Healthy Lifestyle Newsletter

The Importance of Promoting Mental Health

Although individuals who suffer from mental illness may feel like they are all alone and alienated from society, the truth is that mental illness is more common than one might think. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 21% of US adults experienced some level of mental illness in 2020.

NAMI also suggests that 1 in 6 between the ages of 6 and 17 experience some level of mental illness every year. It’s important to note here that this percentage only measures the number of cases of mental illness of which we are aware. Many suffer from mental illness in silence.

Mental health is a critical topic in the world. The more we promote and openly talk about mental health, the more comfortable people will feel to speak up and seek the help they deserve.

Luckily, the promotion of mental health has grown rapidly in recent years, thanks to several contributing factors. What follows will be a discussion surrounding the importance of mental health promotion, the power of communication, and the effectiveness of mental health treatment.

The Importance of Mental Health for Public Health

Over 20% of US adults suffer from some level of mental illness year-over-year. Worldwide, the number is close to 450 million individuals.

The impact of mental health disorders is significant. Mental illness continues to impact and overwhelm the healthcare system, resulting in problems such as decreased immunity, a higher risk of health conditions and physical illness, and ultimately higher overall death rates. Thus, the impact on public health as a whole is substantial.

The best way to reduce this burden and combat this unspoken pandemic from worsening is through the enthusiastic promotion of mental health and a strong effort to prevent mental illness.

How to Manage Mental Health and Prevent Complications

The prevention and management of mental health has been a well-known practice for over 100 years. In its early days, however, strategies were only preliminary and experimental, and it was inconclusive as to whether they were effective.

Not until the late 1980s did an evidence-based, science-backed approach take precedent over earlier protocols. Today, mental health is treated with a multifaceted approach towards treatment, management, and prevention.

And this is where mental health promotion comes into play. By definition, mental health promotion implies “the creation of individual, social, and environmental conditions that enable optimal psychological and psychophysiological development. Prevention of mental disorders can be considered one of the aims of a broader mental health promotion strategy.”

By promoting positivity towards mental health and actively preventing mental illness by encouraging early intervention and healthy lifestyles, reduced incidence rates, prevalence rates, and recurrence rates of mental health conditions can be achieved.

Below are several effective preventative measures used to manage mental health and prevent complications:

Achieve sufficient sleep
Eat nutritious foods and hydrate
Regularly exercise
Avoid harmful and addictive substances
Build a reliable support system
Seek frequent therapy and medical care when needed
Take medication regularly and as prescribed
Proactively pay attention to warning signs
Speak openly about mental health and its importance
Make an effort to reduce stress

Through the active promotion of mental health, the support from family and friends, and the help of health care clinicians, psychiatrists and psychologists, physicians, and mental health clinicians, individuals can receive the treatment they need and deserve.

Ending the Stigma

With the discussion surrounding mental health rapidly growing thanks to media campaigns like Bell Let’s Talk and mass social media discussions surrounding #EndTheStigma, more and more individuals feel comfortable speaking up and speaking out and can receive the care they need.

It has also clarified the normality of mental health conditions, with celebrities and familiar faces beginning to speak up about their own situations and circumstances, promoting mental health on their own platforms.

Celebrities who have joined the conversation are making a major impact on the promotion of mental health. Some noted names include Meghan Markle, who has broken the silence about her own struggles; Kristen Bell, who has put pen to paper in an essay regarding her mental disorder battles in Time Magazine; Simone Biles, who is using her own platform to end the stigma; and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who is outspoken about his bouts of depression and his mother’s suicide attempt.

Final Thoughts

While mental health has been receiving more attention in recent years, it remains an issue that needs much support. Moreover, those in need of help must receive care that can be life-saving.

If you or someone you know are experiencing an untreated mental health condition, don’t remain silent. Don’t be afraid to speak up and seek help. Talk to family and friends and seek the counsel of a therapist or mental health professional as soon as possible.

If you’re uncertain where to begin or if you fear that you are lacking support, don’t hesitate to contact your primary care provider. The important point is that we all encourage everyone to seek help and receive life-saving care.

Common Types of Eating Disorders

Portrait o f young attractive woman feeling sad and bored with diet not wanting to eat vegetables or healthy food in Dieting Eating Disorders and weight loss concept.

Eating disorders affect nearly 5% of the population, most prevalent in children and young adults. While the cause of eating disorders is not understood, many studies have identified alterations of brain structure and function in individuals with this condition.

