Substance Abuse Disorder
- What is it?
Substance abuse disorder is defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for purposes of altering mood, perception and consciousness. It refers to the overuse of, or dependence on, a drug leading to effects that are detrimental to the individual’s physical and mental health, or the welfare of others. Substance abuse disorder is characterized by a pattern of continued pathological use of a medication, non-medically indicated drug, alcohol, or any other toxin, which results in repeated adverse social effects such as failure to meet work, family, or school obligations, interpersonal conflicts, or legal problems.
- Positives
Although, dealing with substance abuse, alcoholism, drug addiction, or any other substance abuse disorder is never easy. It is even made more difficult when one is also struggling with mental health problems. However, there are treatments that can help. With proper treatment, support, and self-help strategies, one can overcome a substance abuse disorder and reclaim one life.
- Cautions
Substance abuse disorder, more often than not, results in repeated adverse social effects such as failure to meet work, family, or school obligations, interpersonal conflicts, or legal problems.
- Recommendations
Recommended treatments usually involve planning for specific ways to avoid the addictive stimulus. Below are the recommended therapeutic interventions:
- Relationship therapy, client centered approach
- Cognitive restructuring including directive and group therapies
- Desensitization
- Aversive conditioning, operant conditioning, counter conditioning
- Organizational intervention, environmental manipulation, family counseling
- Sensitivity training, communication training, group therapy
- Medical referral
- Learn More
Helpguide talks about substance abuse disorder in its article entitled: Substance Abuse & Mental Health: Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders. Helpguide presents a balanced, inclusive picture of mental health. Our articles focus on how you can actively make healthy lifestyle choices—such as connecting to other people, reducing stress, eating right, and exercising—to help prevent or resolve mental health challenges. Helpguide was founded in 1999 by Robert and Jeanne Segal, following the suicide of their daughter Morgan.
http://www.adaa.org/
Anxiety and Depression Association of America – ADAA talks about substance abuse disorder in its article entitled: Substance Abuse. ADAA is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, OCD, PTSD, depression, and related disorders and to improving the lives of all people who suffer from them. ADAA was founded in 1980 as the Phobia Society of America by a diverse group of clinicians and patients. The term “anxiety disorder” had not yet been coined. Most anxiety disorders were simply called phobias. Today ADAA continues to be the voice for those affected by anxiety, depression, and anxiety-related disorders. The organization is frequently cited by the media and also provides information and treatment referrals to tens of thousands each year by phone, e-mail, and through this website.
http://psychcentral.com/
Psych Central talks about substance abuse disorder in its article entitled: Living with Co-Occurring Mental & Substance Abuse Disorders. Psych Central is the Internet’s largest and oldest independent mental health social network. Since 1995, it has been run by mental health professionals offering reliable, trusted information and over 200 support groups to consumers. Psych Central is overseen by Dr. Grohol and a staff of contributing editors.