Many people believe that drug abuse and addiction are limited to just one drug or substance. However, if someone is using multiple drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol, then they may be dependent or addicted to all of those substances. This is called polysubstance abuse.
Mixing Drugs and Alcohol
For many individuals, dependence and addiction start with the use of one substance. It may be alcohol, marijuana or a prescribed medication. However, drug use may escalate without the person even being aware of it happening. For example, you might suffer an injury or undergo surgery that requires pain medication as part of your recovery. If you add a glass of wine or a few beers to the mix on a regular basis, then you might discover that you sleep more deeply and have more pain relief. This is a simple example of how polysubstance dependence can begin.
Mixing drugs or drinking alcohol while taking drugs often increases the potency of a single drug. As a result of this kind of drug interaction, it makes the intensity of the side effects stronger. Many drugs, including prescription drugs, have significant side effects, including slowing breathing and decreased heart rates. Mixing multiple drugs or taking multiple drugs in large amounts increases the risk of death, because the body may simply stop breathing or the heart stops beating entirely. Additionally, mixing multiple drugs can also result in going into a coma.
Polysubstance Abuse Symptoms
Polysubstance drug abuse symptoms are wide-ranging. According to the National Council on Drug Dependence and Prevention, the signs and symptoms of polysubstance misuse include the following:
• Loss of control, including being unable to stop drinking or using drugs, despite negative consequences to employment, relationships or being arrested.
• Covering up use, such as hiding drugs or alcohol.
• Increased risk taking, including engaging in dangerous or harmful activities to gain access to drugs.
• Relationship difficulties, including increased arguments with family and friends.
• Neglecting or withdrawing from activities previously enjoyed.
• Neglecting personal hygiene, including no longer bathing, shaving, brushing teeth, etc.
• Changes in eating habits; often this takes the form of no longer eating.
• Developing tolerance, resulting in increased drug use.
Individuals with a family history of drug or alcohol abuse are also at a higher risk of developing substance abuse problems.
Polysubstance Abuse Diagnosis
Determining polysubstance use is performed by a qualified and trained mental health provider. Qualified providers include psychiatrists, medical doctors, psychologists and drug abuse specialists in the mental health field.
Diagnosis includes a thorough evaluation and assessment, including an in-person interview and history. Interview questions can include questions about your drug use history and your mental health history.
If you are at a treatment facility or medical doctor’s office, you may also be asked to take a drug test. This will determine what drugs are currently in your system.
Polysubstance Abuse Treatment
There are a number of approaches to treating polysubstance addiction. Drug treatment programs include both residential programs and outpatient settings. Residential programs are programs where you stay at a treatment facility for times ranging from several weeks to months. Outpatient programs allow you to continue working, but require intensive meetings on a daily basis. Individuals with substantial drug addiction issues are often encouraged to enroll in a residential drug treatment program. For individuals who are arrested on drug charges, an inpatient program may be required as part of sentencing.
Detoxification is the first line of treatment for anyone entering a drug treatment program. In certain circumstances, detoxification must be medically supervised to prevent dangerous potential problems that may arise during the detoxification process.
Additional aspects of treatment may include behavioral therapy, education, family therapy and follow-up treatment sessions with a qualified drug treatment specialist.
All forms of drug dependence and addiction can be potentially life threatening. If you or someone you love is struggling with polysubstance abuse disorder drug use, please contact us as soon as possible. Many treatment programs are covered by insurance and we have well qualified professional drug treatment specialists available to answer any questions you might have.
The post Understanding Polysubstance Abuse: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment appeared first on Selective Treatment.
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