized in ads, movies, and television shows. They’re thought of as a “college phase” with no real lasting effects afterward. While many people can engage in these activities in moderation, for some people this starts them on the path to addiction.
It’s crucial that you be aware of your own behavior and the warning signs of substance abuse. Addiction is a life-threatening disease that needs treatment from health professionals—it won’t go away on its own.
What is substance abuse?
Substance abuse is defined by the DSM-5 as the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs leading to significant impairment, such as health problems, deteriorating relationships, and an inability to meet social and work responsibilities. Say a person has a few drinks with friends on the weekends. If they’re still able to function in their daily life and be a good parent, friend, and coworker, their social drinking is most likely not a problem.
But if those weekend drinks turn into nightly drinks, and they come in to work hungover, get passed up for promotions, get DUIs, and turn to drinking to cope, then they’re suffering from substance use disorder.
Where do we draw the line?
The difference between normal use of drugs or alcohol and disordered use is difficult to determine. Each person’s situation is different. You need to consider your sex, age, weight, and family history of substance abuse. No one factor can be blamed for substance use turning into substance abuse.
If you have a genetic predisposition to addiction and have found yourself unable to abstain from drinking or doing drugs, consider whether you’re showing the warning signs of substance abuse.
Watch out for warning signs
If you find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or when you’re feeling bored, stop and ask yourself these questions:
Do you use the substance more than you intend to?
Can you not stop, even when you want to?
Do you have intense cravings for the substance?
Have you changed your behavior in order to buy or use the substance?
Do you have a high tolerance for the substance, and need to use more to feel the high?
Do you feel withdrawal symptoms when you don’t use?
Does it take you several days to recover from using?
Do you keep using, despite negative consequences to your health, job/school performance, and relationships?
If you answered yes to many of these questions, it may be time to seek help for substance abuse.
You might also see changes in your appearance and overall physical and mental health, such as:
Weight loss/gain
Anxiety and depression
Anger issues
Gastrointestinal issues
Sleep disturbances
Persistent infections and other health problems
Where to turn if you need help
If you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse, get help as soon as possible. Addiction does not resolve without therapeutic intervention. The first step is being honest about the reality of the situation and admitting you have a problem. You can then seek a treatment plan that works for you. Consider whether an inpatient rehab program would be the best way to detox and get the psychological help you need.
In the acute phase of beginning your sobriety journey, you should be supervised by medical professionals who can monitor your withdrawal. After the immediate care, you’ll also need continued long-term therapy to maintain your sobriety.
To find out more about how counseling can help you overcome substance abuse, please reach out to us.
