Drug addiction Psychology Psychotherapy

Drug addiction is a condition in which you gradually find yourself unable to control the desire to take a certain substance. The drug addict feels the irrepressible and frequent need to take drugs, despite the physical, psychological, emotional, emotional or social damage that such use can cause him as a consequence. 

One of the characteristics of narcotic substances is that of causing, in the individual who takes them, a condition of physical dependence or psychic dependence. In the first case we are talking about the processes of “addiction”, “tolerance” and “abstinence”, for which the body modifies its balance based on the intake of the substance, requires an increasing amount of it to maintain its effects, and causes symptoms linked to abstinence in the moments in which the intake is suspended. In the case of psychic addiction, there is a psychological need to continuously take the substance, as it is associated with a state of well-being, relaxation, self-esteem, self-confidence and the absence of anxiety.

 It is important to make a distinction between “abuse” and “consumption” of substances. The abuse of a substance is linked to deep needs, to a psychological and existential balance, in which the exclusive relationship with the substance and the effects it produces, lead to a total involvement of the person. Consumption, on the other hand, is often linked to curiosity, to the search for new forms of pleasure, to fashion, to the desire to experiment with the effects and to have experiences. Understanding the person’s motivations helps to explain why the person takes drugs. The causes of abuse and addiction,

CHARACTERISTICS OF TOXIC ADDICTIONS

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) describes substance addiction as a behavior that manifests itself in three (or more) of the following situations, occurring over a period of at least 12 months: Tolerance, defined by a or on the other hand, the following conditions: a) the need for a marked increase in the quantity of the substance to achieve the desired intoxication or effect; b) a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance; Withdrawal: the same (or very similar) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms; 

The substance is taken in larger quantities or for a longer period of time than intended; There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to stop or control the use of the substance; Large amount of time spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (for example, visiting many doctors or driving long distances), using the substance, or recovering from its effects; Important social, occupational or recreational activities are interrupted or reduced due to the use of the substance; The use of the substance continued despite the knowledge of having a persistent or recurring physical or psychological problem that was caused or exacerbated by the substance.

CAUSES OF DRUG ADDICTION

It has been noted that some people are more at risk than others for substance abuse, as they may inherit a predisposition to addiction from their parents, or some personality disorders or, more simply, behavioral patterns that are in some ways abnormal. However, social pressure and other external factors, such as stress, poverty and other illnesses, could also affect the individual, making them more vulnerable to the disorder. The use of drugs, therefore, is not only a self-medication intervention, albeit in the broadest sense of the term, but a real external support that helps to face life and personal difficulties.

AMAZING SUBSTANCES

Cannabis : includes all psychoactive substances derived from the cannabis plant, plus chemically similar substances. The most commonly used are matijuana and hashish. Effects: alters perception by inducing relaxation, drowsiness, desire to talk and laugh. High doses can lead to episodes of confusion, disorientation, agitation and panic;

Heroin : belongs to the category of natural opioids, along with morphine and methadone. Of the drugs it is the deadliest and highly addictive. Effects: reduces states of anxiety and distress, causing feelings of warmth and tranquility. Reduces sensitivity and emotional reactions to pain. High doses cause sedation, stupor, sleep, loss of consciousness. Repeated doses with a certain frequency induce tolerance and physical dependence;

Cocaine : it is a very powerful stimulant and exciting, it is also recognized as aphrodisiac effects, and it is a drug that acts directly on the brain. This drug with dangerous side effects, in fact, those who abuse it can lose their minds, and experience brain damage, have obsessions and fixed ideas that lead them to live an unreal dimension, with paranoid symptoms.

Crack is a solid form of free base cocaine. The name “crack” comes from the noise that this substance produces when it is heated and smoked.

Ecstasy : is the best known molecule of a class of drugs (MMDA) from a structural point of view, related to both amphetamine and messaline (a hallucinogen). It is also known by the name MDMA. Effects: Stimulates the nervous system and produces hallucinations, paranoid ideation, a sense of achievement and strength. On a physical level it produces tachycardia, fluctuations in blood pressure, nausea, chills, heat, involuntary clenching of the teeth, muscle cramps and blurred vision. Symptoms found in habitual ecstasy users are very high levels of anxiety, impulsiveness, aggression, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, loss of interest in sex and loss of the associated feelings of pleasure.

