Reducing the Stigma Around Addiction and Substance Misuse

by Jodi Gilman | Feb 14, 2022 | Health & Wellness, Support Navigator

Do you or someone you love struggle with substance misuse? It’s okay to admit you need help. Addiction is one of the pressing health concerns in Hancock County, and our Healthy365 Support Navigators are here to offer a confidential listening ear and support without judgment.

What is substance misuse?

The American Psychiatric Association defines substance use disorder (SUD) as “a complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences.” People with an SUD have such an intense focus on using a certain substance or substances that their day-to-day function is inhibited. When someone’s SUD becomes extremely severe, it is sometimes called an addiction.

Individuals with an SUD will likely develop distorted thinking and behaviors, and the actual structure and function of the brain are changed to cause intense cravings, changes in personality, altered decision making and more. And yet, in a 2018 study from the The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, just 53% of Americans surveyed see addiction as a medical problem.

How common is addiction?

According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health 40.3 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 28.3 million who had alcohol use disorder, 18.4 million who had an illicit drug use disorder, and 6.5 million people suffering from both. In the same AP-NORC survey from 2018, fewer than 1 in 5 Americans are willing to closely associate with someone suffering with drug addiction.

Learning more about substance misuse

In order to help someone you know struggling with substance misuse, one of the most effective things you can do is educate yourself. Be aware of the unconscious and conscious stigma that goes along with substance misuse.

If you are in the field of healthcare, it is especially important to leave your biases at the door and treat each patient fairly. Some providers see SUD as the fault of the person suffering, and some offices will even eject patients showing signs of intoxication or withdrawal for fear of their behavior or desire for prescription medication. If you do not work in healthcare, you can still advocate for fair treatment for those with SUD in healthcare settings and by educating yourself about the signs of addiction.

Knowing the signs of addition to show compassion

Identifying the signs of addiction in a loved one can allow you to show them compassion, talk about ways to alleviate their suffering and find solutions by partnering in the healing process. The most common signs of addiction include:

Loss of control; engaging in behavior more or for longer than intended
Neglecting family, friends, and other interests
Decreased attendance or performance at work or school
Risk-taking
Relationship and anger issues
Secrecy, including unexplained injuries or accidents
Changing appearance: especially a serious decrease in cleanliness or hygiene
Family history of addiction
Tolerance; getting less of a reaction from the same amount of a substance or behavior
Withdrawal; physical symptoms experienced when substances wear off
Continued use despite negative consequences

Additional signs of alcohol misuse can include blackouts or temporary memory loss, irritability, depression, or mood swings, unpleasant symptoms when one stops drinking: headache, anxiety, insomnia, or nausea, and drinking alone or in secret.

Ways to get help for substance misuse

If you notice the signs of addiction or alcohol misuse in yourself or others, organizations like Healthy365 can offer support and connections to treatment options. Most treatment approaches for substance misuse include three main phases: detoxification, counseling and aftercare support. The best treatment for you or your family member will vary depending on the specifics of the addiction and life situation.

A few of the program types available locally include residential, outpatient, dual-diagnosis centers for patients with mental health problems as well as addiction, as well as specific centers for teens or women. And for those family members being impacted by a loved one’s addiction, our CRAFT Support Group at Healthy365 can offer compassionate education and motivation.

If you need support for substance misuse in yourself or someone you know, contact a Healthy365 Support Navigator today at (317) 468- 4231 or visit the Connection Center at 120 W. McKenzie Rd., Suite G in Greenfield.

Treatment Options for Substance Misuse

by Jodi Gilman | Jun 8, 2021 | Health & Wellness, Resources, Support Navigator

Are you or a loved one currently struggling with substance misuse or addiction? Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. At Healthy365, we help connect Hancock County residents with local resources for the treatment of misuse of alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, as well as support for mental health and physical wellness. Let us help you learn more about the options that are available to you and your loved ones in need.

Identifying a Substance Problem

The first step in getting help is recognizing whether you or someone you know has a problem with addiction. A family history of addiction can be passed down from generation to generation, so it’s important to do what you can to help break the chain. You may start to notice a loss of control, or engaging in behavior for longer than intended. Addiction can also cause neglect of family, friends and hobbies, as well as decreased attendance at work or school.

Those suffering from addiction may start to take more risks to engage in and/or hide their behavior. You may notice a change in appearance, especially a decrease in personal hygiene or cleanliness of surroundings. Addiction is truly noticeable when there is continued use despite negative consequences, and as substance tolerance grows higher and withdrawal symptoms occur as substances wear off. Alcohol abuse has additional signs, including blackouts, mood swings, and other physical symptoms.

Options for Substance Misuse Treatment

The three most important phases for treating substance misuse are detoxification, counseling and aftercare support. Depending on the individual and their situation, some approaches may be more successful than others. At Healthy365, we can connect those in need to programs such as:

Residential treatment centers offer a break from the stress and temptations of daily life
Outpatient treatment centers provide support while remaining in a home environment
Dual-diagnosis centers for patients with mental health problems as well as addiction
Teen treatment centers can address the specific needs of younger patients
Women’s drug misuse treatment centers focus on the complications that may accompany substance abuse in women, such as domestic violence or a history of abuse

Our substance misuse resource directory includes a full list of options in Central Indiana, including groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery, nearby detox and rehabilitation centers, and counseling/therapy services for individuals and families.

Mental Health and Substance Misuse

In an effort to shed more light on mental illness and substance misuse — and bring an end to the darkness and suffering, the Hancock Health Foundation is seeking to raise $3.5 million to fund critical support and resources for our community. According to research and surveys, addiction and mental health are among the top health concerns for Hancock County residents, and Indiana ranks fifth among the 50 states with the worst drug problems.

With this fundraising, the Hancock Health Foundation plans to hire two new mental health navigators, 10 new licensed social workers, and implement school-based prevention and early intervention programs along with medication-assisted opioid treatment services. If you’d like to support these efforts financially or by spreading awareness, you can contact the Hancock Health Foundation.

When you need support in your recovery from substance misuse or addiction, Healthy365 wants to be there for you. Contact us today to get the help you deserve for yourself or a loved one.