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The Definition of Polysubstance Abuse

Polysubstance abuse can have many outcomes. Learning the facts behind the condition can help individuals to formulate effective treatment plans and be knowledgable when they go to their doctors and therapists.

  1. The Facts

    • Polysubstance abuse is a type of substance abuse disorder that constitutes inappropriate use of at least three substances, where one is not favored over the others. Caffeine and nicotine are not included substances. Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and pain killers are examples of substances that might be included. This behavior must last for at least a year to meet the diagnostic criteria.

    Causes

    • Although there are theories about why various populations may become involved in polysubstance abuse, there is not much documented scientific evidence about what causes polysubstance abuse.

    Abuse vs. Dependence

    • Substance abuse and substance dependency or chemical dependency are not the same thing and this is an area that can cause confusion. For substance use disorders, the DSM, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disoders, distinguishes between abuse and dependence. Abuse is characterized by an inability to meet societal obligations and run-ins with the law. It may be helpful to think of dependence as the body being reliant on a substance or, in the case of polysubstance dependence, on three or more substances.

    Symptoms

    • There is not an exact diagnosis for polysubstance abuse in the DSM, but there is for polysubstance dependence. Some symptoms include spending a lot of time involved with drugs and developing a high tolerance for these drugs. Other symptoms of polysubstance abuse include a desire to cause physical pain to one's self and impulsive drug usage

    Treatment

    • There has not been a lot of documented research on the treatment of polysubstance abuse or dependence. As with other substance use disorders, a client can be assessed---sometimes involving psychological testing---and then referred for the appropriate level of care, which could range from outpatient to inpatient services. Sometimes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used.

    Treatment Locations

    • There are many centers that can help individuals who are suffering from polysubstance abuse. Some such centers include Promises in California, the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse at NYU Medical Center and the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior out of Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia, PA.

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