What follows will be a discussion about the most common types of eating disorders and their characteristics. In addition, we’ll outline some of the associated risk factors and treatments of these disorders.

What are Eating Disorders?

The definition of eating disorders is quite broad, accounting for several different types with differing symptoms; however, eating disorders are classified as mental health conditions involving persistent behaviors surrounding harmful eating habits. These destructive eating habits directly cause other complications associated with the health and social well-being of individuals with this condition.

Often eating disorders develop in association with other mental illnesses and psychiatric disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, and substance-abuse problems.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of eating disorder, yet some universal warning signs can be noted. These include fluctuations in weight, intense preoccupation with body image, poor eating habits, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, mood swings, constipation, malnutrition, and generally poor health.

Types of Eating Disorders

There are several types of eating disorders that have certain characteristics; however, there are three main eating disorders that are most prevalent. They are binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is characterized by a sheer lack of control when eating. Reasons for binge eating are typically emotional in nature, including feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment, or boredom.

Those that have binge eating disorders also do not try to control their weight with dieting or exercise. They often eat very large amounts to the point of being uncomfortable, and sometimes they eat when they aren’t even hungry. This disorder is seen more frequently in women than men, and they are usually in their early 20’s when the condition develops.

Symptoms and DSM-5 criteria of Binge Eating Disorder include recurring episodes of binge eating in large amounts, lack of control, and persistent feelings of shame and guilt.

Anorexia Nervosa

Perhaps the most commonly known eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, is characterized by extreme weight loss, distorted perceptions of body image, and an overly thin appearance. Anorexia has the potential to develop into a life-threatening condition. This disorder is seen more frequently in women than men, and they are usually around age 18 when the condition develops.

Symptoms and DSM-5 criteria of anorexia include restrictive eating habits, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, fear of weight gain, body dysmorphia, and an intense desire to be thin.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia, another commonly known eating disorder, can be characterized by the vicious habitual cycle of binge eating followed by purging. This behavior can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte disturbance, damage to the esophagus, and pancreatitis. Untreated bulimia is potentially life-threatening.

Symptoms and DSM-5 criteria of bulimia include recurring episodes of binge eating, recurring episodes of purging, low self-esteem associated with body dysmorphia, and fear of weight gain.

Other eating disorders include pica, rumination disorder, restrictive food intake disorder, body dysmorphia, and other specified feeding and eating disorders.

Associated Conditions and Risk Factors

Individuals with eating disorders often can develop associated conditions, and the more severe the eating disorder, the more likely these conditions are to develop.

The following are the most commonly associated conditions seen in individuals with eating disorders:

Major Depressive Disorder
Anxiety Disorders
Suicidal Thoughts
Substance Abuse Disorders
Stunted Social and Biological Development
Social Disruption or Destruction

Individuals who experience the condition of an eating disorder are more likely to have other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Below are the most common risk factors associated with eating disorders:

Family History of Eating Disorders
Presence of Other Mental Illnesses
Extreme Weight Loss and Dieting
Body Dysmorphia
Environmental Stress
Low Self-Esteem

Treatment of Eating Disorders

Treatment of eating disorders involves counseling about nutrition and cognitive behavioral therapy. In some eating disorders, treatment with medication is combined with behavioral therapy and can include treatment with medication such as Prozac.

Nutritional and therapeutic strategies include but are not limited to education surrounding healthy eating habits and nutrition, open communication to instill confidence and self-esteem, implementation of healthy lifestyle habits, and cognitive behavioral therapy with a mental health professional.

Final Thoughts

Because eating disorders are often misunderstood and made out to be less severe than they actually are, it’s not surprising that they don’t get the attention they deserve. That’s why it’s important to learn about these disorders and be able to recognize the symptoms and know the potential complications.

As a mental illness, eating disorders require comprehensive treatment, which involves professional therapy that includes nutritional assessment and cognitive behavioral therapy. If untreated, an eating disorder can subsequently become life-threatening. Therefore, it’s imperative for the individual to seek professional help at the earliest possible time.

Characterizations of PTSD and How to Treat It

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that has been well identified in individuals who have fought in military wars. While this is certainly an accurate association, affecting nearly 30% of Vietnam Veterans, PTSD also applies to other individuals who have never been present on the field of battle.

In what follows, we’ll be discussing the most common characteristics of PTSD. Further, we’ll also discuss some of the science behind the condition, its symptoms, and available treatment.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric mental health condition prevalent in about 6-10% of the United States population and presents itself after a traumatic event, whether actual or perceptual.

