General physical effects of chemical dependency can include:
- Abnormal blood pressure or heart rate that is unexpected
- Problems sleeping
- Contracting illnesses like hepatitis or HIV
- Breathing problems or respiratory diseases
- Weight loss
- Constant fatigue
Full Answer
What is the difference between substance abuse and chemical dependence?
Chemical addiction, which is more often phrased as chemical dependency, describes the development of physical or psychological dependence on mind-altering chemicals. This dependence is typically treated with a medical detox program. Chemicals that can produce chemical addiction include alcohol, prescription drugs, illicit drugs, and even some over-the …
What is the difference between addiction and chemical dependence?
Jan 13, 2022 · Chemical Dependency Treatment. Successful treatment of alcoholism and other drug addictions is rooted in immersion in 12-step support groups and solid counseling administered by competent, empathetic staff. Treatment is only the beginning of recovery.
What are the warning signs of chemical dependency?
General physical effects of chemical dependency can include: Abnormal blood pressure or heart rate that is unexpected Problems sleeping Contracting illnesses like hepatitis or HIV Breathing problems or respiratory diseases Weight loss Constant fatigue
What are the symptoms of chemical dependency?
Finding treatment for chemical dependency is not easy. At Sanford Health, we want to help you. Our Addiction Services. Sanford Health’s licensed alcohol and drug counselors will guide you from addiction to recovery in a supportive environment. You and your doctor will craft a treatment plan tailored to you. We’ll work according to your ...
What happens during a chemical assessment?
Chemical evaluations can take between one and two hours to complete, during which the patient will be interviewed about their substance use, treatment history, medical history, and about their work, recreation, and family lives.May 29, 2019
What happens when someone is dependent on drugs?
Dependence may involve: some or all the symptoms of addiction. development of a high tolerance for the substance as your body adapts to the drug, leading to a desire for larger or more frequent doses. physical symptoms of withdrawal when you attempt to stop using the drug.May 28, 2020
What are the three stages of drug dependence?
While there are many factors that contribute to drug and alcohol addiction, including genetic and environmental influences, socioeconomic status, and preexisting mental health conditions, most professionals within the field of addiction agree that there are four main stages of addiction: experimentation, regular use, ...
What does it mean to be chemically dependent?
Chemical dependency is characterized by the physical body's dependence on the substance. Addiction is associated with chemical changes in the brain that result in irrational and uncontrollable behaviors around obtaining and using the substance.Dec 19, 2019
What are the example of drug dependence?
Examples of some drugs that cause dependence include nicotine, morphine, heroin (also known as diamorphine), cocaine, amfetamine and alcohol. Some people can also become dependent on medicines that are on prescription.Jun 21, 2018
What are the types of drug dependence?
"Substance dependence", as defined in the DSM-IV, can be diagnosed with physiological dependence, evidence of tolerance or withdrawal, or without physiological dependence.
What's the first stage of addiction?
The first stage of addiction is called initiation, during which time the individual tries a substance for the first time.
What is the first stage in the cycle of addiction?
The first step to addiction is trying the substance. It can be as fast as taking the first drink or smoking a cigarette. Or, people may have used drugs in the past without developing a dependency, but are now moving on to a more addictive substance.Oct 25, 2017
What are the two most serious consequences of drug use?
Seizures, stroke, mental confusion and brain damage. Lung disease. Problems with memory, attention and decision-making, which make daily living more difficult. Global effects of drugs on the body, such as breast development in men and increases in body temperature, which can lead to other health problems.
What does drug dependency mean?
Dependence means that when a person stops using a drug, their body goes through “withdrawal”: a group of physical and mental symptoms that can range from mild (if the drug is caffeine) to life-threatening (such as alcohol or opioids, including heroin and prescription pain relievers).Jan 12, 2017
How long do you have to drink to be an alcoholic?
The Threat Posed by Binge Drinking Binge drinking is important to keep in mind when considering just how long it takes to become addicted to alcohol. Binge drinking is consuming enough alcohol to raise your blood-alcohol level to 0.08, which comes out to about 5 drinks in 2 hours for men and 4 drinks for women.Jul 10, 2017
What is the difference between substance abuse and substance dependence?
At the most basic level, the difference between drug dependence and drug abuse comes down to this: dependence implies an addiction in which the user cannot stop using the drug. Abuse may occur – even more frequently than it should. However, a person who abuses drugs may do so in isolated instances.Apr 21, 2021
How is chemical dependence treated?
How is Chemical Dependency Treated? If you have developed physical dependence (chemical dependence) on a medication as a result of using it to treat a disease or disorder while under the supervision of your physician, and you decide to discontinue it, your physician will likely taper you off the drug.
What is chemical dependency?
Chemical dependency or chemical addiction is the normal reaction to the repetitive use of many different types of drugs or medications. Initially, when you first take the substance, you feel some type of reaction to it. However, as you continue to take the substance repeatedly, your body develops a sort of resistance to the effects ...
What are the chemicals that can cause addiction?
Chemicals that can produce chemical addiction include alcohol, prescription drugs, illicit drugs, and even some over-the-counter medications.
What is the first step in recovery?
One of the first steps in recovery is medical detox. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), certain medications are commonly used during medical detox. For opioid use disorders, opioid replacement medications like methadone or buprenorphine ...
What are the different types of drugs that can be used to treat psychosis?
Instead, several different types of drugs might be administered to you to address the specific symptoms you are having. These could include benzodiazepines to treat psychosis and potential seizures, specific drugs to address cravings for meth, and other drugs to treat lethargy, drowsiness, and increased appetite.
What are the best ways to treat chemical dependency?
Many different types of behavioral interventions can assist in the treatment of chemical dependency, including different methods to help you control cravings for drugs or alcohol, diaphragmatic breathing techniques, stress management techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, meditation, and exercise programs.
