How Do I Know if I Have a Problem? (Rehab Report Pt. I)

This was posted on by


(This blog post is Part I of an ongoing series on demystifying drug and alcohol treatment – popularly known as “rehab”)

For the first installment of the Rehab Report, we at Club Recovery, LLC (a Minnesota based addiction treatment center) will address the question of how does a person know if they have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs.

Addiction

Addiction is defined “as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences”. The harmful effects of substance use disorders cost the United States $740 billion dollars annually. Any rational person can recognize that addiction’s toll on individuals, families, and society as a whole is extremely destructive. Yet, how does someone know if they are addicted?

For some, this might seem like an easy question. They might point to a person who is homeless and continues to use drugs and/or alcohol. Potentially labeling those people as “addicts”, “winos”, “junkies”, etc. Yet this simplification leaves out a large number of people who struggle with a substance use disorder.

Substance Use Disorders

About 1 in 10 people in the United States will experience problematic use of drugs and/or alcohol each year. Some of these people might meet the criteria for addiction mentioned above while many others will not. At the moment, there is no current medical test for addiction. For those of us in the field of drug and alcohol treatment, addiction is not used as a clinical term. Substance use disorder is the phrase that is used to diagnose a person who is experiencing issues with alcohol and/or drug use.

A substance use disorder is characterized by experiencing issues in major life areas due to the use of alcohol and/or drugs. There are currently 11 criteria used to diagnose a substance use disorder and they include:

  1. The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
  2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful effort to cut down or control use of the substance.
  3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects.
  4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the substance.
  5. Recurrent use of the substance resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
  6. Continued use of the substance despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of its use.
  7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of use of the substance.
  8. Recurrent use of the substance in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
  9. Use of the substance is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance.
  10. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
    1. A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
    2. A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
  11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
    1. The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for that substance (as specified in the DSM- 5 for each substance).
    2. The substance (or a closely related substance) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

According to the DSM-5 (the manual used to diagnose mental health disorders), substance use disorders fall in a spectrum from mild, to moderate, to severe. A person who falls in the mild category displays 2-3 criteria, moderate 4-5 criteria, and severe 6+ criteria.

Give it to me straight.

So, what does this all mean?

Bottom line, if you or someone you know is having difficulty stopping their use and/or their use is affecting one or multiple major areas of their life including: physical health, mental health, relationships, work/school, hobbies, legal issues, etc. Then that person needs to seek out a licensed professional for an assessment to help determine next steps.

If a person has been using alcohol and/or drugs frequently and they display signs of withdrawal then that person needs to seek medical care immediately. This can include going to an emergency room and/or calling 911.

Are you, a friend, or a family member struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues? If so, please call our licensed mental health and addiction counselors at (952) 926-2526. Help is here, all you need to do is contact us at Club Recovery, LLC.

This concludes Part I of the Rehab Report. In Part II, we will address the first steps in getting help with a substance use disorder – detox and assessment.

 


Disclaimer: All content on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute for clinical treatment or advice. If you, a friend, or a family member is struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues please call our main office at 952-926-2526. For emergencies, go to your nearest emergency room and/or dial 911.