What are substance use disorders?
What is a substance use disorder?
A substance use disorder occurs when a person uses a substance to the degree that it causes significant problems in their functioning and relationships over a period of time.
Is there only one theory that describes the cause of substance use disorders?
No - there are various different theories
What is it called when someone has both a substance use disorder and mental illness?
They are referred to as having co-occuring disorders, dual disorders, or dual diangosis
Can anyone develop substance use disorder symptoms?
Yes - substance use disorder can happen to all kinds of people from all different backgrounds
Can people recover from substance use disorder?
Is it possible to experience more than one substance at the same time?
Yes. It is possible to experience a substance use disorder related to more than one substance at the same time.
What does the A.C.E.S stand for?
Adverse Childhood Experiences Survey; the assessment can provide insight into an individual's early childhood experiences and exposure to stress
What is the likelihood that people develop either an alcohol or drug use disorder at some point in their lives?
Approximately 15 out of every 100 people (15%) develop either an alcohol or drug use disorder at some point in their lives.
When do substance use disorders usually begin?
Substance use disorders usually begin when the person has been using one or more substances on a regular basis
What areas do substance use disorders affect?
Substance Use disorders affect a person's mind and body, and can impact every other area of their life (i.e., relationships, employment, finances)
What is the stress-vulnerability model?
It is the combination of biological vulnerability (or weaknesses) and stress can lead to developing a substance use disorder.
How common are substance use disorders and mental illness (co-occurring disorders)?
The chances of a person developing a substance use disorder jump to between 30 and 50 out of every 100 people (30-50%) among individuals who have a major mental illness.
Around what age do people develop symptoms of substance use disorders?
Some people develop substance use disorders in their teens and early 20s, while others develop them later in life.
How is a substance use disorder diagnosed?
Diagnosed during a clinical interview to explore person's current and historical use by a trained professional (i.e., doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, social worker etc).
What is the "stress" theory?
Stress has been shown to increase a person's vulnerability to substance use disorders. Stressful experiences in childhood such as physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect can increase a person's chances of developing a substance use disorder later in life.
Substance use disorders can lead to life changes that increase chances of developing a mental illness.
- can lead to the loss of valued things in people's lives such as an interesting job, a loving partner, or family.
- Can lead to traumatic events, such as being in an accident or getting assaulted, which can result in PTSD
When do people experience symptoms of a substance use disorder?
People usually begin to experience symptoms of substance use disorder following an increase in their substance use. For example, people often begin to drink more or increase their use to the point where it begins to cause problems in areas of their lives.
- Can lead to dependency.
What other aspects are reviewed in a clinical interview for assessing substance use disorder?
The professional will also assess/ include interviews about the person's mental health, physical health, living environment, and social factors.
What does biological vulnerability mean?
The term, "biological vulnerability" means there is an increased chance of developing a disorder. Biological vulnerability can be determined by biological factors such as genetics and/ or early environmental factors such as stress during stress from childhood.
What are some theories as to why co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders so common?
1. Super sensitivity - biological vulnerability related to mental illness can make people more sensitive to the effects of even small amounts of substance use
2. Self-medication of mental health symptoms (coping)
3. Social facilitation
4. Common factors - exposure to poverty, trauma, and other negative experiences in childhood can increase the risk of individuals experiencing a co-occurring disorder
What is abstinence?
Abstinence involves cutting out substance use entirely - it can usually be the best solution for recovering from an addiction as it can prevent risk for relapse.