What is substance abuse?
Substance abuse involves harmful or hazardous use of drugs and alcohol. Often, this problem involves physical dependence on, or an addiction to, the substance.
Commonly used substances include:
- Opiates like heroin, codeine, and narcotic painkillers, such as oxycodone
- Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines, such as Adderall
- Depressants like alcohol and benzodiazepines, such as Xanax
- Psychedelics like lysergic acid (LSD) and psilocybin (mushrooms)
- Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabis extracts
Substance use typically begins with an experimentation phase and then escalates to regular use and addiction. When you become addicted to a substance, it’s considered a mental health condition.
What is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis means you have a substance use disorder and a mental illness at the same time. This is also called comorbidity or co-occurring disorders.
Sometimes, people with a mental health condition use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate, but research shows these substances only exacerbate symptoms of mental illness.
Substance use problems are more common among adults with certain mental health conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Personality disorders
Because the fields of mental health and substance abuse don’t always overlap, it’s important to seek care from a professional like Dr. Ziyar, who’s highly trained in both areas.
What are warning signs of a substance use disorder?
Signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder include:
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Unexplained changes in behavior
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Using substances in dangerous situations
- Developing a high tolerance to the substance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
There may also be physical signs and symptoms, like sudden weight loss or gain, impaired coordination, and slurred speech.
How are substance use disorders treated?
Dr. Ziyar performs a comprehensive physical and psychological evaluation to diagnose your specific condition. He then develops a treatment plan based on the biopsychosocial model, including all the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence your substance use disorder.
Dr. Ziyar encourages you to be actively involved in all decisions regarding your treatment, which typically includes a combination of psychotherapy and medications. He firmly believes in informed consent when treating all patients.
If you or a loved one struggle with substance abuse, call the office of Latif Ziyar, M.D., Inc, or book an appointment online today.
