lOMoARcPSD|21919833
Abuse versus SUD 1
Integration of Spiritualty and Counseling (Liberty
University)
lOMoARcPSD|21919833
Abuse versus
SUD
It is not uncommon for the terms substance abuse and substance
use disorders [SUD] to be used interchangeably. According to Doweiko
(2015) the terms substance use, substance abuse, and addiction are often
confused. Budney et al. (2003) suggests that substance use is normal
behavior that ranges from abstinence to dependence (as cited in Doweiko,
2015). Substance abuse is noted when an individual consumes a drug not
indicated for medical use or when that individual uses more of a substance
deemed socially appropriate (Schuckit, 2006a, 2006 b, as cited in Doweiko,
2015). It is important to note that an individual who is abusing substances
is not necessarily physically dependent or addicted to the abused
substance. For an individual to be diagnosed as having a SUD, his or her
substance use patterns must fall under certain criteria.
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for recurrent patterns of chemical or alcohol use that causes
impairment over control, failed attempts to reduce or stop use, obsessing
over the substance, and craving the substance (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013, as cited in Doweiko, 2015). Furthermore, even if an
individual meets the criteria for a SUD, it does not necessarily mean he or
she has an addiction.
Addiction is often determined by whether an individual experiences
tolerance and withdrawal syndrome. However, these symptoms can be
present in an individual with a SUD who is not actually addicted. Clinton
(n.d.) describes addiction as having psychological, physical, and spiritual
components. An addicted person has a hi-jacked, diseased reward circuit in
the brain; this is not necessarily so for the substance abuser or individual
with a substance use disorder. Some of the primary components to look for
in an addicted individual are issues with control, compulsivity, focusing only
on the substance, denial, and increasing tolerance (Clinton, n.d.).
Interestingly, Doweiko (2015) makes mention that a substance use disorder
can be outgrown; this is not the case for a person suffering from addiction.
In my area the opiate epidemic is rampant and is covered often by our
local news team. The majority of what is reported is community efforts to
combat this epidemic. We have two coalitions that focus on this need.
Additionally, our local hospital has gotten involved by starting a “Let’s Talk”
campaign. The purpose of this campaign is to spread the message that by
talking about addiction, the fear and stigma will be broken. As a person in
recovery, I am involved in this campaign. The idea here is that the more
people that are in successful recovery speak up and share their story the
more the public will see that recovery is possible.
Reference
American Psychiatric Association, 2013. Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of
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Association,
Clinton, T., Dr. & Scalise, E., Dr., 2013. Addictions and Recovery
lOMoARcPSD|21919833
Counseling. Grand Rapids,
lOMoARcPSD|21919833
MI: Baker Books.
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,
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2015
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9
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CT: Cengage Learning.
