Substance - Related Disorders

Substance-related disorders involve the misuse of drugs, alcohol, or other addictive substances that negatively impact a person’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. These disorders not only affect individuals but also families and society at large. Understanding them is important because timely treatment can prevent severe health complications, financial struggles, and social breakdown.

• Alcohol: One of the most widely abused substances causing liver, heart, and brain damage.

• Opioids: Pain-relieving drugs like heroin, morphine, or prescription painkillers that carry high risk of overdose.

• Stimulants: Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines that cause intense energy followed by crashes and dependency.

• Tobacco/Nicotine: Highly addictive and linked to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.

• Biological: Family history of addiction, genetic vulnerability, and brain chemistry changes.

• Psychological: Stress, trauma, personality traits like impulsivity, or existing mental health conditions.

• Environmental/Social: Peer influence, availability of drugs, social stress, and lack of support systems.

• Strong cravings for the substance

• Inability to stop or reduce use despite consequences

• Physical health issues such as liver damage, weight loss, or infections

• Emotional changes such as mood swings, irritability, or depression

• DSM-5 Criteria: Standard guidelines for identifying substance use and related problems.

• Clinical Interviews: Understanding patterns of substance use and its effects on life.

• Screening Tools: Questionnaires like AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test).

• Medical Tests: Blood and urine tests to detect substances and assess organ damage.

• Health: Damage to the brain, heart, liver, and immune system.

• Relationships: Conflicts, domestic violence, and loss of trust.

• Work/Education: Poor performance, absenteeism, and job loss.

• Society: Increased crime rates, accidents, and financial costs on healthcare.

• This shows how addiction affects not only the user but also the larger community.

• Detoxification: Medical supervision to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.

• Psychotherapy: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), motivational interviewing, and group therapy to change thought patterns.

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Drugs like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone help reduce cravings and prevent relapse.

• Building a daily routine that avoids triggers

• Practicing mindfulness and stress management

• Staying connected with supportive friends and family

• Joining self-help or peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

• Setting small goals and celebrating progress

• These strategies help maintain recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.

You’ve already taken the first step by searching for help. Now, it’s time to act. Booking a session is quick, simple, and life-changing.

📞 Call us at +91 7777000217 or click below to book instantly on WhatsApp.

👉 Don’t delay—your well-being deserves attention today.