PTSD often exists in those who suffer from other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or substance abuse disorders. In fact, nearly 80% of patients diagnosed with PTSD are also diagnosed with at least one other psychiatric disorder in their lifetime.

While it’s not yet understood to its full extent, the mental science behind the development of PTSD appears to involve three major brain cortexes. Those three cortexes are the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. Studies have also shown a chemical imbalance involving norepinephrine and glucocorticoid levels. The greater the chemical imbalance in these three regions of the brain, the more severe the symptoms of PTSD become.

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

Similar to disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder, the use of the description “PTSD” is often misplaced. On the contrary, PTSD describes a debilitating condition that can impact an individual so immensely that it can become catastrophic.

PTSD is such a sensitive disorder that even the most mundane words or sounds can trigger symptoms and result in the spiraling of the mind. The symptomatology involved in PTSD can be broken down into four primary groupings: mood, reaction, intrusion, and avoidance.

Mood – With this category, symptoms can involve negative thoughts, distorted perspectives, poor memory, and a reduced desire to participate in day-to-day life. Examples of specific symptoms in this subcategory include racing thoughts, rapid heart rate, depression, anxiety, mood swings, lightheadedness, and irritability.
Reaction – With this category, symptoms can involve feelings of angst and anger and an inability to focus for even the shortest periods of time, leading to irrational, reactionary behavior. Examples of specific symptoms in this subcategory include irritability, lash-outs, short-temperament, and poor focus.
Intrusion – With this category, symptoms can involve having intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, vivid memories, reoccurring nightmares, and mental distress. Examples of specific symptoms in this subcategory include overwhelming fear, irrational thoughts, and false perspectives.
Avoidance – With this category, symptoms can involve acts of avoidance in which they distance themselves, isolate themselves, and self-sabotage themselves. This behavior is an effort to prevent the occurrence of any action that reminds them of a traumatic event.

The four different categories of symptoms make up the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD. In order to be officially diagnosed with PTSD, the individual must have (1) at least one stressor is to be present, (2) persistent intrusive symptoms are to be present, (3) at least one avoidance symptom is to be present, (4) at least two cognitive/mood symptoms are to be present, and (5) reactionary behavior is to be present.

Other diagnostic criteria include the duration of symptoms, the individual’s level of functioning, and the exclusion or inclusion of particular substances.

Causes and Risk Factors Associated with PTSD

Unlike other mental health conditions that have broader, often difficult to understand causes, PTSD’s cause is quite clear. Individuals who experience a traumatic event are at risk of developing PTSD, yet not all who experience these events will develop the condition.

While the cause of PTSD is clear, the reason why it impacts the brain so detrimentally is not understood. Research on PTSD has clarified the location of the brain that is impacted, yet it has not concluded how the trauma changes the brain.

The following are common risk factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder:

Traumatic Experiences (War, Vehicular Accident, Sexual Assault, Natural Disaster, or Acts of Violence)
History of Mental, Emotional, or Physical Abuse
Family History of PTSD
Substance Abuse
Poor Social Support
Extreme Environmental Stress
History of Other Mental Health Conditions
Lack of Coping Mechanisms Available During Traumatic Events

Individuals who develop PTSD can have mild or severe symptoms, and this range of severity of symptoms is due to differing individual reactions to traumatic events.

Other factors determining severity of symptoms include whether or not they have coping skills, personal support, or pre-existing health conditions.

Treating PTSD

The type of treatment required for those living with PTSD depends on the level of severity. The primary purpose of treatment is to reduce the severity of and minimize the frequency of symptoms. The secondary purpose is to help individuals learn how to manage symptoms best if they persist. The third purpose is to help change perspectives, clarify reality, and ultimately improve the overall brain health of the patient.

The following are the most common treatments for PTSD:

SSRI’s
Anti-Anxiety Medication
Mood Stabilizers
Antipsychotics
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Exposure Therapy
Family therapy

Final Thoughts

PTSD can be a debilitating condition, and it’s important that treatment and therapy begin as soon as possible. Through psychotherapy, appropriate medication, and other treatment, including personal support groups and lifestyle changes, those with PTSD can improve their lives.

Characterizations of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessed Compulsive Perfectionist With OCD Disorder And Arrange Anxiety

More commonly referred to as OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition involving obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors. It is prevalent in nearly 3% of the American population.

OCD is not to be confused with an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. While both have overlapping characteristics, the former encompasses the intrusiveness of thoughts and behaviors while the latter impacts personality traits.

