Substance Use Disorders -

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

How do substance use disorders begin?

Substance use disorders develop when the brain’s reward circuitry associates substance use with pleasure or reward, leading to repeated misuse. This is seen as particularly strong in those struggling with opioid misuse. Prolonged opioid use alters the functioning of nerve cells, creating a dependence on the presence of opioids. When opioids are abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur, which can vary in severity depending on factors like age, usage amount, and duration. These symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and intense drug cravings. These symptoms and rewiring of the brain’s reward system often lead to individuals engaging in high-risk and illicit behaviors that continue to exacerbate their struggles physically, mentally and socially.

Substance use disorders can also be influenced by psychological and environmental factors. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or trauma can contribute to the development of substance use disorders, as individuals may turn to substances as a way to self-medicate or escape from distressing emotions. Environmental factors, such as a family history of substance misuse, dysfunctional family dynamics, or exposure to high-risk social environments, can also increase the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder.

Overview of substance use disorders

Substance use disorders are complex conditions that arise when a person engages in activities or uses substances that strongly affect the brain, leading to three main manifestations: a strong desire for the substance, loss of control over its use, and persistent involvement despite adverse consequences. Substance use disorders are chronic brain disorders characterized by compulsive and harmful high-risk behavior. It causes dysfunctional learning, memory impairment, and maladaptive behavioral patterns, including impaired decision-making and loss of control.

It’s important to note that being diagnosed with a substance use disorder is considered a type of disability, similar to other physical or cognitive impairments. However, with appropriate treatment, many individuals can maintain a stable and healthy lifestyle devoid of the symptoms of their substance use disorder diagnosis. Additionally, these individuals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Impact of Substance Use Disorders

The impact of suffering from any form of substance use disorder, particularly opioid use disorder, is substantial in many biopsychosocial aspects of life. Not only do these individuals experience physical and psychological maladies, social and economic issues often arise as a byproduct of the high-risk behaviors and other factors involved in substance misuse. As cited in a publication from the National Library of Medicine; “High-risk behaviors are defined as acts that increase the risk of disease or injury, which can subsequently lead to disability, death, or social problems”.

Outside of the individual, there is also a large impact on our country as a whole. The economic cost associated with these disorders continues to rise at a dramatic rate yearly. Opioid Use Disorder in particular is currently significantly burdening the United States economy, leading to increased healthcare expenses, loss of productivity, crime rates, and incarceration. Illicit drug use alone contributes to billions of dollars in healthcare costs, productivity loss, and criminal justice expenses. As a main part of SOAP MAT’s mission, reducing these costs and expenses to the community as a whole is imperative.