Substance Abuse
Phenomenon
- 18 year old man,
- High school is studying in the last year.
- He is described by his family as a student who is silent and introverted, whose course success has declined recently, that he does not participate in social activities, and who escapes from time to time. He spends most of his time outside the house, closes to his room when he is at home, often discusses and lies when he is with his family.
- When the family sees these behavioral changes in their son, he tells that he thinks he can use the substance, if possible.
- It was determined that the young person brought to the hospital used cannabis after urinalysis.
DIAGNOSIS
The use of a problematic substance, manifested by at least two of the following, leading to a clinically apparent distress or reduced functionality;
- Taking the substance to a greater extent or for a longer period of time than is often desired,
- Madde kullanımını bırakmak ya da denetlemek için sürekli istek ve boşa çıkan çaba görülmesi,
- Constant demand and wasted effort to quit or control substance use,
- If the person goes inside to use the substance, has a great desire to use the substance or feels forced,
- Here, it continues to use repetitive substance, which results in failure to fulfill its main obligations required by its position at school or at home,
- Continuing to use the substance even though there are continuous or repetitive social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance,
- Releasing or reducing some important social activities, work-related activities or recreational activities due to substance use,
- Recurrently, continued use of substances in potentially dangerous situations,
- Sustaining drug use, despite the knowledge that it is likely to have a persistent or repetitive physical or mental problem caused or ignited by the substance,
- Improved tolerance (gradually decreasing the effect of the substance after re-use or increasing dose of substance to achieve the same effect),
- The lack is improved.
Early Diagnosis
- The following behavior changes can be seen in people with substance use disorders.
- The circle of friends changes.
- Family relationships decrease, he prefers to be alone in his room.
- School success decreases and school attendance decreases.
- He starts to spend more money.
- He starts to be interested in nothing and prefers to stay away from everything.
- It is observed that he displays cheerful and calm, sometimes angry and aggressive behaviors during the day.
- Physical symptoms such as fatigue, thoughtfulness, sleep disturbances, difficulty speaking, runny nose, tremor, sweating, eye bleeding, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty walking.
However, it should not be forgotten that the continuity of these symptoms and their causes are very important.
TREATMENT
In this disease, early diagnosis is very important in terms of treatment. In the treatment of substance use disorder, the patient's level of awareness is very important.
Steps of Treatment:
1. Insulation period : He is hospitalized in a private clinic where those who use substance can be treated.
2. Detoxification (purification) period : The substance used is completely discontinued and replaced with a substance that creates a lower physical dependence, or some sedative medications that will make the withdrawal syndrome pass mildly allow the body to be purified from the substance.
3. Rehabilitation period : It is tried to solve the psychological and social problems that cause substance use or prepare the ground. This period can last for years.
Methods Used in Treatment
- Individual Psychotherapy
- Group Therapies
- Medication
- Family trainings