Substance abuse can sometimes result in an altered mental state that may be confused for a mental illness but is referred to as a substance-induced disorder (SID). SIDs are conditions or illnesses that are directly caused by the substance use itself. 

They differ from co-occurring disorders in that co-occurring disorders exist in conjunction with addiction, while SIDs are directly caused by substance abuse. Once you cut back or abstain from using substances, some SIDs dissipate, which isn’t the case with co-occurring disorders.

Types of Substance-Induced Disorders

  • Withdrawal
  • Intoxication
  • Substance-induced depressive disorder
  • Substance-induced psychosis
  • Substance-induced anxiety disorder
  • Substance-induced sleep disorder
  • Substance-induced obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Substance-induced sexual dysfunction
  • Substance-induced bipolar disorder
  • Substance-induced delirium
  •  Substance-induced neuro-cognitive disorders

Substances That Can Cause Substance-Induced Disorders

Alcohol abuse 

Alcohol abuse is mostly associated with substance-induced psychosis, depression, anxiety as well as sleep and bipolar disorders.

Nicotine and opioid 

Nicotine and opioid use is liked to substance-induced depression and anxiety.

Caffeine and cocaine 

Caffeine and cocaine are commonly associated with substance-induced anxiety.

Hallucinogens and meth 

Hallucinogens and meth are closely linked to substance-induced psychosis, depression, and anxiety.

Benzodiazepines, barbiturates and sedatives 

Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and sedatives are mostly associated with substance-induced sleep disorders, anxiety, and sexual disorders.

Treatment of Substance-Induced Disorders

Substance-induced disorders are treatable with the right combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Before receiving any treatment, you first have to stop taking the addictive substances. This allows your body to go into detox. To make the detox process easier and more comfortable, you can opt to go into a detox program. During detox, your body will naturally rid itself of the harmful toxins and chemicals left by the substances. Detoxing can eliminate some substance-induced disorders and get you ready for more intense treatment.

After detox, it’s recommended that you go into a drug or alcohol treatment program. These range from residential treatment to intensive outpatient treatment and outpatient treatment programs. These addiction treatment programs typically rely on counseling or psychotherapy during individual, group, or family therapy sessions to get to the root cause of addiction and address it while equipping you with the skills needed to rebuild your life. 

These treatment programs provide comprehensive and holistic treatment that not only caters to your physical needs but your emotional and mental needs as well.

Medication may also be used in conjunction with therapy. The medication that’s prescribed depends on the type of SID you have. For instance, if you have substance-induced depression, you may be given antidepressants, while those with substance-induced psychosis will be given antipsychotic medicines.

Help Is Available

Dealing with substance-induced disorders and addiction can feel confusing and overwhelming. If you or a loved one is struggling with SIDs, our addiction specialists at Robert Alexander Centre for Recovery can help you detox, stabilize and get sober and healthy. Don’t let substance abuse ruin your life. Contact us today to get started on your recovery.

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