Amphetamine and methamphetamine : Amphetamine is a synthetic, stimulant substance present in some drugs available on the market. Methamphetamine, the “daughter” of the previous one, is a powerful stimulant that is addictive and also causes severe damage to the central nervous system. It is commonly known as “speed”, “ice”, “crystal” or “cranck”.

Hallucinogens : they are active substances that cause sensory illusions, that is, they make you see and hear things that do not exist. These substances, therefore, significantly influence perceptions and interaction with the surrounding environment. Among the drugs of this type we find LSD, which causes important visual, auditory and sensory hallucinations, which can be perceived in a positive or negative way (states of panic, loss of self-control, delusional and confusional states, fear of going crazy ). Other hallucinogens known are the so-called “magic mushrooms”, very similar to those of LSD, but weaker.

CAUSES HOW TO ADDRESS DRUG ADDICTIONS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISCOMFORT

Detoxification and loss of addiction to substances of abuse is possible, but it is necessary not to be alone on this path of treatment. Giving up the use of a drug is very difficult and requires at least psychological support, together with strong motivation and the help of one of the various prevention and detoxification centers present throughout the national territory. Pharmacological support, one or more drugs to help overcome the unpleasant, psychological and physical sensations associated with addiction may often be needed. Unfortunately, there is still no miracle medicine capable of nullifying the desire for drugs, although several substances are still being tested. 

A much-discussed substance used as a heroin substitute against withdrawal syndromes is methadone. It appears to have a longer lasting effect than heroin (once a day is enough) and that, given orally, it does not have the euphoric effects of heroin that increase drug addiction. The use of this substance and the gradual withdrawal can help to get out of the addiction, but it does not prevent possible relapses. 

To advance a treatment path, operators must be able to read the problems of the drug addict at 360 degrees and not stop at the health aspects alone. There is in fact the need to understand all three dimensions at the same time: health, psychological and socio-realistic. It is also necessary to give priority to the interest and development of activities for the social and occupational reintegration of drug addicts.

 All this can be done through the activation of programs and professional training courses that concretely and realistically allow the person being treated to recover and develop skills and culture. The possible ways to take to deal with detoxification and get out of the addiction tunnel are the SerTs, therapeutic communities, street units and different types of psychotherapy.

ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO ARE CLOSE TO DRUG ADDICT PEOPLE

There are elements that can help family members understand if a loved one is entering the drug tunnel.

In fact, it can be noted:

• a change in habits;
• school and / or work difficulties;
• sudden mood swings;
• different acquaintances and friendships;
• repeated and frequent absences;
• isolation; timetable changes;
• request for money; disappearance of household items;
• impatience;
• lack of projects;
• visibly losing weight (for heroin or morphine users);
• loss of appetite and increased drink intake;
• red or shiny eyes or “pin” pupils;
• tendency to fall asleep more and more often.

However, it remains very difficult for the family to be able to manage the many problems that the presence of a drug addict entails in the home. In any case, it is suggested to always rely on people, organizations and associations that know the problem and can guarantee a medium-long term educational program.

PSYCHOTHERAPY IN SUPPORT OF DRUG ADDICTION

Psychotherapeutic treatments are widely used for substance use disorders and include individual, family and group therapies. Along with specific goals for addiction, involving cessation of self-administration of the substance, psychotherapy also addresses issues inherent in other aspects of patients’ lives, both past, and present, assuming that some of these contribute to their current substance use.

Individual Psychotherapy : Psychotherapeutic techniques stemming from different orientations have been adapted to specifically focus on the treatment of addiction. These techniques are the psychodynamic approach, supportive-expressive psychotherapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive therapies. Behavioral strategies were used in conjunction with other treatments.

Group Psychotherapy : This type of addiction treatment has been the most popular solution to this problem and is currently the intervention of choice. The group has the ability to support and compare, to comfort and challenge, to involve its members in encounters that distinctly raise awareness of personal problems and character. The group has the ability to provide a safe place for change.

Family therapy : represents a valuable and often necessary contribution to treatment, particularly when integrated into an overall program. This approach will take into account interactive, communication patterns, family relationships, key alliances and roles, rules and boundaries, bonds and styles of conflict.