ADDICTION (SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER)

WHAT IS ADDICTION?
Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life. They keep using alcohol or a drug even when they know it will cause problems.
People can develop an addiction to:

• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• PCP, LSD and other hallucinogens
  Inhalants, such as, paint thinners and glue
• Opioid pain killers, such as codeine and oxycodone, heroin
  Sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics (medicines for anxiety such as tranquilizers)
• Cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants
• Tobacco

People with addiction have distorted thinking, behavior and body functions. Changes in the brain’s wiring are what cause people to have intense cravings for the drug and make it hard to stop using the drug. Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision making, learning, memory and behavior control.
These substances can cause harmful changes in how the brain functions. These changes can last long after the immediate effects of the drug — the intoxication. Intoxication is the intense pleasure, calm, increased senses or a high caused by the drug. Intoxication symptoms are different for each substance.
Over time, people with addiction build up a tolerance, meaning they need larger amounts to feel the effects.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE ABUSE DRUGS AND DEVELOP ADDICTION
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people begin taking drugs for a variety of reasons, including:

• to feel good — feeling of pleasure, “high”
• to feel better — e.g., relieve stress
• to do better — improve performance
• curiosity and peer pressure

People with addictive disorders may be aware of their problem, but be unable to stop it even if they want to. The addiction may cause health problems as well as problems at work and with family members and friends. The misuse of drugs and alcohol is the leading cause of preventable illnesses and premature death.

SYMPTOMS OF ADDICTION
Symptoms of addiction are grouped into four categories:

• Impaired control: a craving or strong urge to use the substance; desire or failed attempts to cut down or control substance use.
• Social problems: substance use causes failure to complete major tasks at work, school or home; social, work or leisure activities are given up or cut back because of substance use.
• Risky use: substance is used in risky settings; continued use despite known problems.
• Drug effects: tolerance (need for larger amounts to get the same effect); withdrawal symptoms (different for each substance).

Many people experience both mental illness and addiction. The mental illness may be present before the addiction. Or the addiction may trigger or make a mental disorder worse.

TREATMENT FOR ADDICTION
The first step on the road to recovery is recognition of the problem. The recovery process can be hindered when a person denies having a problem and lacks understanding about substance misuse and addiction. The intervention of concerned friends and family often prompts treatment.

13 PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT
These 13 principles of effective drug addiction treatment were developed based on three decades of scientific research. Research shows that treatment can help drug-addicted individuals stop drug use, avoid relapse and successfully recover their lives.

1. Addiction is a complex, but treatable, disease that affects brain function and behavior.
2. No single treatment is appropriate for everyone.
3. Treatment needs to be readily available.
4. Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse.
5. Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical.
6. Counseling— individual and/or group —and other behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of drug abuse treatment.
7. Medications are an important element of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies.
8. An individual’s treatment and services plan must be assessed continually and modified as necessary to ensure it meets his or her changing needs.
9. Many drug-addicted individuals also have other mental disorders.
10. Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change long-term drug abuse.
11. Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective.
12. Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously, as lapses during treatment do occur.
13. Treatment programs should assess patients for the presence of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases, as well as provide targeted risk-reduction counseling to help patients modify or change behaviors that place them at risk of contracting or spreading infectious diseases.

PREVENTION OF ADDICTION
Drug addiction is preventable. Drug education and prevention efforts aimed at children and adolescents and involving families, schools, communities and media can be effective in reducing drug misuse.

HOW TO HELP A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER LIVING WITH ADDICTION
 DO’s

• Learn all you can about alcohol and drug misuse and addiction.
• Speak up and offer your support: talk to the person about your concerns, and offer your help and support, including your willingness to go with them and get help. Like other chronic diseases, the earlier addiction is treated, the better.
• Express love and concern: don’t wait for your loved one to “hit bottom.” You may be met with excuses, denial or anger. Be prepared to respond with specific examples of behavior that has you worried.
• Don’t expect the person to stop without help: you have heard it before - promises to cut down, stop - but, it doesn’t work. Treatment, support, and new coping skills are needed to overcome addiction to alcohol and drugs.
• Support recovery as an ongoing process: once your friend or family member is receiving treatment, or going to meetings, remain involved. Continue to show that you are concerned about his/her successful long-term recovery.

DON’Ts

• Don’t preach: Don’t lecture, threaten, bribe, preach or moralize.
• Don’t be a martyr: Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink or use other drugs.
• Don’t cover up, lie or make excuses for his/her behavior.
• Don’t assume their responsibilities: taking over their responsibilities protects them from the consequences of their behavior.
• Don’t argue when using: avoid arguing with the person when they are using alcohol or drugs; at that point he/she can’t have a rational conversation.
• Don’t feel guilty or responsible for their behavior; it’s not your fault.
• Don’t join them: don’t try to keep up with them by drinking or using.

Written by Olamide Oseni