What is Polysubstance Abuse?

 

If you are struggling with multiple addictions, you may have heard the term “polysubstance abuse,” but you may not know what it means. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, you may have heard it and wondered what it meant but never heard of it.

 

 

 

If you want to know more about what polysubstance abuse is, this definition means that someone uses at least two or three substances. Essentially, it refers to the simultaneous use of more than one sense, and there are different definitions of this. But as is also known, an individual can be subject to a mind – and alter the consequences of several substances simultaneously. polysubstance abuse, defined, is when one misuses more than one sense at a time, whether alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, or any other substance. 

 

 

Moreover, unlike addicts, a person who suffers from polysubstance dependence may be more likely to suffer a fatal overdose. At the same time, overdoses are always possible in any substance abuse; the risk of overdose increases if several substances are abused. The risk of overdose was still potential with any substance abuse, but the risk may be more significant with multiple drug abuse.

 

 

If a substance use disorder is associated with a mental illness, the user may be more likely to be involved in polymer abuse. Individuals suffering from co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, and/or anxiety disorders (or with another mental illness) may also be at a higher risk of co-occurring mental health problems. People who suffer from a co- or occurring disorder have a higher risk of taking substances when combined with mental illness, making them more susceptible to polygraph abuse than those who do not. Suppose a substance use disorder occurs, either with or without a mental disorder. In that case, the likelihood that a user commits polysubstance abuse is more than twice as high as those without a mental disorder or if he has a psychiatric illness. 

 

 

Of course, a person addicted to only one drug, such as alcohol, would experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. When the cycle of abuse continues, someone who consumes several substances simultaneously develops a polymer dependence and becomes so dependent that he is in an intoxicated state, with a particular preference for each substance. If this leads to abuse of the substance poly, the user will experience addiction symptoms and the effects of the drug and its side effects. 

 

 

The abuse of polysubstance results from anxiety, depression, pain, and occasional alcohol consumption; this can happen to people who take prescription drugs, abuse substances, or become addicted over a long period. 

 

 

Understanding the risks and dangers of polysubstance misuse is of crucial importance for you and your family. Remember that polysubstance abuse does not always lead to double dependence, but the possibility is still there. If you or someone you care about has a polysubstance – an abuse disorder – do not wait for help. When you come to an Integrative Life Center to get help, you will receive all the support and treatment you need to eliminate polysubstance abuse and other problems.

 

 

With comprehensive care, people who deal with polymer abuse can leave the substances they have used in the past and help them lead healthy, sober lifestyles. Drug users, alcoholics, and polysubstance users who are willing to work towards recovery are offered detoxes.

 

 

In both inpatient and outpatient rehab, drug rehabilitation teams will treat patients struggling with substance abuse. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used for all substance use disorders, including those associated with polysubstance abuse. Still, it is often used for substance abuse disorders, including abuse of poly substances such as addiction. Many of these polysubstance disorders have been treated with cognitive behavioral therapy to treat the behaviors and feelings associated with their addiction and the disorder’s symptoms. 

 

In the case of the abuse of polysubstance, identifying the reasons for substance abuse, and then treating the problem appropriately. A tail has specified the logic that leads to polysubstance abuse and polysubstance abuse as the reason for the onset of drug use, which is then appropriately treated. A tail identifies the cause of polysubstance abuse as a polysubstance treatment, for example, as an excuse for abuse. 

 

 Sufferers are diagnosed with polydrug abuse and are dependent on feeling too high, regardless of which drug they are taking. When someone receives a diagnosis of polysubstance abuse, he is trying to achieve a high value, whether or not the substance he has used is there, and when he does, he has tried to “achieve” the elevated value. 

 

 

What Does It Mean to Abuse a Substance?

 

Drug abuse is when you take drugs that are not legal. Additionally, you drink alcohol, prescription medicine, and various other standard substances excessive or in the wrong means. Substance abuse varies from addiction. Many people with substance abuse issues can quit or can transform their undesirable behavior.