To elaborate, OCD is characterized by the obsessions and compulsions of the mind. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by the need to be in control or to achieve perfectionism.

Characterizing Symptomatology of OCD

OCD is often misunderstood, with many holding the perspective that such thoughts and behaviors are easily recognizable and thus changeable. On the contrary, while such obsessions and compulsions may certainly be recognizable by the individual with the condition, they are not a matter of choice but rather an incessant and uncontrollable need.

Symptoms of OCD aren’t fleeting, nor are they simply a casual annoyance. Rather, they’re long-lasting and persistent, only getting more intense with time. This differentiates those who think they have “OCD” because they feel a “need” to fold a t-shirt correctly and those who suffer tremendously from the disorder, which constantly controls their every action.

The symptoms involved with OCD are primarily those of obsessions or compulsions.

Obsessions

Obsessions are often the beginnings of OCD, starting as an intrusive thought and later developing into a compulsion to act on it. While the range of topics, situations, and circumstances vary significantly for those with obsessive thoughts, the following are some of the most common obsessive thoughts:

Germ Phobias
Thoughts of Self-harming
Fantasies of Violence and Sexual Acts
Intrusive Imagery
Need for Order
Illogical Concerns Regarding Loved Ones
Fear of Far-Reaching, Often Illogical Events Occurring

When such intrusive thoughts enter the brain of those with OCD, it immediately becomes an obsession, and they cannot ultimately ignore, suppress, or find the rationale to deal with it.

Failing to seek professional help to manage and treat these intrusive thoughts may result in further developments of obsession to the point of debilitation and an inability to function in daily life.

Compulsions

Compulsions result secondarily from an obsessive thought as a way to try to relieve the anxiety and stress caused by that obsessive thought. Compulsory actions usually persist as uncontrollably repetitive actions.

Similar to obsessions, compulsions can manifest in many different ways, situations, and circumstances. The following are some common examples:

Persistent Hand-Washing
Repetitive Locking of Doors
Organizing Objects to Perfection
Touching Something Numerous Times
Collecting Things in Mass
Mentally Reliving an Action or Past Decision

When obsessive thoughts become compulsive acts, the ability of the individual to manage the symptoms becomes extremely difficult. At this point, failing to seek help will result in reaching a point of debilitation and an inability to function in daily life.

Risk Factors Associated with OCD

The risk factors associated with the diagnosis of OCD can be external or internal and can be related to family history. OCD is also correlated with levels of serotonin in the brain, which impacts mood and other regulatory functions. The following are some of the most notable risk factors.

Stress – Increased stress over time has been shown to increase the risk of developing OCD, and those that already have OCD can have worsening symptoms with additional stress.
Personal Trauma – Individuals who have suffered personal trauma such as child abuse or neglect are much more likely to develop OCD.
Personality Characteristics – Certain personality traits are also highly correlated with OCD, such as perfectionism, worry, overthinking, and fear. If these traits are present, OCD can often result.
History of Neurological Damage – People who have a history of brain injury, chemical imbalance, or genetic mutation have a high correlation with the development of OCD.
Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – If the diagnosis of OCD is made, it’s best to consult with a mental health professional to decide on the best course of treatment.

In most cases, OCD requires a multifaceted approach in order to successfully manage the condition, and this usually includes medication and therapy. Some people have benefited from combined medical and cognitive behavioral therapy, and some have done well with either singular medication treatment or singular behavioral therapy.

Other potential treatments include deep brain stimulation, which is the process of placing electrodes on specific locations in the brain. This treatment is usually reserved for cases in which all other treatments, including medication and therapy, have been unsuccessful. The procedure is performed by a Neurosurgeon and has the associated risks of surgery; however, the results seen by this procedure have been very promising.

Treatment of OCD most often involves medication, and some examples of the most effective medications include Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Clomipramine, and Effexor. These medications work by affecting serotonin levels, and they have been very effective in reducing the symptoms of OCD.

Final Thoughts

OCD can be a debilitating condition, yet it can be treated and managed with professional interventions by a mental health professional. In addition, the condition should be evaluated and treated early to achieve the best results.

Characteristics And Treatment of Personality Disorders

two-faced happy sad woman manic depression or schizophrenia concept

According to the data represented in the National Comorbidity Study Replication, nearly 10% of people in the United States suffer from some type of personality disorder. Other major studies, including one from the peer-reviewed journal of Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, have suggested a prevalence rate of about 14%.

