Substance Abuse
Patients and Substance Abuse
Note: This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, seeking professional help is recommended.
One in four deaths in the United States each year is caused by substance abuse. It also causes more illness, disability, crime, and disruptions in the home than any other preventable condition.
Substance abuse, or addiction, is important to discuss in terms of patient recovery because patients are sometimes given pain relievers to use after their hospitalization. If these medications are not used correctly, it can lead to dependence.
What is substance abuse?
Substance abuse refers to the use of illegal drugs or the inappropriate use of legal substances, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or alcohol. When these substances are abused, it means they are being used in ways they were not intended or used in excessive amounts.
Here are some key characteristics of substance abuse:
Harmful use. Substance abuse involves using substances in a way that can be detrimental to one's health, well-being, and overall functioning.
Misuse of legal substances. It includes the inappropriate use of legal substances like alcohol, tobacco, and prescription medications, either by taking them in larger amounts than prescribed or for purposes other than their intended use.
Use of illegal drugs. Substance abuse also encompasses the use of illicit or illegal drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine.
Progression to addiction
While substance abuse can occur without addiction, it can also be a precursor to developing a substance use disorder, also known as addiction. Addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.
You can also become physically dependent on something, like medicine, without being addicted. The difference is that while your body needs the medicine to live comfortably, the need for it does not get in the way of rational decisions.
Consequences of substance abuse
Substance abuse can lead to many negative consequences, including:
Health Problems. It can cause or worsen various health conditions, such as cardiovascular problems, liver damage, respiratory issues, and neurological problems.
Social Problems. Substance abuse can strain relationships, lead to job loss, and result in social isolation.
Emotional Problems. It can contribute to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Legal Problems. Substance abuse can result in legal issues, such as arrests for drug possession or driving under the influence.
How to tell if you have an addiction
If you are unsure if you are struggling with an addiction, ask yourself these questions:
• What happens if you don’t get the substance?
• How long can you go without taking it?
• Do you need to take more and more to get the same effect?
• Do you ever need to lie about how much you take?
• Does it interfere with how you function at work or school?
• Do you crave it?
• Do you feel guilty or ashamed about taking it?
• Have you tried to quit using it and failed?
If you answered yes to these questions, you may be addicted and need help.
A Medical Problem
A substance use disorder is not the result of weakness or lack of willpower. It is an illness, like many others, but it is very hard to overcome without professional help.
Ask for help with addiction
Your medical team is an excellent resource to help you with an addiction. Your doctor may ask questions to check for a substance use disorder while you are in the hospital. They can give you information and refer you for therapy or treatment. Insurance usually covers medically necessary treatment.
Treatment does not always mean going to a care facility for an inpatient stay. There are many types of treatment, depending on what you need. It may mean peer support — talking to someone who has been through a similar struggle — or talking to a specially trained therapist.
Your doctor can also prescribe medicine to help with the physical symptoms of addiction. A combination of medicine and therapy is more effective than either method alone for some addictions.
What To Look For in a Treatment Center
Think about these questions when you’re looking for the right treatment center for inpatient recovery:
• Are their treatments evidence-based?
• Do they tailor their treatments to the individual needs of each patient?
• Do they have a plan to adapt the treatment to the changing needs of the patient?
• How long will it take? Research shows that inpatient treatment should last at least three months.
Substance Abuse Treatment
For more information, talk to your doctor or social worker or visit:
References:
Treatment Options. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Teaching about Substance Abuse. American Medical Association.
Substance Use Disorders | CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.
Substance Use. JCAHO Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
Medicare Coverage of Substance Abuse Services. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.
MLN904084 – SBIRT Services. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.
Why are Drugs so Hard to Quit? National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Looking for more information on other conditions?
Click the button below to learn about more ways to improve your health.