 

 

Specific temporary and lasting effects related to polysubstance abuse will undoubtedly differ according to the particular mix important; however, there are some necessary risks connected with polysubstance abuse. These consist of:

 

 

Increased seriousness of adverse effects:

All medicines come with the possibility of negative effects. When materials are abused together, the possible intensity of these adverse effects is raised significantly. It isn’t as straightforward as building up each material’s different impacts; instead, the substances incorporate to trigger addicting consequences. These results are typically unique and much more severe than the separate effects of each medicine. General adverse effects of polysubstance abuse might include nausea or vomiting, vomiting, body pain, equilibrium problems, and modifications to heart price, respiration price, and even blood pressure.

 

 

Intense illness: Medication interactions can reduce the metabolic process, enhancing blood concentrations of the materials concerned. Different diseases, as well as conditions, are extra typical in those that abuse multiple substances. 

 

 

Overdose: While overdose is always an opportunity with any chemical abuse type, its risk is heightened when numerous materials are abused. Since specific materials mask various other substances’ effects, customers may unintentionally take much higher doses than they usually would since they don’t feel the full effects of one compound. Therefore, an overdose may happen. With overdose, lasting health and wellness results are always possible, as is a fatality.

 

 

Challenging therapy: Overdose from numerous materials of abuse is harder to deal with. While opioid overdose can commonly be turned around with naloxone’s timely use of naloxone, it might not be useful if the overdose results from various other abuse compounds, such as benzodiazepines, energizers, or alcohol. On top of that, polysubstance addiction (cross-addiction) typically calls for more specific treatment to achieve full recovery.

 

 

Complications due to co-occurring mental health issues: Those who suffer from cases of co-occurring disorders, when a substance use disorder occurs alongside another mental health disorder, may be more likely to engage in polysubstance abuse. Substance abuse often worsens mental health disorder symptoms, and likewise, the mental health issue can lead to worsened substance abuse. When multiple substances are abused, all these effects are amplified.

 

 

 

What Is Polysubstance Abuse?

If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, you may have heard the term “polysubstance abuse” and wonder what it means. As the name implies, part of the definition is that the person abuses multiple substances. Anyone who wants to recover from addiction with multiple meanings should learn what this term means, how it affects the user, and what treatment options are available.

 

 

How Does Addiction Develop?

Elements such as peer stress, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, tension, and adult assistance can substantially impact an individual’s possibility of substance abuse and addiction. Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developing phases in a person’s life to affect addiction danger.

 

 

What is Polysubstance Abuse?

Polysubstance dependence refers to a kind of substance dependence problem. At the very least three various classes, private usage is significant indiscriminately and does not have a favorite drug of choice.

 

While any addictive substance can be part of polysubstance abuse, alcohol is often one. Some of the most popular combinations are cocaine, drink, and heroin. Other substances used in polysubstance abuse include the following:

 

• Opiates
• Inhalants
• Cannabis
• Amphetamines
• Hallucinogens
• Benzodiazepines

 

While most instances of polysubstance abuse involve alcohol and illegal drugs, prescription medications can also be used. The medicines can be prescribed to help with a physical or emotional problem but then become addictive.

 

Diagnosing Polysubstance Abuse

 

It can be challenging to diagnose polysubstance abuse if someone is only aware of one substance being used. To be analyzed for this condition requires meeting specific criteria. First, the person must be using a minimum of three substances. This doesn’t count nicotine or caffeine, which may also be addictive.

 

Furthermore, the person must exhibit at least three symptoms within 12 months from this list:

 

Loss of control– Repeatedly using the drugs more often or in higher frequencies than planned

Unable to stop using– the person may have failed to cut down or stop using the drugs or have no desire to stop using.

 

 

Tolerance – the person requires higher doses to feel any effect, which requires the person to use at least 50 percent more than what they used initially.

 

 

Withdrawal – the person has withdrawal symptoms when they don’t use the drugs or take the drugs to avoid the symptoms.

 

 

Interfering with activities – the person stops engaging in activities and interests or cuts down on time spent on other pursuits, including work, school, hobbies, and socialization.

 

 

Time – more time is spent either obtaining or using drugs and being under the influence

Self-harm– the person continues using drugs despite physical harm it has caused or made worse beginnings-treatment-centers-what-is-polysubstance-abuse-image-of-alcohol-and-drugs.

 

It’s important to note that it is possible to have multiple addictions, which is not the same as polysubstance addiction.

