Drug abuse is a severe social problem that impacts millions of lives and families across the globe. Chronic alcohol abuse is a habitual abuse of drugs or alcohol over a long period of time despite negative effects. With time, the use of substances may alter the functioning of the brain, hence making it hard to quit without professional assistance.
Substance use disorders or alcohol abuse disorder keep on increasing across the globe. The World Health Organization reports that alcohol and drug use are associated with the deaths of millions of people every year.
Learning about chronic drug abuse development and the signs of abuse can assist people in seeking alcohol abuse counseling in Florida earlier and enhance the results.
What Is Chronic Drug Abuse?
Chronic drug abuse or chronic alcohol abuse is a situation in which an individual abuses substances, e.g., alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and other drugs, over a period of time. It results in physical dependence, psychological alterations, and a lack of functioning in normal life.
Substance use disorders are viewed as a chronic and relapsing disease that influences the brain reward systems and behavior, and this explains why it is difficult to quit without a structured treatment.
As time goes on, tolerance (requiring increased amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms when the substance is decreased/stopped may arise due to the continued use of the substance.
When Does Drug Use Become Addiction?
Not all individuals get addicted to drug use or develop chronic alcoholism; however, repeated misuse makes them susceptible to it. The use of drugs can be addictive when:
→ One has a sense that they cannot manage substance usage.
→ Day-to-day responsibilities start to be affected.
→ The person keeps consuming it regardless of health, legal or social issues.
→ Powerful desires or symptoms of withdrawal manifest.
Causes of Chronic Drug Abuse
It has been found that a chronic drinker’s addiction is a complex interaction between biological, psychological, and environmental factors that cannot be attributed to one factor.
→ Biological Factors
Biology contributes significantly to the development of addiction or chronic alcoholism. Genetics may also make people susceptible to substance abuse, particularly when they have close relatives with a tendency to abuse drugs.
Research indicates that factors such as genetic factors as well as personal environmental exposures, are both causes of substance misuse and dependence. Additional biological pathophysiological symptoms of chronic alcohol abuse comprise:
- Reward and motivational changes in brain chemistry.
- Exposure to drugs or alcohol at an early age.
- Some medical or nervous diseases.
Some of these factors may predispose some people to addiction or chronic drinking compared to others.
→ Psychological Factors
Substance use patterns are significantly dependent on mental health and emotional well-being. People can take drugs or alcohol to help them get through stress, trauma, anxiety or depression.
In the long run, this coping mechanism may turn into dependency. Typical psychological risk factors are:
- Long-term stress or unresolved trauma.
- Depression or anxiety disorders.
- Impulsive or risk-taking character traits.
- Inability to deal with emotions.
Mental health issues in the absence of treatment may lead to the possibility of chronic substance abuse.
→ Environmental and Social Influences
The environment of a person is also critical in the development of chronic drug abuse and become chronic alcoholic.
All these factors (social pressure, access to substances, and unstable living conditions) can contribute to the risk.
- Family/peer group exposure to drug use.
- Social deficiency or poverty.
- Stressful work/living conditions.
- Lack of access to substance risk education.
Symptoms and Signs of Chronic Drug Abuse
Early detection of the symptoms of chronic drug abuse can significantly influence the results of recovery. The symptoms, in most cases, manifest in several life sectors.
→Behavioral Symptoms
Behavioral change is usually the first indicator of chronic substance abuse. A chronic alcoholic can start to prioritize drug use over their responsibilities or relationships.
- Lack of regular attendance at work or school.
- Coded substance use behavior or lying.
- Loss of interest in things or activities.
- Driving under the influence.
→ Psychological Symptoms
Long-term drug abuse may have serious consequences on mental health and emotional stability. These symptoms may include:
- Mood swings or irritability.
- Anxiety or paranoia.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- More depression or hopelessness.
Drugs or alcohol abuse disorders are tightly connected to mental health issues, and treating them jointly is more complicated.
→ Physical Symptoms of Chronic Alcohol Abuse
Physical health changes are observable in the case of long-term drug misuse. The usual physical symptoms include:
- Sudden weight loss or gain.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Changes in appetite.
- Fatigue or low energy.
- Symptom withdrawal in case of non-use of drugs.
