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Substance Abuse & Addiction: What is the difference?

In simple terms, the difference between substance (or drug) abuse and addiction is the degree to which someone is “hooked.” While nearly 20% of Americans abuse some drug each year, not all will become addicted.

 

Addiction occurs when people develop a physical dependency on the drug. In other words, if the drug is not taken, withdrawal symptoms occur, some of which can be deadly.

 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse puts it this way,

 

“Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is considered both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness. Addiction is the most severe form of a full spectrum of substance use disorders, and is a medical illness caused by repeated misuse of a substance or substances.”

 

In other words, addiction is the severe outcome which stems from repeated substance abuse.

What is Abuse of a Substance?

Abuse of a substance occurs when the substance is improperly used.

In essence, any substance which, after repeated, chronic use leads to addiction is a substance which is being abused.

Why does it matter if someone abuses substances?

How can you know if you have a substance abuse problem?

You may have been hearing it from your family and friends. It’s an annoying chorus of: You’re drinking too much. You are not the same. What is going on with you? Why are you acting so strange?

 

You shrug it off, confident you have everything under control. Maybe it’s alcohol; maybe it’s coke or meth, pills or party drugs like Molly or X. Whatever it is, it has started to alter your personality and people who care are noticing.

 

If friends and family have started to suggest you have a problem, then you do have a problem. I know this is not what you want to hear, but it is the truth. But what if no one has noticed?

 

You may still have a problem. If you think you do, if you think your consumption is getting out of control, chances are it is.

Can I be addicted to something other than a substance?

Yes. As a matter of fact, any activity which reaches the point of controlling your life has become an addiction. How?

 

Activities like sex and exercise naturally cause increased levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Excessive use of activities can result in harm. The harm results when the brain starts to rely on the activity for the chemicals it needs rather than producing and regulating production naturally.

In fact, people can be addicted to sex, porn, eating, shopping, video games, thrill sports, gambling…really, anything which results in changes to the neurotransmitters in the brain.

 

Addiction is a chronic disease that involves psychology as well as brain chemistry. Any time we alter brain chemistry through activities we run the risk of developing a dependency on the activity, to the extent that it consumes us. As with chemical dependency, these addictions can cause numerous mental health problems.

What are the Warning Signs of Abuse or Addiction?

The warning signs of substance abuse and addiction are many, but in general if any of the following applies to you, you should seek help right away.

 

• You keep using a prescription drug long after it is needed.
• You’ve developed a tolerance for a drug, needing more to achieve the same feeling.
• You are experiencing withdrawal effects like feeling “strange” when it wears off, getting the shakes, feeling depressed without it, sick to your stomach, headaches.
• You are unable to stop using even if you want to; you try to limit use, but cannot.
• The substance is causing problems in your life.
• You spend a lot of time thinking about getting a drug and using it; even thinking about how you will feel about taking it.
• Things you once enjoyed you no longer do.
• You have trouble doing everyday tasks like work, cooking.
• You engage in risky behaviors like speeding, unsafe sex.
• You borrow to pay for drugs.
• You steal for money to pay for drugs.
• You hide your drug use from others.
• You’re not getting along with co-workers, family, friends. They complain about how you act.
• You sleep more or less than you did formerly.
• You have bloodshot eyes, bad breath, shakes, weight gain or loss.
• You have friends with whom you only engage in drug use.
• You use multiple doctors for prescription drugs.
• You search medicine cabinets of friends, family.
• You combine drugs and alcohol; perhaps speedballing

How can you know if you have a substance abuse problem?

You may have been hearing it from your family and friends. It’s an annoying chorus of: You’re drinking too much. You are not the same. What is going on with you? Why are you acting so strange?

 

You shrug it off, confident you have everything under control. Maybe it’s alcohol; maybe it’s coke or meth, pills or party drugs like Molly or X. Whatever it is, it has started to alter your personality and people who care are noticing.

 

If friends and family have started to suggest you have a problem, then you do have a problem. I know this is not what you want to hear, but it is the truth. But what if no one has noticed?

 

You may still have a problem. If you think you do, if you think your consumption is getting out of control, chances are it is.

Lev Counseling for Substance Abuse & Addiction

At Lev Counseling, I take a collaborative non-confrontational approach. In a safe environment conducive for honest dialogue, we will complete an assessment and discuss a treatment plan tailored to you.

 

I incorporate numerous therapies, but one of the most effective for addiction is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in which you will learn how to adopt new thought patterns. These will help you break free from the thinking which led to your substance abuse in the first place.

You and I will work together to help you discover your triggers and how to suppress cravings. This will clear the way for you to move forward into a bright future. The goal is to help you be a better version of you…a version free from addiction to drugs, alcohol or whatever is preventing you from living your best life.

 

To arrange a time to meet, call me now at (312) 899-1120

Contact me today if you are seeking a committed advocate to help you navigate a difficult transition, clear a path toward a more balanced and fulfilling life, and gain tools for relieving emotional pain and making a lasting transformation. I am committed to helping you overcome your challenges, whatever they may be. Your best life is waiting to be lived with authenticity and wellness