Every day thousands of families are affected by substance abuse. Although most of us have likely seen the effects of this illness on a friend or family member, those who haven’t suffered from the disorder often don’t understand just how difficult or devastating it is for the individual themselves.

Understanding Substance Abuse

Learn More About Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is the chronic and excessive consumption of substances like drugs and/or alcohol that can severely impair one’s ability to function. Individuals who find that they are trapped in a cycle of drug or alcohol abuse can begin noticing challenges in their everyday lives, leading to significant distress for not only themselves, but for those around them.

When substance abuse is present, an individual is likely to struggle with attempting to stop use on his or her own, develop tolerance to the substance, experience consequences at work or at home, and possess an uncontrollable need to keep using it, even if he or she wants to stop.

Statistics

Statistics of Drug Abuse

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 80% to 90% of adults above the age of 18 have abused one or more substances at some point in their lives. The most commonly abused of these substances include alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that more than 20 million people are struggling with substance use disorder, but that less than 15% of that number receive treatment.

Causes

Causes and Risk Factors for Drug Abuse

The causes and risk factors for developing substance use disorder can be explained through the following:

Genetic: Substance abuse and addiction can be genetically linked, as research has reported that almost 60% of one’s chances for grappling with substance use disorder can be traced back to his or her genetics. Specifically, those who possess family members such as parents or siblings who abuse substances are more likely to abuse substances themselves.

Environmental: Factors including a poor socioeconomic background, being exposed to violence and crime, and associating with others who abuse substances can increase one’s risk of experimenting and eventually becoming addicted to substances of abuse. Also, neglect, trauma, and mental illness can also lead to the development of substance use disorder.

Risk Factors:

Suffering from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and/or neglect
Family history of addiction
Personal or family history of mental illness
Possessing an impulsive personality
Possessing a novelty-seeking temperament
Experiencing a trauma
Poverty
Witnessing violence

Signs

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

The signs and symptoms that someone is abusing one or more substances will be based on the kind of substance that is being abused, however there are some overarching symptoms that can be seen throughout all forms of substance abuse, including the following:

Behavioral symptoms:

Using substances even when it is hazardous to do so (such as while operating a vehicle)
Decline in occupational performance
Using substances more excessively or over a longer period of time than was originally intended
Withdrawing from family and friends
Inability to stop using one’s substance of choice, despite having the desire to do so
No longer engaging in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed
Possessing drug paraphernalia
Frequent absenteeism from one’s place of employment
Failing to adhere to responsibilities at home or within relationships

Physical symptoms:

Changes in sleeping patterns (hypersomnia or insomnia)
Decline in hygiene
Nausea and vomiting
Bloodshot eyes
Slurred speech
Frequent headaches
Periods of excessive hyperactivity or excessive lethargy
Tremors
Presence of abscesses, scars, or track marks if a substance is being consumed intravenously
Weight loss or weight gain
Excessive sweating

Cognitive symptoms:

Psychosis
Memory loss
Hallucinations
Impaired judgment
Delayed thought processes
Poor concentration
Inability to reason
Suicidal ideation
Hindered decision-making capabilities
Delusions

Psychosocial symptoms:

Irritability
Dramatic mood swings
Agitation
Changes in overall temperament
No longer demonstrating an interest in things that were once enjoyed
Depression
Anxiety

Fortunately, there is treatment available for those who seek it, and it is possible to end one’s addiction to drugs and alcohol once and for all.

Effects

Effects of Drug Abuse

When someone develops a pattern of substance abuse, he or she is likely to suffer several negative outcomes within all areas of his or her life, including in his or her relationships, at work, or at home. Some of the most commonly experienced effects of substance abuse can include the following:

Coma
Elevated risk for certain cancers
Exposure to viruses like hepatitis or HIV/AIDS
Stroke
Heart failure
Damage to vital organs
Hindered lung functioning
Seizures
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Loss of friendships
Compromised immune system
Loss of memory
Malnutrition
Overdose and the complications that arise as the result of an overdose
Onset of self-harming behaviors
Financial strife
Onset of new, or worsening of current, mental illness symptoms
Irreversible cognitive impairment
Demise of marriages or partnerships
Loss of child custody
Job loss

Co-Occurring Disorders

Learn About Co-Occurring Disorders

Some common co-occurring disorders that can simultaneously occur with substance use disorder can include:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Bipolar disorder
Depressive disorders
Anxiety disorders
Antisocial personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Effects of Withdrawal

Effects of Withdrawal for Drug Abuse

Effects of withdrawal: At the time of withdrawal, an individual can suffer many different symptoms, including the following:

Powerful cravings
Seizures
Paranoia
Depression
Elevated feelings of anxiety
Bone and muscle pain
Suicidal ideation
Vomiting
Nausea

Effects of overdose: When an overdose is occurring, an individual will need immediate medical attention. Some of the typical symptoms of overdose include: