When Use Becomes Dependence
Substance abuse is the harmful use of psychoactive substances. It starts voluntarily but can become compulsive. When it disrupts daily life, relationships, and health, it’s classified as a substance use disorder.
Using larger amounts of substances over longer periods than intended
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use
Spending excessive time obtaining, using, or recovering from substances
Cravings or strong urges to use the substance
Continued use despite social, interpersonal, or physical problems
Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop
An informative visual breakdown of substance abuse, including types of substances, warning signs, health impacts, and paths to recovery. This infographic helps individuals, families, and communities recognize addiction and find support resources.
Alcohol Use Disorder
One of the most common substance use disorders affecting millions of people worldwide.
The main features of Alcohol Use Disorder are:
- Drinking more or longer than intended on multiple occasions
- Wanting to cut down or stop drinking but being unable to do so
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from alcohol use
- Experiencing cravings or strong urges to drink alcohol
- Continued drinking despite causing problems with family, work, or relationships
- Giving up important activities because of alcohol use
- Drinking in situations where it's physically dangerous
- Continuing to drink despite knowing it's causing physical or psychological problems
- Needing more alcohol to get the same effect (tolerance)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing alcohol use
Drug Addiction
A chronic disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain.
Physical Dependence - Withdrawal Without Use
Tolerance - Needing More to Achieve Desired Effect
Loss of Control - Inability to Limit Use
Neglecting Responsibilities - Work, School, Family Suffer
Continued use - Despite Negative Consequences
Failed attempts - Repeated Failed Quit Attempts
People who suffer from substance abuse may experience:
Secrecy, Lying, and Social Isolation
Weight Changes, Poor hygiene, Chronic Illness
Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Swings
Prescription Drug Abuse
The misuse of prescription medications, including taking someone else’s medication or using medication for non-medical purposes. Commonly involves pain relievers, sedatives, and stimulants.
Warning signs include:
- Taking medication in higher doses than prescribed
- Using medication for non-medical reasons (to get high)
- Doctor shopping to obtain multiple prescriptions
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits
- Forging or stealing prescriptions
- Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence
Opioid Use Disorder
A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to serious impairment or distress, involving prescription painkillers or illegal opioids like heroin.
If you have opioid use disorder, symptoms may include:
- Strong cravings for opioids throughout the day
- Taking larger amounts or for longer periods than intended
- Unsuccessful efforts to control or reduce opioid use
- Withdrawal symptoms such as pain, nausea, sweating when stopping
- Continued use despite physical or psychological problems
- Neglecting major obligations at work, school, or home
Stimulant Use Disorder
Problematic use of stimulant drugs including cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin.
During active use, individuals experience:
- Increased energy and alertness followed by crashes
- Risky or impulsive behaviors
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Sleep disturbances and appetite changes
- Physical health complications including heart problems
Regular use of cannabis leading to significant impairment in daily functioning and quality of life.
Daily Use - Using Cannabis Daily or Near-Daily
Cognitive Impairment - Memory & Focus Issues
Motivation Loss - Reduced Drive and Ambition
Respiratory Issues - Chronic Cough and Breathing Problems
Diagnosing substance use disorder requires evaluation covering substance history, physical exams, lab tests, psychological assessment, social functioning, and severity level by addiction specialists.
Substance use disorders are treatable, and recovery is possible. Treatment is most effective when tailored to individual needs and often includes a combination of approaches:
Oral medicines are used to treat symptoms of withdrawal, reduce craving, and also treat underlying causes that lead to addiction.
Some addiction symptoms need neuro-stimulation like ECT for severe withdrawal depression or psychosis. rTMS or DBS help reduce cravings. Most de-addiction cases require combination therapy over any single treatment.
Post-treatment of withdrawal and craving counselling methods like Motivation Enhancement Therapy (MET) helps in preventing further relapses. Family therapy is also useful in order to provide a supportive environment at home.
An informative visual breakdown of substance abuse, including types of substances, warning signs, health impacts, and paths to recovery. This infographic helps individuals, families, and communities recognize addiction and find support resources.