Addiction to psychotropic substances
The phrase “psychotropic substances” is often heard in close connection with drug use and therefore – in the general public’s view – represents prohibited and harmful substances.
What are they really?
Psychotropic substances are those that influence the composition of chemicals in our brains, with effects on our behaviour and how we feel emotionally. These substances include the well-known drugs, but also psychiatric drugs, prescribed by a doctor and available only on prescription. Their consumption is essential to keep under control because of the effects they have.
What is drug/psychotropic substance addiction
Out-of-control use of psychotropic substances, whether psychiatric medication or drugs, leads to addiction. Addiction to psychotropic substances is a whole system of behavioural, cognitive and physiological phenomena. The main feature of this is the use of at least one psychoactive substance. This addiction can persist despite the grim consequences, whether the user is aware of them or not.
In other words, addiction to psychotropic substances is a chronic brain disorder because it leads to very significant changes in both the structure and functioning of the brain. While the first few repetitions of drug use are voluntary, as the repetitions become more frequent, the changes in the brain caused by substance abuse lead to a lack of control and thus a reduced ability to resist the action of taking drugs.
Main features
We need to be aware that drugs belong to the category of chemicals. By their nature, they target the brain’s communication system and act on the way neurons normally send, process and receive information.
Certain drugs (especially heroin) have a chemical structure similar to that of the brain’s neurotransmitters. Because of this similarity, the brain can be “tricked”drugs can play tricks on neurotransmitters and activate nerve cells.
Who is most likely to develop addiction to psychotropic substances? Particularly important features in this respect include:
- 🟣 Curiosity – most people addicted to psychoactive substances started using simply to satisfy their own curiosity;
- 🟣 Dysfunctional environment – whether it’s the family or the social environment, if a person has drug users around them, they may have a predisposition to use;
- 🟣 Repression of the past – trauma can play a key role in the development of such an addiction, in that the addict wants to repress painful aspects of their own history (among the predominant feelings about the past we can find guilt or shame).
Classification of addictions / Types of psychotropic substances
Classifications for addiction to psychotropic substances are among the most numerous, but one of the best known classifications divides substances consumed into: sedatives – calming effect, stimulants – effect of accelerating CNS (central nervous system) functioning and narcotics – effect of reducing pain and numbing. Each of these has a number of specific symptoms, as follows:Sedatives
Physical symptoms: drowsiness, chills, shortness of breath, lack of energy, death.
Mental symptoms: reduced or even non-existent ability to concentrate, aggressiveness, distorted thinking.
Stimulating
Physical symptoms: headaches, psychosis, insomnia, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, death.
Mental symptoms: increased energy, increased intensity of all feelings, hallucinations, anxiety,
Narcotics
Physical symptoms: decreased pain intensity, drowsiness, loss of coordination, decreased motor functions, death.
Mental symptoms: euphoria, lethargy, confusion.
Symptoms of psychotropic substance dependence
A particularly important role in the existing symptoms is undoubtedly played by the substance of which the drug consumed is composed. However, among the most common symptoms that can be experienced, in addition to those mentioned above, are: eye congestion, weight loss or weight gain, personality changes, psychomotor agitation, lack of motivation, feelings of lethargy, paranoia, aggression, loss of control, implusiveness, hallucinations, etc.Causes / Risk factors
As mentioned earlier, one of the main reasons a person starts using drugs is simple curiosity. However, in addition to curiosity, some people experiment with using in order to fit in with a specific crowd or because they have formed the misperception that narcotics can relieve anxiety or depression.
Thus, among the most common risk factors are:
- entourage,
- family history (if a close member has used narcotics),
- abuse,
- traumatic experiences and psychological disorders, including depression or anxiety.
Treatment of drug/psychotropic substance dependence
Existing treatments for treating addiction to psychotropic substances are many, but the most effective are those carried out in a multidisciplinary framework. More specifically, in order for a person to recover, they will need nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists or psychotherapists in equal measure, depending on the stage they are at and the need at the time.
The nature and chemical composition of the drugs consumed is extremely diverse and therefore, there is no universal ‘prescription’ for all people addicted to psychotropic substances. By the way, treatment is often individualised and differs according to the type of substance consumed and the main defining aspects of each person.
But on the road to recovery, they can integrate:
Medically assisted detoxification
A first step in the addict’s recovery is the detoxification period. Ideally this should be done in a specialised medical centre. However, no matter how important this stage in the whole recovery process is, it is the only way to bring about change.
Each individual who has gone through the detoxification process should be encouraged to continue the individualised treatment they have received after this period has ended. Individualised treatment can be composed of the modalities listed below.
Behavioural, family or group therapies
The therapies will address, among other things, the issue of the user’s motivation to change, while offering various incentives for abstinence. It will also build various strategies and skills needed to cope with the temptations to continue using, but also to resist the use of psychotropic substances in the healthiest way possible.
As far as group therapy is concerned, it plays a particularly important role in the recovery of drug addicts. Their overwhelming role in stopping use and then preventing relapse has been demonstrated by numerous scientific studies over the past decades.
Medicines used as substitutes
In combination with therapy and/or counselling sessions, medication used as a substitute is a particularly important element in treatment.
Depending on the drug used by the addict, the drugs can be, for example, buprenorphine or methadone – both used to treat heroin users.
Who can I turn to?
Addiction to psychotropic substances can be fatal!
It is specialist help that can really make the difference between life and death. It is therefore preferable that addicts receive this help as soon as possible.
Med Anima offers you all the support you need, whether you are the addict yourself or someone you know suffers from this addiction. We can provide you with the multidisciplinary framework for healing. All you have to do is start by contacting us.
Author: Tudor-Daniel Huțul – Psychotherapist
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