 

 

For example, a person may be addicted to cocaine, heroin, or abuse alcohol require more specific substances. This is an instance of multiple addictions rather than a polysubstance habit.

 

 

For a case to be a real polysubstance addiction, the person is addicted to the effects of substances, and the particular importance used is a secondary consideration for them. They stick with the same three or more meanings because of convenience and easy access.

 

 

Contributing Factors to Polysubstance Abuse

 

 

A common question for people who know someone abusing multiple substances is, “What caused it?” Several factors can lead to this type of abuse and addiction. The history of polysubstance abuse often begins genetically with someone who has a parent or other family member diagnosed with some form of addiction.

 

 

In addition to genetics, social factors play a crucial role. Young adults and even underage people may be given multiple substances to try. They enjoy the “high” created and focus on that feeling of pleasure over what sense is being used.

 

 

People also often use multiple substances to enhance a single drug’s effects to create a more intense or long-lasting high.

 

 

The third cause of polysubstance abuse disorders is mental health issues. Many people who abuse substances, in general, are dealing with some mental health disorders. Those with depression or high anxiety use these substances to help them feel calmer or more positive. They enjoy the feeling of being “normal,” so they continue to seek out any drug that will help them achieve the state. These people often don’t realize at first the consequences of self-medicating.

 

 

Detox for Polysubstance Abuse and Addiction

 

 

The first step in treatment is the same as with any substance addiction. The person must go through detoxification to remove the substance from their system. The exact process depends on which substances are being used and the withdrawal symptoms that accompany them.

 

 

Often, the person will have to go through blood testing, urine tests, and other methods to determine which substances are present. The person may not want to tell this information for fear of getting in trouble.

 

 

Because of the complexities of abusing multiple substances, the person often requires inpatient care for detoxing in this situation. They may be prescribed medications to help with withdrawal symptoms or to allow the person to detox more slowly.

 

 

Treatment for Polysubstance Abuse and Addiction

 

 

Once the initial detox is complete, the person will begin treatment. This phase can last from a few days or weeks to months, depending on other factors, such as the presence of a mental illness. The person may continue with residential inpatient addiction treatment or attend an outpatient addiction rehab program. The choice often depends on the support system they have in place and other responsibilities.

 

 

Treatment comes in four phases, which are outlined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. They include initiation of therapy, early abstinence, continued abstinence, and ongoing recovery.

 

 

During the first phase, the focus is on managing symptoms of withdrawal. This includes physical and psychological symptoms that the person may experience. In the second phase, the person will learn how to deal with triggers and avoid relapse. During the third stage, the patient is most likely to move out of rehab and into an outpatient treatment program or a sober living home. An aftercare addiction treatment program is often beneficial, as well. The final stage is officially reached after five years of being clean.

 

 

Treatment often consists of cognitive-behavioral therapy and possibly medication to treat mental illness. Individual and group therapy may also be necessary to help the person overcome the issues that led to addiction. One of the treatment goals is to help the person learn how to function without getting high. A doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications or other drugs to help stabilize moods and positively prevent anxiety or depression. The person will need to be monitored continually to ensure they are only following the prescribed treatment and not self-medicating.

 

Overcoming addiction to more than one substance or the feeling of intoxication is more complicated than just battling one drug. However, it is possible to be drug-free and live in everyday life. The person may relapse– even multiple times. The key is not to give up but to keep trying. Addiction is a lifelong challenge that must be dealt with. A person must believe they are strong enough to become sober and stay that way.

 

 

People with robust support systems have a better chance of success. The family needs to understand the effects of polysubstance abuse and addiction, so they know to look for the signs and understand its causes and how it can be treated.

 

 

If you are using multiple substances to feel the effects or suspect someone is taking drugs to experience the high that comes from them, the problem may be polysubstance abuse. It’s essential to seek help to begin recovery.

 

 

The Recover has many treatment centers listing in their drug rehab directory that  provide modern and effective programs for the treatment of substance abuse addiction and alcoholism. The addiction treatment centers are located throughout the country, and many are the strongest and most active recovery communities in the United States. If you or a loved one is currently experiencing addiction or are concerned and unsure, please contact our addiction helpline for assistance.