Chemical dependency is defined as a disease characterized by the abuse of psychoactive substances, that is, substances capable of causing changes in the person's mental state, such as cocaine, crack, alcohol and some medications. These substances initially provide a sensation of pleasure and well-being, but they cause great damage to the body, mainly to the central nervous system, leaving the person completely dependent on increasing doses to supposedly achieve the well-being that he initially achieved with small doses..
Chemical dependency is a situation that causes harm to the user of the substances, but also to the people with whom he lives, since many times the person stops going to the social circle to use the chemical, which ends up making people more fragile relationships.
It is important that the indicative signs of chemical dependence are identified so that treatment can be started. Although the addict is often not strong enough to seek help, it is important that the people with whom he lives try to help, often requiring hospitalization in specialized treatment units for clinical dependents so that appropriate treatment can be started.
How to identify signs of chemical dependency
Chemical dependency can be identified through some signs and symptoms that the person may have, such as:
- Too much desire to consume the substance, almost compulsively; Difficulty in controlling the desire; Withdrawal symptoms when the circulating amount of the substance is very low; Tolerance to the substance, that is, when the amount used habitually no longer has any effect, what causes the person to increase the amount consumed so that they experience the desired effects; Decrease or abandon participation in events they used to attend to be able to use the substance; Consumption of the substance even though they are aware of its health consequences; Willingness to stop or decrease the use of the substance, but fail.
Dependence is considered when the person has at least 3 of the signs of dependency in the last 12 months, and this case is classified as mild. When the person shows 4 to 5 signs, it is defined as moderate dependency, while more than 5 symptoms classify the dependency as severe.
Treatment for chemical dependence
Treatment for addiction to illicit drugs can be done with or without the authorization of the addict through the use of medications and monitoring of health professionals such as doctor, nurse and psychologist, family and friends. In some cases, especially in those with mild dependence, group therapy can be useful, as in this environment people who suffer from the same disease come together to expose weaknesses while supporting each other.
In cases of severe addiction, it is usually indicated that the person is admitted to a clinic specializing in the treatment of drug addicts, as it is thus possible that the person is closely monitored as the amount of substances decreases in the blood.
In the case of chemical dependence caused by the use of medications such as analgesics or sleeping pills, (chemical dependence on legal drugs) the treatment consists of reducing the dose of the medicine systematically guided by the doctor, because when you stop taking the medicine suddenly, there may be a rebound effect and the person is unable to quit the addiction.