Risks of Chronic Drug Abuse
Persistent abuse of the substance is a factor that predisposes individuals to severe health, social, and economic impacts. With time, addiction may touch almost all aspects of life, such as relationships, employment, and physical health.
The burden of drug use disorders is on the increase all over the globe.
Research has shown that tens of millions of individuals all over the world experience drug use disorders, which is one of the primary challenges in the field of public health.
Long-Term Effects of Chronic Drug Abuse
Prolonged drug abuse may produce irreparable effects on the body and the brain. Some effects can be experienced by an individual after ceasing substance use.
These are the long-term effects that can be:
- Cardiovascular disease and hepatotoxicity.
- Problems with memory and cognitive difficulties.
- Weakened immune system.
- Increased risk of overdose.
- Loneliness and interpersonal problems.
It is also found that the burden of drug use disorders in the whole world has grown considerably over the last few decades, which highlights the importance of prevention and intervention measures.
The Connection Between Chronic Drug Abuse and Mental Health
Mental health disorders and chronic drug abuse are interconnected, and this is referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. Substance use can be initiated by individuals as a means of addressing emotional suffering, but eventually, the substance abuse may increase symptoms of mental disorders.
Substance use disorder is commonly associated with such conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Bipolar disorder
Due to the interdependence of these problems, both the addiction and the mental health problem should be treated at the same time.
Treatment Options for Chronic Drug Abuse
Since it is possible to recover from chronic drug abuse, it takes a combination of medical attention, therapy, and a support system. Alcohol abuse treatment plans tend to be tailored to the needs of the patient.
Typical evidence-based alcohol abuse treatment methods are:
Psychotherapy: CBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed therapy are therapies that assist one to learn trigger develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Medical Detoxification: After an alcohol abuse evaluation, detox assists the affected in overcoming withdrawal symptoms safely, with the help of the medical staff and alcohol abuse medication.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Some drugs are able to help decrease cravings and balance the brain chemistry, especially opioid or alcohol dependence.
Aftercare and Support Groups: A continuous support program in the form of outpatient treatment for alcohol abuse ensures that the individuals remain sober and do not relapse.
Although treatment is necessary, research indicates that only a quarter of people with drug use disorders obtain the relevant care, which is why it is necessary to increase access to addiction services with onsite or online treatment for alcohol abuse. This is where Health & Psychiatry comes in.
Alcohol Abuse Treatment in Florida at Health & Psychiatry!
If you or someone dear is having problems with chronic drug or alcohol abuse, one of the initial steps to recovery is to enlist the services of a professional at an alcohol abuse center. Health & Psychiatry offers a combination of Florida alcohol abuse treatment programs involving therapy, medical care, and long-term support for many mental health issues.
We offer in-house and online mental health support via “Telepsychiatry services across Florida”, under the guidance of expert psychiatrist Dr. Dinar Sajan MD.
Timely intervention with alcohol and substance abuse treatment can also help a lot.
It has been reported that substance use disorders have been found to affect hundreds of millions of people across the globe, and therefore, there is a need to have alcohol abuse therapy and intervention services readily available.
Call us today for a stable future tomorrow… and book your alcohol abuse therapy sessions!
FAQs
What is considered chronic drug abuse?
Chronic drug abuse is a recurring and persistent abuse of drugs or alcohol that causes dependence, health issues and interference with everyday life.
Is chronic drug abuse the same as addiction?
They are similar, not always the same. The abuse of drugs is chronic and may result in addiction, which is a medical anomaly that implies loss of control over the consumption of a substance.
Can chronic drug abuse cause permanent damage?
Yes. Prolonged substance abuse may have permanent effects on the brain, liver, heart etc., particularly when not treated promptly.
How long does treatment for chronic drug abuse take?
The length of alcohol abuse therapy depends on the person, the drug used and the degree. Most of the programs take between a few weeks and a few months and then the therapy or support continues.
What is dual diagnosis treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment takes care of the substance use disorders and mental illness simultaneously and enhances the probability of long-term recovery.
How can family members help someone with chronic drug abuse?
They can be assisted by the members of the family who should encourage treatment and provide emotional support, learn about addiction, and attend family therapy when advised.
