Many drugs promote addiction due to how they interact with the brain. Therefore, addictions to multiple drugs are not as unusual as many people think. Polysubstance abuse doesn’t have to only include taking multiple drugs. It can also refer to addiction or abuse of drugs and alcohol. Luckily, treatment options are available at TruHealing Centers to meet the specific needs of someone who misuses multiple substances.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse refers to using more than one type of drug or drugs and alcohol. The downside to polysubstance abuse is its complexity. Some substances may interact with each other, worsening side effects. Also, other substance combinations may have countering effects, which can produce unexpected symptoms. If you or someone you care about uses multiple substances, detox from drugs or alcohol will probably be part of an addiction recovery program.
What Are Signs of Polysubstance Abuse?
Signs of polysubstance abuse may vary in their physical effects due to the type of drugs used. However, behavioral changes common to many other drug addictions may appear. Signs of addiction, which could indicate polysubstance use, may include:
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Bloodshot eyes or pupils that don’t change in size (constricted or dilated)
- Changes in friendships or social connections
- Increased need for money
- Significant mood or personality changes
The types of drugs may also play a role in the symptoms that a person shows. For example, someone who abuses benzodiazepines and alcohol may have a doubly depressive effect from both, causing difficulty in rousing the person, stupor, muscle coordination issues, and coma.
Because polysubstance use increases the chances of severe consequences, such as coma and death, always call 911 for cases when an individual is non-responsive. The hospital needs to know about the individual’s substance use to provide life-saving care. Therefore, you should never hide drug use, even illegal drug use, from any medical provider. Doctors and nurses cannot prosecute. But they need to know what to do to counter the possible effects of drugs in the individual’s body.
Polysubstance Addiction Treatment
When someone has a polysubstance addiction, getting treatment is vital to staying alive. Most treatment programs for polysubstance abuse start with detox. This phase will help to reset the body, making it easier to go through behavioral therapy and other treatments during the rest of recovery.
The time required for detox from multiple substances depends on how long the client had an addiction, what they used, and how much of the drugs or alcohol they used. Some drugs, such as opioids, require medical supervision during detox to avoid serious complications.
Once detox ends, the real work of behavioral changes and mental health evaluations can begin. Treatment programs at TruHealing Centers have multiple forms of therapy available to allow for customization of a treatment plan for each client. Some possible therapies the client may have include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program
- Family therapy program for help with family dynamics and addiction
- Trauma therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program
- Holistic therapy program for a whole-person approach
Recovery from drug or alcohol use does not happen overnight. However, the effort to go through a rehab program will produce rewards of a healthier, more stable life without substance use.
Reach Out to TruHealing Centers for Polysubstance Abuse Treatment Options
Polysubstance abuse comes with many complicating factors. Therefore, getting professional treatment for recovery is vital to successfully quit substance use for life. At TruHealing Centers, we offer treatment options that include detox and multiple levels of care. Learn more about how we can help someone with polysubstance addiction by sending us a message via our website or phoning us at [Direct]. We want to help all our clients reach a full recovery and go on to lead long, healthy lives.