Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment Specialist Q&A

Substance abuse is defined as the use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts. Substance abuse may lead to social, physical emotional, and job-related issues.

Feelings that you have to use a drug or drink regularly – daily or even several times a day are considered substance abuse. Having intense urges for drugs or alcohol that help block out any other thoughts is also a sign of substance abuse. Over time, needing more of the drug or alcohol to get the same effect and taking larger amounts of it over longer periods of time than you initially intended is the final sign of substance abuse.

There are different substance use disorders which include:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Hallucinogens
• Opioids
• Sedatives
• Stimulants
• Tobacco

At Success Health System LLC, we come into contact with several different kinds of users of both legal and illegal substances on the regular. It is important to understand the types of users for this information may help gain insight into the patient’s lifestyle and determine how our clinic can approach the patient for healthcare recommendations.

The three types of substance users are:

1. The social user
As the first type of substance user, the social user can take or leave the substance and does not make it a focal point in their life. The social user never puts themselves or others in harm’s way while using the substance and shows no pattern. This user does not use it in excess.

2. The substance abuser
The substance abuser is a drug abuser and can stop using a substance and return to a somewhat normal life. This user may also be considered a “binge user” which is when an individual uses in excess at times but rarely shows a daily pattern of abuse. Although they do not use drugs or alcohol on a daily, they are susceptible to issues of a drug abuser.

3. The addict
The final type of substance use is the addict, which is the most serious form of substance abuser. Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It’s common for individuals who fit the profile of an addict to use multiple substances. An addict may abuse alcohol for one decade, prescription medication, and then move onto illegal drugs. This behavior of moving from one addictive substance to another is called transference.

Addiction is complex and is considered a chronic brain condition influenced by genes and the environment that is characterized by substance use or compulsive actions that continue despite harmful consequences.

Substances and behaviors create a physical and psychological high for the user. Over time with the use, the individuals develop a tolerance which makes them take more of the substance of choice to achieve those same initial effects. Some of the factors that can cause addiction include:

• The brain
Addiction can lead to changes in the brain’s circuits over time

• Family history
You can be more likely to become an addict if you have a family member who has an addiction (whether it be the same as you or not)

• Genetics
Genetics may also increase the likelihood of developing a substance addiction

• Environment
Exposure to addictive substances, social pressures, lack of support, and poor coping skills also contribute to the development of substance addictions

• Frequency and duration of use
The more an individual uses a substance, the more likely they will become addicted to it over time

Addictions to substances take time to develop. It is unlikely a person will become addicted after using the substance once however, it is possible to develop a mental health problem or even overdose or other complications after one use of some substances. If you are interested in learning more about our services or would like to book an appointment, call us or schedule an appointment online! We serve patients from Creve Coeur MO, St. Louis MO, Independence MO, Olathe KS, Columbia MO, Craig KS, Spring Hill KS, Pierpont MO, Kirkwood MO, Kansas City MO, River Bend MO & Beyond!