If an individual is habitual of consuming some substance and he finds it difficult to live without it, then it can be termed as the addiction or substance use disorder. This disorder impacts the mood, behaviour and functioning of the brain. The addicted patients usually know the harmful effects of consuming something in abundance, but they cannot control their urge. Such patients are treated at a deaddiction centre in Ludhiana.

Important information

Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency or addiction are two different things.

Many among us tend to use this term interchangeably. But we have attempted to get you clear out of these confusing terms.

What is alcohol abuse?

Subsequent conditions represent alcohol abuse:

• If the use of alcohol has driven you to violate some of the rules or legalities, then it can be termed abuse.
• If the effect of the alcohol has made you harm or even injure somebody.
• If the individual is not able to perform 100% in school or at work because he keeps on thinking about the alcohol and the means to get it.
• The perpetual use of alcohol and particularly in giant amounts.

What is Alcohol Dependence or Addiction?

• Increment in the consumable amounts

This feature explains the condition when the individual keeps on incrementing the consumption of alcohol.

• Behavioural changes

The person may feel bad and irritated with all the things around if the effect of alcohol is over.

• Loss of interest

The addicted person does not find pleasure in any activity or any hobby.

• No likeness for family interaction

The alcoholic patient does not like to interact with family and friends.

Outcomes

• Substance use disorder may destroy your mental peace and makes you physically weak.
• The relationships may suffer and the loved ones may leave you.
• You may find yourself in any legality-violating situation.

Which substances are more prone to make an individual addict?

The following substance can make the individual badly addicted to them:

• Alcohol
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Weed
• Opioids
• LSD
• Amphetamines
• Nicotine
• Tobacco
• Pain killers
• Nail paint removers

Which harmful effects can be observed by the individual?

Short term Effects:

• Slurred speech
• Changes in appetite and the sleeping patterns
• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty in concentration
• Relationship issues
• Legal complications

Long term effects:

• The long term effects may include the following:
• The destruction of the structure and the functioning of the brain
• Depression and anxiety
• Extreme anger outbursts and the panic attacks
• Hallucinations and the poor memory

How is the addiction diagnosed?

The addiction can only be diagnosed if the patient takes the initiative to visit the psychiatrist by acknowledging that he is in the problem. The consultation also requires detailed information which can be gathered from the close informants. Besides, the physical and mental examination will be enough to find out the damage caused by the intoxicating effect of the substance.

Bottom Line

The patient can only be treated through various approaches which may involve intervention, family support, medications, psychiatric and psychological therapies.