Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders

The past few years have been stressful to say the least, with almost everyone suffering as a consequence of covid-19, subsequent lockdowns, isolation and mental health issues, on a scale not seen before. Under prolonged stress, people may begin consuming more alcohol or other substances. Though this is understandable, but needs intervention before the problem is prolonged and becomes a disorder. 

In case you or someone you know and care for, has recently begun using alcohol or any other substance, or may have increased their usage during these times of the pandemic, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out and get in touch with us.

You can also read on to have a look at a few friendly suggestions from our experts which can prove helpful in helping you or someone you care for. 

In order to understand substance dependence or addiction, we must treat it as a disease whose origin lies in the brain. Like other diseases, substance use disorders can also last a long time and recur. Substance use disorders can occur in the form of using illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco or abusing prescription drugs.

Consuming drugs and alcohol can affect your mental health by changing the way the brain functions over time. Substance use causes chemical imbalances in the brain, which creates intense cravings and a need for it every day. Most people who are dependent can get treatment and support to stop misusing drugs and/or alcohol.

Alcohol addiction or getting other drugs addiction depends on a person’s surrounding environment as well as genetics. If you have friends or family who consume drugs or alcohol, it puts you at higher risk of becoming dependent yourself. Children who faced abuse are also more likely to face problems with alcohol and other drugs in their adulthood. Some individuals are more prone to becoming addicted based on their genetics. Chemical composition of drugs and alcohol bring forth neurochemical changes in the brain that make a person more likely to take them again. 

Understanding Alcohol and other substance use disorders:

Substance use disorder is a term for substance abuse; when an individual’s consumption of drugs or other substances, like alcohol and tobacco, leads to health issues or social problems at home, work, college, or school.   

The individual cannot maintain control on their substance intake. There is an intense craving and the person experiences withdrawal symptoms when unable to consume.

The use continues despite known harmful effects to physical or psychological health.

You should also be careful if you find yourself needing more alcohol to get drunk and more of a drug to get the same high. 

The disorder needs to be diagnosed by a professional and can pose a threat to life if not treated.

A person may be more predisposed to misusing drugs or alcohol if they have seen their parents, siblings,friends or partners use them.

A history of depression or other mental illnesses can also make substance use worse. 

Treatment for Alcohol and other substance use disorder:

Treatment will depend on how severe the use is and speaking to a professional about it is quite ideal. A doctor can impartially treat substance use as a disease and help devise a plan that can help people stop harmful use.

Treatment usually includes counselling, behavioural therapy, and medication.

A doctor can help with Detoxification; used to get people off substances quickly and safely, while properly dealing with withdrawal symptoms. 

Severe substance use disorder may require individuals to spend time in a treatment and rehabilitation centre. 

Joining support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, in order to gain from the experiences of others with similar problems in the past is also helpful.

After treatment, a lot of people do stop consuming substance and remain sober, while some remain sober for some time, but start again. What’s important to understand is that substance use disorder is a disease, which needs more than medication to cure: a solid support system and a little bit of will goes a long way. 

There are support groups, social organisations, and other professionals to help people through these difficult circumstances and their presence can play a huge role in recovery. 

Not all who consume alcohol will become alcoholics or have an alcohol use disorder. Some people may binge drink, or drink a small amount regularly; but that may also be harmful to health and require attention.

People may have substance or alcohol use disorders on top of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. This is quite common and a doctor or therapist may choose to treat both disorders together. 

Dr. Abhinav Agrawal

Consultant

Psychiatry, Mental Health & Behavioural Sciences