Of the ten defined personality disorders that will be discussed, Borderline Personality Disorder is the most commonly diagnosed, prevailing in about 2% of the population. Other commonly prevailing personality disorders are Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Additional commonly seen disorders are Avoidant Personality Disorder and Paranoid Disorder.

What follows will be a discussion about the different types of personality disorders, their characteristics, and their treatment.

What is a Personality Disorder?

As a subtype of mental disorder, a personality disorder is such that it causes negative thinking patterns, dysfunctional behaviors, and unhealthy actions. It’s most evident in those that see no wrong in their uncharacteristic thoughts and behaviors, ultimately resulting in troubling decisions, harmful perceptions, and destructive relationships.

There are a total of ten types of personality disorders, ranging from mild to severe, each with its own symptoms and thought patterns, and thus, requiring specific treatment protocols. Most personality disorders progress slowly, with the initial evidence of the condition being seen in adolescent, teenage, and young adult behavior.

The official diagnosis of a personality disorder tends to come years after the first symptoms present themselves. This is because the clinical definition of such disorders describes a long-term pattern of multiple symptoms. Diagnosing a personality disorder too early may result in a mischaracterization of temporary thoughts and behaviors influenced by age, environment, and otherwise.

Types of Personality Disorders

While there are a total of 10 personality disorders, most clinicians tend to place them into 3 groups according to similar symptoms and treatment protocols.

Group One tends to pertain to thinking patterns and behaviors associated with eccentricity. Group Two tends to pertain to thoughts and actions of dramatic and unpredictable fashion. Finally, group Three tends to pertain to thoughts and feelings of fear and overthinking.

These are the 10 Types of Personality Disorders and Their Most Prominent Characteristics:

Schizoid Personality Disorder (Group 1) – Characterized by significant difference from the normal thoughts and behaviors of society, ultimately causing extreme feelings of distress and the inability to cope.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder (Group 1) – Characterized by hyper-unusual thoughts and behaviors, largely differing from the norms of society.
Paranoid Personality Disorder (Group 1) – Characterized by long-term patterns of unjust distrust and suspicion towards people, places, and things.
Antisocial Personality Disorder (Group 2) – Characterized by distancing behaviors, lies, and deceit, often acting irrationally without feelings of guilt and apology.
Borderline Personality Disorder (Group 2) – Characterized by uncontrollable emotions and irrational behavior that can cause harm and result in extreme mood swings. Phases of extreme anger, depression, and anxiety occur in those with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Histrionic Personality Disorder (Group 2) – Characterized by events of hysteria and dramatic outbreak, often intense, ultimately resulting in instability and low self-esteem.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (Group 2) – Characterized by patterns of arrogance, self-centeredness, and ego, ultimately causing the destruction of relationships due to a low level of empathy and consideration towards others.
Avoidant Personality Disorder (Group 3) – Characterized by extreme thoughts and emotions of sensitivity, inadequacy, and rejection, often shown unjustifiably placing criticism on themselves and others.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (Group 3) – Characterized by the extreme need to live in order and in perfection, ultimately resulting in preoccupation with mundane details causing interference with daily life.
Dependent Personality Disorder (Group 3) – Characterized by the need to be taken care of due to an overwhelming sense of submissiveness, helplessness, and low self-esteem.

An important distinction to re-emphasize is that personality disorders only become personality disorders when symptoms become long-term personality traits. In addition, the individual often behaves as if they are completely unaware of their behavior. The reason for this emphasis is that many will temporarily experience and act in ways that mirror a given personality disorder for short periods of time or intermittently. For example, they may have periods of antisocial decision-making, narcissistic thoughts, or times of obsessive-compulsive behavior.

Associated Causes and Risk Factors

Like many mental illnesses and conditions, the causes of a personality disorder are not completely understood. There are, however, some commonly associated scenarios and risk factors that are highly correlated with the condition.

The presumed potential causes and risk factors of different personality disorders include genetics and family history, environmental influences, past trauma, personal history of mental illness, lifestyle factors such as substance abuse. In addition, certain types of excessive content consumption can negatively influence certain thoughts and behavior of susceptible individuals, leading to poor decision-making skills.

Commonly Used Treatments and Therapies

There are varied treatments for these disorders due to different severity levels of these conditions. Yet, some treatments and therapies have shown the most promise in the management of personality disorders. Those treatments and therapies include medication and counseling.

More specifically, the medications most commonly used to treat personality disorders include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications.

