Substance Addiction and the Road to Recovery

Written by Michelle Nguyen

Edited by Kelly Hoang

The word addiction is often misused in casual settings and conversations. However, what many do not understand is that addiction is a serious disease that many have to spend their lifetime overcoming.

Graphic made by Ashley de la Cruz, from Arts for Relief

What is an addiction?

Addiction is defined as “a mental disorder characterized by compulsive consumption or behaviors despite negative consequences.” It is also the condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity. There are two types of addiction: physical addiction and psychological addiction. Physical addiction occurs when one’s body becomes dependent on a substance to the point where they have become tolerant of it. On the other hand, psychological addiction is when one becomes emotionally tied to the substance, which leads to a drive of immense desire. Both types of addiction can be traced back to substance abuse, which is the overindulgence of addictive substances, including drugs, alcohol, and even cigarettes. Substance abuse can eventually result in substance addiction, causing the individual to lose control over their consumption.

Substance abuse can become inimical in one’s everyday life.

The Gateway Foundation states, “Today, more than 7 million people suffer from an illicit drug disorder, and one in four deaths results from illicit drug use.” Those who suffer from substance abuse also struggle with their physical health and mental well-being.

In cases of physical addiction, the absence of using a substance can cause one to go into withdrawal, which are the physical and mental symptoms that occur after usage is reduced or halted. Some of the many symptoms individuals have to endure include muscle pain, restlessness, slowness in activity, insomnia, and depression. In addition to this, when one is suffering from a psychological addiction, the usage of the drugs is no longer out of pure choice, but rather out of the feeling of necessity. As a result, one’s lack of volition can cause them to feel isolated and distressed.

With the physical side effects and mental tolls combined, overcoming addiction can be a daunting obstacle for victims of substance abuse.

A good starting point to recovery is by acknowledging the symptoms and behaviors associated with substance addiction. As presented by the Mayo Clinic, common signs of substance addiction are excessive weight gain/loss, issues at school/work, exaggerated efforts to seclude oneself from others, feeling empty without the use of a substance, and the increase of use over time.

Whether you are suffering from physical illness and/or mental illness as a result of addiction, there are other individuals and communities out there that care.

As shared by Addictions and Recovery, many victims of substance abuse tend to attempt to recover solely by themselves. This method of recovery is both emotionally straining and ineffective, due to it being considered the most difficult method of recovery, as “It is what you have already tried - unsuccessfully.” Remember that addiction is equivalent to isolation; therefore, it is vital to avoid trying to fight it by yourself.

If you or someone you know suffers from substance addiction, seeking drug addiction support and rehab is substantial in the recovery process. There is a variety of resources and support systems that want to aid individuals in overcoming addiction. Support can be found in many forms, ranging from professional care—psychiatrists, doctors, specialists, psychologists, social workers, etc.—to a variety of support groups, organizations, and rehab centers.

September is National Recovery Month, which is dedicated to educating Americans on substance use treatment.

Mental health resources have the power to help individuals who have substance/mental disorders to live healthy and purposeful lives. National Recovery Month aims to celebrate the physical and mental health accomplishments of those living with substance addiction, also hoping to normalize the need for behavioral health improvements and treatment all the while getting rid of the stigmatism.

For the year 2020, the National Recovery Month’s theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.” This year’s theme focuses on recognizing the strength and resilience of those who have suffered and/or are suffering from substance abuse and the major steps they have taken to overcome this obstacle. Additionally, the theme’s purpose is also to support those who are struggling with substance disorders to seek treatment.

Why is this year’s theme so significant?

In order to normalize the need for therapeutic assistance and rehab treatment, individuals must be educated on the importance of these resources. Furthermore, this theme strives to empathize and accept feelings of regret and failure that many recovering individuals experience.

The 2020 National Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections,” is a reminder to humans living with substance disorders to value the steps they have taken forward, rather than reflecting on the past. This serves as a huge motivating factor, as it teaches individuals that overcoming substance addiction is not a simple process, but rather a physical and emotional rollercoaster. Nobody should be forced to face substance addiction alone.