Substance use is a broad term that can mean different things to each individual. For some, substance use may be occasional or done in a recreational manner. For others, it can originate as a means to cope with trauma or pain. Regardless of where substance use begins, persistent use will likely result in challenges that will affect your daily life. Challenges in the form of mental illness, emotional well-being, physical health, and unfortunately societal perception.
DeCoach Rehabilitation Centre’s mission is to provide quality, affordable, safe treatment for those battling addiction. Professional and accredited services include Medication Assisted Treatment along with one-on-one counseling to reach positive outcomes. Treatment is provided in a private, calm environment where each client is treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
Substance Use Related Challenges
1. The Financial Burden of Substance Use
As the frequency of substance use increases, so too does the financial burden. An important aspect to highlight is the fact that substances have diminishing returns. Your body gradually builds tolerances that require more of the substance, to achieve the same feeling. As their effectiveness wanes, using becomes more costly, especially for those with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
You will especially notice this if you are on a fixed or limited income. As your substance use demands more of your finances and less towards, individuals may have to choose between substances and basic needs. Essentials like housing, food or general wellness will begin to show signs of strain, as well as your mental and physical health.
2. Mental Health Concerns Due To Substance Use
Mental health and substance use are closely connected. Declining mental health may act as the trigger that encourages substance use. All in pursuit of attempting to help balance their mood, dull painful emotions, or provide an escape. On the other hand, depending on the substance and how often it’s used, you may notice your mental health change and/or decline.
Eventually, your mental health can be linked to the patterns of your substance use. Feeling up or down based on the available neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and glutamate. After extended periods of substance use, your body inhibits the natural production of these vital compounds because you have given your body an external source it thought it could rely on.
3. Physical Health Concerns
Another challenge induced by substance use is how they affect your physical health. Every substance will have varying effects on the brain, vital organs or central nervous system. Some affect alter metabolism, while others impact your brain chemistry and vital functions; such as heart rate, blood pressure, circulation, respiration which can put your physical wellbeing at risk.
Frequent substance use over continued periods of time will result in you altering the structure and composition of your brain. Reduction in gray matter within the brain can cause serious, lasting effects, resulting in changed behaviour and cognitive ability, which makes recovery even more difficult. The NIH lists examples of the serious health concerns associated with prolonged substance use, including but not limited to:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B and C
- Lung disease
- Mental disorders
4. The Risk of Addiction
The central focus is the risk of addiction. Each substance varies in how addictive it can be, and each person responds to substances in their own way. Frequent use increases your risk of creating dangerous feedback loops that encourage more use.
Addiction doesn’t always happen quickly. Even those who use recreationally will create new ‘baseline’ levels of normalcy. Each subsequent use will require ever so slightly more of that substance to achieve the same effect. It can be tough to recognize a forming dependency.
Unfortunately, all of these challenges are connected as using more of a substance is a greater financial burden, which will cause a greater impact on your overall mental health, will put more strain on your physical well-being and lastly; it may lead you towards addiction or a Substance-Use Disorder.
5. Social Stigma Surrounding Substance Use
In the past 30 or 40 years, substance use has been conveyed to the general populace with a very cold public relations campaign. It offered a singular perspective of what substances are as well as characterizing the people who use them. The language used was cold, lacked empathy, and was filled with isolating language. Unfortunately, to this day we are still battling these antiquated ideas and notions.
In reality, substance use transcends many social and economic statuses; and occurs among lawyers, tradespeople, CEOs and factory workers alike. Substance use doesn’t only happen in low-income communities, actually, it’s quite the opposite. The majority of persons consistently engaged in substance use or that have a substance use disorder are employed with stable, or well-paying jobs.
Don’t let stigma affect your decision to get help. While it may seem like its the hardest to overcome, in the long run, it matters the least. The people around you should support you and be able to empathize with your journey. Instead, focus all of your attention and energy on recovery and commitment to the program! We want to share in your success, helping people get better while building a stronger, more supportive community.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Available in Fairfield, OH
If you or a loved one have questions about medication-assisted treatment or are ready to take the first step in your recovery journey, reach out to the team at DeCoach Rehabilitation Centre for more information.
Call our offices to speak with a member of our team or reach out to us online today!