Substance Use Disorder ( Disorder ) - 2013 Words

Only ten percent of people who struggle with substance use disorder in the United States seek a form of treatment, and only forty percent of that small percentage is successful after just one year (Bowen et al., 548). This issue spreads far beyond the borders of the United States, because approximately three and a half million drug addicts can be found in China alone (Min et al., 142). It becomes obvious that far more research is needed in the field of treatment for substance use disorders to improve these statistics. As noted, there is extreme need for more reliable treatment for people who suffer from substance use disorder. Criteria for substance use disorder will be discussed, as well as research that has been conducted on relapse†¦show more content†¦DSM-5 states these symptoms as using more than intended, difficulty reducing usage, consuming excess time, giving up important hobbies, tolerance and withdrawal. A patient can be labeled as mild (2 to 3), moderate (4 to 5) or severe (6 or more) depending on how many of the symptoms are present. Genes and environment both prove to be important when determining who will be susceptible to becoming addicted to substances and who will not (Durand, Barlow, 2016, 388-389). Using drugs is based on environmental factors but becoming dependent on drugs will occur if a person is genetically vulnerable. There is no specific gene that can be held responsible for this phenomenon, but rather a group of genes that put one at risk for substance use disorder broadly. Susceptibility to addiction to one substance in particular does not occur. Psychological factors must also be considered when discussing what causes substance abuse disorder. Positive reinforcement (making one feel good) and negative reinforcement (making one feel less bad) are two primary reasons for continuing drug use. Known treatments for substance use exist, but are only effective if the patient has the motivation to change his or her lifestyle (Duran d, Barlow, 2016). Biological treatments include agonist substitution, antagonists and aversive treatment. Psychological treatments include Twelve Step programs such as AA, NA and CA, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for