Why do you need more of a drug?
Over time, as you continue to take more and more of the drug, your system produces higher levels of neurotransmitters, hormones, and other substances that counteract the effects of the drug.
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Symptoms of Substance Abuse
Depending on the frequency of use, the substance abused, and the length of time since last use, these common behaviors and symptoms of substance abuse and addiction may occur.
Chemical Dependence Treatment at La Hacienda
With a thorough review of facts to determine the best treatment plan, medical assistance, good clinical therapy, involvement in a 12-step support program, and continuing care follow-up, a chemically dependent person can receive successful treatment.
What are the effects of chemical dependency?
The physical effects of chemical dependency can include any number of symptoms and health conditions, depending on the substance being misused, how frequently it is taken, and the length of time since it was taken last. General physical effects of chemical dependency can include: 1 Abnormal blood pressure or heart rate that is unexpected 2 Problems sleeping 3 Contracting illnesses like hepatitis or HIV 4 Breathing problems or respiratory diseases 5 Weight loss 6 Constant fatigue
Why do people develop chemical dependence?
Chemical Composition. Substances themselves can make a person more likely to develop a chemical dependence when they produce intense effects. Substances can also produce intensely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, which can also contribute to dependency.
What happens when you become dependent on a substance?
When dependence has occurred, the body or mind has become reliant on the substance and builds up a tolerance to it.
How does chemical dependency affect relationships?
Chemical dependency can have lasting and typically devastating effects on relationships. A household may experience high amounts of stress due to a member becoming chemically dependent on a substance. The desire to hide misuse can lead to lying and mistrust between friends or household members.
How long does it take to recover from chemical dependency?
Damage to relationships can be irreparable, and regaining trust may take months or years to occur. Financial problems may lead to mounting debt, which can also take years to pay.
What is the difference between addiction and dependency?
Many use the terms “dependency” and “addiction” interchangeably. However, the two are quite different. Dependency indicates the physical need for a substance, and it can include withdrawals. However, dependency can exist without one becoming addicted to that substance. Addiction is the escalation ...
What are the psychological effects of dependency?
The psychological effects of dependency include: A belief that one cannot live a normal life without a substance. A desire to do more of a substance over time (psychological tolerance) Depression. Anxiety.
How does chemical dependency affect your life?
Chemical dependency involves both psychological and physical dependence. It can affect every part of your life, from work to school to personal relationships. If you need help, we’re here to provide the treatments and support you need to get to recovery.
How does addiction treatment work?
Overall health. Severity of dependency. How well you handle certain procedures, medicines and therapies. People with chemical dependency can’t simply quit. Addiction can cause changes in brain chemistry.
How to treat addiction?
Treatments are complex and may involve: Behavioral therapy. Counseling for you and your family. Detoxification. Long-term medical support to address physical effects. Medications that help relieve withdrawal symptoms, lessen cravings and restore brain function.
What are the factors that determine addiction?
Addiction treatment is personalized to the patient. Your treatment path will depend on several factors, including: 1 Age 2 Overall health 3 Severity of dependency 4 How well you handle certain procedures, medicines and therapies
What is chemical dependency?
The simplest definition of chemical dependency is a physical or mental need for the continuous application of an illegal or legal substance. When you look at it in more depth, chemical dependency goes beyond occasional social use. It indicates the need for substance abuse treatment from trained professionals.
How does chemical dependency differ from substance abuse?
When you start using any type of drug or substance for recreational pleasure or medicinal purposes, it starts to alter your brain, central nervous system, and other bodily processes. When the substance effects too much of your life, reach out to the Tigard drug rehab center in OR.
How do you know if you are dependent on a drug?
Signs of dependence include: Tolerance to or need for increased amounts of the drug to get an effect. Withdrawal symptoms that happen if you decrease or stop using the drug that you find difficult to cut down or quit. Spending a lot of time to get, use, and recover from the effects of using drugs.
What are the features of a successful treatment program?
Programs considered are usually based on the type of substance abused. Detoxification (if needed, based on the substance abused) and long-term follow-up management or recovery-oriented systems of care are important features of successful treatment.
What is the medical term for substance abuse?
Substance abuse is the medical term used to describe a pattern of using a substance (drug) that causes significant problems or distress. This may be missing work or school, using the substance in dangerous situations, such as driving a car. It may lead to substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships, ...
What is the definition of giving up or reducing activities because of drug or alcohol use?
Giving up or reducing activities because of drug or alcohol use. Taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence. Continually using drugs or alcohol even though it is causing or adding to physical or psychological problems. Developing tolerance or the need to use more drugs or alcohol to get the same effect.
What are the most common behaviors that mean a person is having a problem with drug or alcohol abuse?
But each person may have slightly different symptoms. Symptoms may include: Using or drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than planned.
What are the factors that contribute to substance abuse?
Substance abuse and dependence are caused by multiple factors, including genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, and psychiatric problems.
What does it mean to be addicted to drugs?
Craving, or a strong desire to use drugs or alcohol. Ongoing drug or alcohol use that interferes with work, school, or home duties. Using drugs or alcohol even with continued relationship problems caused by use. Taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence.
Why are some substances more addictive than others?
Some substances are more addictive than others, either because they produce arapid and intense change in mood ( cocaine and other stimulant drugs); orbecause they produce painful withdrawal symptoms when stopped suddenly(heroin, and other opiate drugs). Alcoholics often develop physical dependency,which can lead to life threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Is alcoholism a treatable disease?
Alcoholism/addiction is very treatable. However, the prognosis for recovery fromany addiction depends on the substance or process, the individual'scircum stances, and under lying personality structure . Polydrug users have theworst prognosis for recovery.
