What Is Polysubstance Abuse?

You’re drinking alcohol to wind down after a long day at work. Typically, you drink to excess. To get you going in the morning, you reach for Prescription Amphetamine, cocaine, or another stimulant. What is polysubstance abuse, and does it apply to you?

Abusing Three Drugs or More Fits the Definition

What is polysubstance abuse in the scientific literature? Experts identify the condition as involving at least three distinct substances. These drugs usually have different functions. For example, there may be a mix of sedatives and stimulants.

Moreover, the abuse must be ongoing for about a year. It’s possible for abuse to cross over into addiction. Maybe you’ve tried to stop using one or more of the substances. However, each time you do, there are withdrawal symptoms.

What is Polysubstance Abuse with a Dual Diagnosis?

Sometimes, people develop a polysubstance abuse problem because of an underlying mental health disorder. For example, you may deal with an undiagnosed case of anxiety. Because you don’t receive care for the psychiatric condition, you try to manage it yourself. You might abuse alcohol to feel more comfortable in social settings.

During the day, when you can’t use alcohol, you might take sedatives instead. They help you to remain calm. When it comes time to perform at work, stimulants help you with the crunch time. At night, you’re back to using alcohol.

When you seek help for the drug abuse, you’ll undergo a dual diagnosis assessment. At that time, experts in addiction treatment will recognize your anxiety problem. Doing so finally lets you get the help you really need. Concurrently, you get help for the drug problem.

Treating a Polysubstance Problem

Quitting the drug use isn’t something you should try to do on your own. When there are multiple substances in play, withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to deal with. At a detox center, you receive the care you need to overcome addiction to various drugs. Examples of treatments include:

• IV therapy, which allows for the administration of pain relievers and pharmacological support
• Psychotherapy to address a possible dual diagnosis aspect of your condition
• Behavioral therapy that enables you to recognize stressors and triggers
• Group therapy, which assists with goal-setting for subsequent treatment to attain lasting sobriety
• Family therapy as a means of bringing in loved ones for re-establishing communication

After detox, you move on to rehab. Whereas detox is relatively short, rehab takes a little longer. It addresses the reasons for your substance abuse problem. When you’re struggling with polysubstance addiction, it needs to dig deeper.

At the facility, you take the time you need to heal. A residential stay is the best approach in your situation. It allows for immersion in a therapeutic environment while providing you with around-the-clock care. Afterward, you benefit from post-discharge care that helps you stay on track.

What is polysubstance abuse? Once you understand your addiction, it’s time to take the first step. At The Hills Treatment Center, caring therapists want to help you do just that. Call 844-915-0287 today to schedule an intake appointment.