Additionally, the most common forms of therapy used to treat personality disorders include dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.

Final Thoughts

Before treating a personality disorder, it’s important to successfully determine, with the help of a mental health professional, the specific type of personality disorder that is present. Certain treatment plans cater to particular disorders and will not have the same success with others.

Most treatments for personality disorders are quite effective at alleviating symptoms, especially when followed correctly and consistently.

The Prevalence of Substance Abuse Disorders

Addictive substances, including alcohol, cigarettes and drugs.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the prevalence of substance abuse in America is of epidemic proportions, impacting nearly 20 million Americans above the age of 18. Many of this population have both a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness. The correlation between these two conditions is seen over and over again.

Individuals with the condition of substance abuse often have other health-related problems, which makes the subsequent development of a mental health disorder even more problematic. Arguably the most damaging aspect of substance abuse is what it does to the brain, ranging from acute nerve damage to detrimental chemical disruptions leading to harmful consequences.

What follows will be a discussion surrounding substance abuse and substance abuse disorders, including the types and risk factors associated with such disorders.

What is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse refers to anyone who consumes or takes too much of any legal or illegal substance, whether alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication. The prevalence of this condition in the adolescent population is a significant issue in our population.

The failure to address substance abuse promptly can result in severe and debilitating addiction and dependency issues, ultimately risking death.

Substances that are most commonly abused:

Marijuana
Alcohol
Nicotine
Benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, Xanax)
Cocaine
Methamphetamine
Heroin
MDMA (Ecstasy)
Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP)
Opioids

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is the most abused substance for people over the age of 12.

The substances mentioned are so commonly abused because of the addictive chemicals in each substance. Although some substances may be harmless and potentially beneficial in small doses and infrequent consumption, most are quite dangerous when abused.

Other reasons for substance abuse can be related to associated mental illness, traumatic events, or environmental and sociocultural factors.

Addiction and dependency may become an issue depending on different individuals’ genetics, mental health status, and predisposition. However, no primary influence or determinant has a conclusive impact on the risk of substance abuse. Thus, individuals who have these risk factors should be encouraged to avoid these substances, if possible.

Causes and Risk Factors of Substance Abuse

Many different risk factors exist for the development of substance abuse. In addition, there is often a combination of factors that are involved in most cases.

Indications of potential substance abuse in individuals include persistent problems at school or work, aggressive changes in mood and behavior, general physical and mental health issues, financial complications, and neglectful actions in daily life.

Because substance abuse spans several types of drugs and toxins, the signs and symptoms that may be identified are also quite variable.

However, there are prevalent risk factors that have strong associations with substance abuse disorders and need to be taken into consideration when monitoring those at greatest risk.

The following are common causes and risk factors associated with substance abuse disorders:

Family History of Substance Abuse
Intrauterine exposure to substances
Tobacco Smoking
Personal History of Mental Health Problems
Peer Pressure
Family Dysfunctional Environment
Parental Disinterest
Moving To A New Location
Attending College
Availability of Substances

Treating a Substance Abuse Disorder

The treatment of substance abuse disorder depends not only on the substance being abused but also on the level of severity of the disorder. Factors that will be considered when determining an effective course of action include age, health, health history, and symptomatology. In addition, the willingness of the individual to actively participate in treatment is essential in achieving successful treatment.

Treatment will most definitely require prolonged outpatient individual and group therapy in many cases of substance abuse. In some cases, inpatient medical treatment at a rehabilitation center will also be required.

The following are some examples of specific medications that can be used to treat certain types of substance abuse. In cases of alcohol withdrawal, medications such as Ativan and Librium can be utilized. In cases of opioid withdrawal, medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or clonidine can be considered. The specific use of these medications for any substance abuse disorder should be carried out under the care of a mental health professional.

Many treatment centers and substance-abuse specific care facilities are located across the nation to help treat serious disorders and addictions.

The long-term goal of treatment for substance abuse is to make a full rehabilitation from addiction and abuse, learn management protocols going forward, and address any residual problems associated with substance abuse.

Final Thoughts

The fallout from substance abuse and substance abuse disorders is vast and can be quite severe and debilitating. Individuals who experience this disorder and don’t receive adequate treatment or support will likely develop worsening of the problem as consumption increases over time.

Yet, early intervention and active support can lead to positive results. Early treatment can also be helpful in dealing with the severity of withdrawal that prolonged addiction can cause. Intensive outpatient treatment with mental health professionals and familial support will lead to the best outcome.