Many people who are in need of substance abuse treatment are abusing multiple substances at once. Mixing harmful substances can present life-threatening issues. For example, some can have fatal effects when you combine them with other drugs or alcohol. The following facts will talk more about the pressing issue of polysubstance abuse.
What is Polysubstance Abuse?
To understand polysubstance drug use, we must first have an accurate substance abuse definition. Substance abuse involves the misuse of a wide variety of addictive substances. This misuse results in all sorts of difficulties in the affected individual’s personal and professional life. Polysubstance abuse is the abuse of more than one addictive substance at a time. This could involve any combination of illegal drugs, prescription medications, or alcohol.
Signs of Polysubstance Abuse
Several distinct signs can accompany polysubstance drug use. The clues in the following list might let you know there’s a problem:
- Severe sleep problems– People abusing more than one substance at once could display problems with their sleeping patterns. These could include severe insomnia, sleeping too much, or showing unusual levels of fatigue and exhaustion.
- Excessive nausea and vomiting– Nausea and vomiting that aren’t the result of a stomach virus or other discernible cause can be a huge red flag. Many different types of addictive substances can create stress on the digestive tract that leads to these troubling symptoms.
- Loss of appetite and weight– Lots of illegal and prescription drugs can also affect the appetite or slow down the digestive process. As a result, an individual may experience a sudden drop in weight.
- Shaking of the extremities– Muscle weakness and tremors can also result from polysubstance drug use. Some drugs have an immediate effect on the proper coordination and strength of various muscle groups in the body.
- Poor health and hygiene– As a person gets deeper into addiction, they often lose the ability to maintain proper cleanliness. They may be too tired or sickly to even worry about showering, brushing their teeth, or taking care of other simple tasks. The person will also likely experience a severe decline in their overall health.
- Inability to maintain responsibilities– If a person is suffering from the abuse of more than one substance, they will likely be unable to perform to their usual expectations. For example, they may consistently show up late for work. Chores and duties within the home are also often neglected.
How is Polysubstance Abuse Treated?
Substance abuse programs typically include many different treatment elements. The types of treatment options that help you may not be the best choice for someone else. Major rehab treatment centers will help design a program that is specific to your needs and future goals. As a result of this, your rehab program could include various forms of counseling, behavior modification, and medication-assisted therapies.
Finding Your Way to a Treatment Facility
Locating a rehab facility with experience in treating polysubstance abuse is essential to your recovery. It might help to sit down with your immediate family and talk about the issues that are affecting your household the most. As you meet with possible treatment clinics, you can be sure that these critical matters remain at the top of your priority list.
About Zelus Recovery
Zelus Recovery is a rehab center in Meridian, Idaho. The skilled treatment team at Zelus provides access to early intervention, family-centered, and outpatient rehab options. All treatment modalities are in a peaceful and respectful setting that allows each person to concentrate on getting better.
Stop your polysubstance abuse and regain control over your life. With our compassionate and innovative tools, you can triumph over addiction. Call Zelus Recovery at 208.518.0797 to learn more about getting the help you deserve.
