It is hard for us to face our demons, but we must do so if we want to live in peace. We all manifest our fears in different ways. Some criticize their wives and beat their kids. Some seek drugs and alcohol.
There are common misconceptions of drug use. We have to honestly look at ourselves and those around us. We must look at the hard, simple truths.
· What are my levels of dependency and abuse?
· Am I using recreationally?
· Or am I numbing my fears and pains?
· Do I truly have a problem?
Sometimes we create angst and disease when none are truly there. Most often we ignore all the signs that point in an obvious direction.
Though there are many different factors and criteria for all types of substance use, there are three simple distinctions we must focus on. Do we use, abuse, or are dependant upon these substances.
There are many folks that use substances. We smoke cigarettes for that injection of nicotine. We drink our coffee and sodas to energize with caffeine. Some snort lines of coke. Others take tabs of acid. Despite whatever socially horrific or common our substance use can be, we still use them. If you ingest any sort of substance, you use.
Of course all substances have different effects upon the body. Common effects of intoxication are:
Ø shifts in mood or personality
Ø slurred speech, impaired vision
Ø lack of coordination
Ø impaired memory or concentration
Ø nausea, vomiting, drowsiness
Ø change in blood pressure
Ø perspiration, chills
Ø muscle weakness
Ø insomnia
Using substances is one thing. Toasting at a wedding to shooting up heroin are examples of the varying degrees of use. However abusing and dependency are completely different things. According to the DSM IV, there are several criteria that are common for abuse and dependence regardless of the toxin of choice. These are:
Criteria for Substance Abuse
A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
(1) Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household)
(2) Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use)
(3) Recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for substance-related disorderly conduct)
(4) Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance (e.g. arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication, physical fights)
Abusing substances create self harming dynamics in our lives. When we abuse, we are no longer using in a casual, “fun” use. Do you feel the desire to pop some Xanax or guzzle some wine before your big presentation? Do you need to toke some bud while you drive home from work?
We often abuse in reaction to events in our lives. Look into the timing of your abuse. You may discover some patterns to explain why you abuse when you do. Substance abuse is often problematic, especially when it places us in potentially harmful scenarios. However in this category, we are not dependent upon these substances to survive throughout the day.
Criteria for Substance Dependence
A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
(1) Tolerance, as defined by either following:
a. A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect
b. Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance
(2) withdrawal, as manifested by either the following:
a. the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
b. the same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
(3) the substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
(4) there is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use
(5) a great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (e.g. chain smoking), or recover from its effects
(6) important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance abuse
(7) the substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (e.g., current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression, or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption)
It is important to be honest with yourself. Many times, our own conscious minds are not ready to face the truth. Consult with your physician or close family/friends to help you determine your level of use. Though they may tell you what you do not want to hear, please take time to consider the facts and the statements others make of you.
This dependence is usually a result of some underlying issue. Some current or historical experience plagues the sufferer into this continual pattern of self harm. Luckily there are ways to get out.
Some prefer Alcoholic’s Anonymous. Others like more holistic healthcare. But in a systematic approach, they can basically follow:
· Become aware of the issue.
· Build up resources and personal strength to confront these issues.
· Face your demons
· Learn and adapt new tools for living new thoughts, actions and emotions.
· Master living free from the issue by constant improvements.
