The relationship between abuse of substances and substance use disorders, commonly known as (SUDs) are clearly defined as two separate occurrences. No one who has ever tried using substances or injecting chemicals into their body wanted to end up being an addict. What was a pleasurable moment and joy over one weekend with some friends became a 30-year journey of pain, discomfort, and hopelessness. How do some individuals in our society get to that point in life of abuse, and some don’t?

 “One individual might use chemicals to express a previously forbidden impulse, while another does so to cope with emotional or physical pain. Some choose to use chemicals to explore alternative realities, while others seek a substance-induced feeling of euphoria in place of the mundane reality in which they live. For some, substance use offers a way to escape from perceived injustices at the hands of fate, satisfy their curiosity about the effects of the chemical, or as a sign of rebellion, social connection, or simply for fun, just to mention a few reasons a person might initiate substance use” (Doweiko, 2019).

Second, to discern the differences between abuse and SUD, we must know the definitions of the two words. Drug abuse is “Simply defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substances or habitual activity to alter one’s mood. People abuse drugs to forget or not feel painful feelings such as loneliness, anxiety, depression, and anger.” (Clinton & Scalise, 2013, pg. 25). However, SUD can be defined as an individual who has been clinically diagnosed by a professional using a particular substance for some time with specific criteria in place.

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Next, some of the determining factors that distinguish one from the other are that an individual may engage in drug activities but not be physically dependent on the substance. Another is that an individual may abuse and neglect the limitation of the use. In contrast, someone with SUD may neglect the limitation of the substance and continue to use it as tolerance for the drug increases more and more. A person who is diagnosed with SUD may not be able to function properly without the substance due to the physical dependence of the substance. A person at this level will physically get sick if he or she does not use. A person who is only abusing substances may not have a high tolerance and is not heavily dependent on the substance.

For example, in our local area, cocaine fatalities drive record drug deaths. Our local area has also seen an increased number of drug-related deaths in 12 months. It appears that there are concerns. These difficult times could lead to individuals struggling with abuse and substance use disorder seeking a comfort or consoling place in drink and drugs and, as a result, putting their lives at risk. As a substance abuse counselor working at a Methadone clinic, it is believed that our local area has an estimated 9,000 people who are dependent on alcohol and between 4,000 to 5,000 users of opiates and crack cocaine.

Finally, our localities and nation as a whole are suffering from fears, anxiety, worries, and concerns about how to handle the drug crisis in America. Recently, involved in a town meeting the other day, the CEO of an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) stated that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is coming down hard on Methadone clinics and opioid treatment programs to find a solution to decreasing drug use in our communities. Addictive behaviors of those struggling with substance misuse can be erased, and individuals can heal from the traumatic hurts and pain that lead to addiction.

For more information for yourself, a friend or a family member please visit https://www.samhsa.gov/

References:

Clinton, T., & Scalise, E. (2013). The quick-reference guide to addictions and recovery counseling: 40 topics, spiritual insights, and easy-to-use action steps. New York, NY: Baker Books. 

Doweiko, H. E. (2019). Concepts of chemical dependency (10th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage.