A Drug Rehab in Kansas Explains Polysubstance Abuse, Part 2 — In part one of this series, we explained the differences between substance abuse and polysubstance abuse. As a leader for drug addiction help in Kansas, our team at Gold Bridge Treatment Center will provide more information in part two of this series on the seriousness of polysubstance abuse and why it requires treatment as soon as possible. We hope you find this information helpful if you or a loved one are struggling with this type of addiction.
We will also cover the types of drugs usually associated with polysubstance abuse and how people usually get to the diagnosis with drug addiction help in Kansas.
What Types of Drugs are Used?
People who have wound up in drug rehab in Kansas that are suffering from polysubstance abuse are typically defined as individuals that use three or more substances to get a high, although the definition only requires two. Any addictive substance can be part of the abuse alcohol is almost always involved. A few other likely drugs to be included are:
- Opiates
- Inhalants
- Marijuana
- Amphetamines
- Hallucinogens
- Benzodiazepines
Although most polysubstance abusers use illegal drugs as mix-ins, sometimes prescription medications will be used as well.
Diagnosing Polysubstance Abuse at a Drug Rehab in Kansas
Diagnosing polysubstance abuse may be difficult because sometimes the individual is only aware they are doing one drug. The individual must be doing at least three different substances simultaneously and nicotine and caffeine do not count. The individual must also exhibit a minimum of three symptoms within 12 months according to WebMD:
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They are losing control: Residually using drugs more often than planned.
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Inability to stop using: The individual refuses to cut down or discontinue using the drugs with no desire ever to quit.
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Higher tolerance: The individual needs higher doses to feel any effects of the drug, which may require them to use up to 50% more than what they initially used.
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Experiencing withdrawal: The individual having withdrawal symptoms when not being high or even taking the drugs to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
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Disengaging with activities: The individual will stop engaging in interests and activities and cutting down the amount of time they used to spend on other pursuits; this could include school, work, hobbies, and socializing.
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Time spent using: The individual finds themselves spending more time buying and using drugs and spending more time being high.
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Self-harm: The individual will continue to use even after being aware of the physical harm that it is caused to them.
People with polysubstance abuse are addicted to the mood or feeling they get, not the alcohol itself or the drug. Since this is such a complex addiction, we will cover a few more aspects in our three-part series on polysubstance abuse. If you or someone you know is suffering from this addiction, please call Gold Bridge Treatment Centers in Kansas. We want to help you succeed.
