Substance use, such as drug use, typically begins during adolescence or the early years of adulthood; in fact, 90% of people struggling with addiction had their first contact with the substance before age 18, notes Dr. Nelly Capetillo Ventura, psychiatry specialist at ABC Medical Center.
Mexico’s Ministry of Health reports that in 2022, a total of 167,905 people sought treatment for psychoactive substance use through the National Addiction Treatment Network.
Addiction is a process that begins with substance use, progresses to abuse, and eventually develops into addiction. It often starts experimentally or as a way to escape a difficult situation.
An important concept when discussing substance use is dual diagnosis, meaning the presence of a substance use disorder alongside a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, to name a few examples.
Dual diagnosis occurs in about 70% of people struggling with addiction, which is why it’s important to receive a proper evaluation from a specialist in the field.
If you know a family member or friend who’s struggling with substance use, it’s important to educate yourself properly before taking action.
Learning about the topic and dispelling common myths are two important steps toward making better decisions, Dr. Capetillo notes.
Another helpful step is spending time with the person and getting involved in their activities, as well as offering to include them in activities unrelated to substance use.
Something important to keep in mind when trying to help someone struggling with substance use is that relapses can happen, this is a process that won’t be resolved overnight, and it’s important to identify what led to a relapse in order to learn from it and do better moving forward.
Finally, and just as importantly, right from the start, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional, in this case, a psychiatrist. This is the first step toward receiving proper guidance and treatment.
At ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
