Polysubstance Abuse

Substance misuse is an issue that affects many people, including those who are addicted and reliant on substances, as well as the people around them. Often, people are addicted or dependent on various drugs, using several drugs simultaneously or alternating between multiple drugs to counteract the effects of others. This is referred to as polysubstance misuse. It’s crucial to understand the nature of polysubstance misuse and become familiar with the associated risk factors and available treatment options.

What is Polysubstance Abuse?

Polysubstance misuse is the term that depicts the maltreatment of an excess of one medication in the meantime.

Polysubstance misuse can incorporate at least one road medications, at least one physician endorsed drugs or both. Liquor is the most widely recognized substance engaged with polysubstance misuse. In some cases, individuals who take physician recommended medications will consolidate them with alcohol, accidentally achieving undesired reactions and expanding the dangers to their well-being and prosperity. Polysubstance misuse can be considered unsafe and hard to treat than a dependence on a single medication.

Risks of Polysubstance Abuse

Mishandling or abusing any medication comes with significant risks, so it’s a given that polysubstance abuse increases these risks immensely. Developing a tolerance to one or more drugs drives individuals to take higher and higher doses, increasing the odds of an overdose. Side effects of the drugs become more severe when taken together with other drugs and alcohol. Over time, chronic health problems and changes in brain composition are common consequences of polysubstance abuse. Effective treatment becomes more difficult when patients are dependent on multiple substances. Diagnosing Polysubstance Dependency.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-IV) offers a range of symptoms to diagnose Polysubstance Dependence. For this disorder to be recognized as a condition, at least three of these symptoms must exist for more than three substances in patients over a one year period:

• Tolerance: Higher measures of a substance are utilized, or the viability of the substance decreases (approximately 50 percent more of the substance is needed to satisfy expectations).
• Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms appear when the substance is being utilized, or the substance is used to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• Loss of Control: Using more drugs to strengthen the impact for a longer period than prescribed or expected.
• Inability to Stop: There is an inability to quit or slow down the use of substances.
• Time: A significant amount of time is spent researching, acquiring, being affected by, and recovering from drugs.
• Interference with Activities: The time spent socializing or participating in other activities is reduced because of drug use.
• Harm to Self: There is persistent use of drugs despite physical or mental problems exacerbated by drug use.

Studies state that sedatives, cannabis, amphetamines, psychedelic drugs, inhalants, and benzos are usually combined. Liquor, cocaine, and narcotics are frequently used together or alternately. Any combination of substances can be dangerous, and thankfully, polysubstance treatment programs are available.

Treatment for Polysubstance Abuse

When various substances are abused, some patients experience a more difficult time with detox and risk of relapse. Although many cases of polysubstance abuse are not treated, patients wishing to reclaim their lives from addiction have a variety of options to seek help. Some options for addiction recovery include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Follow-Up Therapy
• Inpatient Rehab Facilities
• Medications, for example, Suboxone, Methadone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram to ease withdrawal symptoms
• Outpatient Treatment Centers
• Sober Living Coaches
• Twelve-Step Programs

Persuading a friend or family member to look for polysubstance treatment can be exceptionally difficult. Multiple addictions can increase the level of anxiety when leaving behind the lifestyle. Many patients find that giving up multiple substances can be even more rewarding when treatment is completed.

Addiction can be a terrifying condition to battle alone. When struggling with more than one substance, it can significantly affect the recovery rate.

There are numerous approaches to help someone battling polysubstance abuse. The staff and managers at Serenity Acres are involved in recovery methods and are trained to treat polysubstance abuse. Being honest about all drug and alcohol intake can assist staff in combating the effects of withdrawal during detox. This can both ease the transition into recovery and ensure a secure, comfortable rehabilitation treatment.

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