Substance Abuse: A Brief View

Substance abuse has become a common issue in our offices, homes, schools, churches, and temples. We can view the outcome of addiction on reality television, visit a sober house on cable television, and watch movies that depict the turmoil of addiction. The process of addiction is extremely complex, and it appears to be influenced by a variety of factors. Someone's mental state, genetics, and social status can all contribute to addiction. Addiction appears to be closely linked to the idea of psychological gratification, in that people learn to indulge in an activity or substance to be rewarded in some way, and this in turn creates a state of dependency.

Addictions range from the process addictions to the chemical addictions. The process addictions refer to actions, such as gambling, sexual compulsion, or eating disorders. Chemical addictions refer to those familiar things such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs. 

A widely held model of addiction is the medical model. This model is derived from the disease concept, that addiction follows a course such as any illness, like cancer or diabetes. The client’s view of self as abusing or being addicted to a substance is also important. The family history is another important aspect of addiction. At times, it is as if the client and the therapist become investigators into the aspects that contribute to an individual’s current state of use and current state of health.

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) the estimated number of individuals classified as addicted includes over 22 million Americans over the age of 12. Alcoholism alone causes more than 500 million lost work days a year. The NIDA also found that in adults over the age of 50, alcohol was the most widely abused drug. The NIDA further reports that in the age group of 12 -30, over the counter cough medication or cold medicine was used to get high in over 1 million individuals. Many individuals turn to substances in an attempt to cope with work related stress, military obligations, economic strain, or job loss.

As stated in the opening of this brief article, addiction is a prevalent issue and should be assessed and treated  by a qualified  therapist. Clients seeking assistance for stress related concerns, marital discord, or other issues should be honest and open with the therapist in regards to substance use. The therapeutic alliance depends on honesty on the part of the therapist and the client. Many therapists affiliated with Psychotherapy St. Louis have a wide variety of experience in assessing and treating addiction and substance abuse.  With proper treatment, significant progress can be made with the addiction itself and overall quality of life. 

Information provided by Gladys Smith, L.P.C.  Click here to see her PStL profile and find out how to contact her.

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