Background
The following are different terms pertaining to substance-related disorders:
a. Chemical dependency: Refers to the repeated and compulsive use of chemicals (alcohol or drugs) and the inability to cease the use despite problems they cause.
b. Substance dependence: Pertains to continued use of alcohol or drugs despite the resultant problems due to use. The signs of substance dependence include needing to increase dosage as time goes on as the body's effect threshold increases; increased difficulty in stopping use; greater time spent looking for ways to obtain the substances; and withdrawal from social activities the dependent used to spend time on.
c. Substance abuse: Refers to a pattern of drug use that brings about considerable problems such as declining school attendance and performance; legal problems related to substance abuse; engaging in risky acts, such as driving under the influence of drugs; continued dependence which destroys relationships with friends and family. The most common legal substance of abuse is alcohol.
Substances that are most commonly abused include, but are not limited to, the following: alcohol, amphetamines, anabolic steroids, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, marijuana, methamphetamines, opiates, and tobacco.
Causes
Different countries have different standards of acceptable substance use. Laws determine the legality of their use. Certain drugs that are illegal in the United States, for instance, are legal in the Netherlands, but generally, chemical dependency as a troublesome condition stems from various factors including environmental stressors, personality weaknesses, social pressures, and psychiatric problems. It is also highly correlated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Genetic predisposition has also surfaced in research about chemical dependency. For example, there is about a 50% chance that a child of an alcoholic parent or parents will become an alcoholic too. But this may also be due to exposure to the substance and not solely due to genetic predisposition.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), individuals beginning to drink are getting younger as years pass. Statistics show that 25% of individuals in the U.S. first begin to drink before the age of 13. Adolescents with any of the following conditions have a high risk of developing chemical dependency: those with psychiatric problems, especially suicidal or depressed adolescents; those who are victims of psychological, sexual, or physical abuse; and those who are physically challenged.
Signs/Symptoms
Due to the fact that dependents know about the stigma of this problem, they exert effort to hide it and as a result, their loved ones may fail to even detect its presence until after problems have become serious. Each individual may exhibit different symptoms, but the following are common signs that friends and family members should look out for the following signs of chemical dependency:
• Getting intoxicated or getting high on drugs frequently
• Avoiding people who are close to him or her
• Missing activities which used to be enjoyable, such as sports
• Frequently having trouble with the law
• Getting suspended from school for substance-related delinquencies
• Believing that the only way to have fun is by using drugs or alcohol
• Lying about his or her whereabouts or stealing to have money for substance purchase
• Having feelings of depression and hopelessness
• Entertaining suicidal thoughts
Some symptoms resemble those of other psychological disorders, so consult a physician before making treatment decisions. It is also highly unlikely for chemical dependency to be diagnosed in its early stages. Often, people who know the victim learn about it only when that person has figured into some accident or is caught by the police.
Substance abuse is diagnosed either by a mental health professional, a psychiatrist, or a counselor. The symptoms of this problem depend on the abused substance, how often it's used, and the period after which it was used last. General symptoms include:
• Redness of eyes
• Poor personal hygiene
• Frequent fatigue
• Rapid weight loss
Treatment
Recognizing chemical dependency as a disease brings with it cognizance of the importance of intervention. When chemical dependency is left untreated, it becomes 100% fatal. For the alcoholic who does not stop drinking, mortality comes about 12 years earlier than for non-drinkers. Alcoholism has been linked to countless diseases: ulcers, heart ailments, colon cancer, or liver disease, to name just a few. It has also been the cause of thousands of vehicular accidents, accidents at work, violence, and suicides.
Several factors have to be considered prior to a treatment regimen. Adolescents may also fall into chemical dependency, and they are not likely to get the exact same treatments as dependent adults do; their age should also be given some consideration.
In proposing a treatment program, health practitioners consider the following factors regarding their patient:
• Type of substance abused
• Degree of chemical dependency
• Extent of the symptoms
• Overall health
• Medical history
• Tolerance for therapies or medications
Chemical dependency treatment programs may either be on an outpatient or inpatient basis. Based on the substance used, detoxification may be necessary. It may also be important to involve the patient in long-term follow-up of the dependency management regardless of whether the dependent was under outpatient treatment. This includes continued supervision by a trained professional, and participation of friends and family members in the recovery process. It happens quite often that the chemical dependency may have stemmed from family problems and other psychosocial issues which need to be resolved to ensure the prevention of a relapse.
Children becoming dependent on dangerous chemicals increase in number each year. To prevent chemical dependency in teens, different approaches may be adopted by governments or NGOs. Community-based programs such as Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) or Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have become very popular because they make it a point to involve the media to create interest in millions of people.
School-based programs center on alcohol and drug education and training on behavioral and interpersonal skills. Programs involving the family need to be supported as well. These encompass family and social skills training, and self-help programs. They not only help the children but parents as well – parenting skills are discussed to make the home a more conducive environment for recovery.