What Is Substance Abuse Disorder?

The phrase “I’m addicted” is often used to describe a favorite TV show or food. It’s common for a lot of people to use the phrase cavalierly, but it is important to note that addiction, also known as a substance abuse disorder, is a severe problem. It is a problem that is fast becoming a topic of concern.  Now, this begs the question, what is substance abuse disorder? 

What Is Substance Abuse Disorder?

At Laguna View Detox, we’re here to destigmatize addiction and substance abuse disorder. While unkempt hair, dirty clothes, shaky hands, and incoherent words, can be a sign of substance abuse, a lot of people’s addictions actually fly under the radar.  Many people have that stereotypical mental image of addiction and substance abuse disorder, and while that is one of its faces, it isn’t the only one. Addiction and substance abuse disorder manifest in many ways. There are a lot of people who are currently suffering and you’d never even know. According to the American Psychiatric Association; the substance abuse disorder definition is a brain disorder with symptoms that include an inability to control one’s use of or compulsive use of a substance even with full knowledge of its harmful effects.  By this substance abuse disorder definition, an addict can be active in their everyday life but still be addicted to a substance. In fact, many addicts who are in the functional stage often deny their addiction. They also put off getting help until they begin to resemble the image above. 

Types of Addiction

Raise your hands if you didn’t know there were more types of addiction apart from drugs and alcohol? Indeed, people can get addicted to many things other than narcotics. Let’s take a look at some types of addiction, shall we? 

• Drug Addiction 

If you’re suffering from drug addiction, you might be addicted to prescription drugs or illegal drugs. Prescription medications are often prescribed at first for temporary pain, and are extremely addictive. If you get a prescription for pain pills, it’s important to use them as directed. Unfortunately, more often than not, users end up becoming addicted. Hard drugs belong to the illegal group, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and more.

• Alcohol Addiction 

Alcohol addiction is a common addiction characterized by compulsive and harmful consumption of alcohol. Any type of alcohol can be addictive. A lot of people think just because they drink beer everyday, they aren’t an alcoholic. This isn’t always the case.

• Gambling Addiction 

Gambling addicts get off on the high of pursuing an elusive big win. Even when they lose more and get into huge debts, their ‘love’ for the game keeps bringing them back to the gambling tables. 

• Gaming Addiction 

Some people enjoy unwinding with a few hours of playing a game. Others let their ‘love’ for the game overshadow every other thing they have going on in their lives. It might not be as popular as drug addiction, but it can certainly affect your life negatively.

Signs of Substance Abuse Disorder

The effects of addiction can vary depending on the substance someone is addicted to, their family history and the individual themself. Although addiction and substance abuse disorders manifest in many different ways, some common signs of addiction to a substance are: 

• An inability to stop using
• Obsession with drugs or alcohol
• Solitude or only wanting to be around other people who use drugs and alcohol
• Financial issues
• Appetite and personality changes
• Negative health consequences from taking drugs 

If you or someone you know is showing signs of addiction or substance abuse disorder, please reach out to us at Laguna View Detox today.

How We Can Help

Being addicted doesn’t have to be the end of the road; you can still get your life back. All you need to do is admit you have a problem – that is the first step to recovery. 

At Laguna View Detox, we offer the best addiction treatment in Southern California. We also offer a wide range of programs and treatment options for all types of addictions. If you or your loved one is suffering from any form of addiction, contact us today and let us help you fight the addiction.