Understanding the Categories and Types of Substance Abuse Disorders with Portland OR Halfway Houses

Situated amidst the tranquil Willamette River and forested foothills, Portland, Oregon is a city that thrives on its natural beauty and quirky charm. This city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its proximity to hiking trails, waterfalls, and majestic Mount Hood. Explore the city center’s Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore. While Portland is known for its charm and strong sense of community, it also grapples with issues of addiction and substance abuse disorders.

In Portland, Oregon, the addiction crisis has intensified, especially since the onset of the pandemic. Oregon has the worst drug addiction rate in the country. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9% of both teens and adults were addicted to drugs in 2020. Approximately 12% of Oregonians aged 12 and older reported having an alcohol problem. When combining drug and alcohol addiction, nearly one in five teens and adults in Oregon reported having a problem with either substance. Although Oregon ranked second in overall addiction rates, it was closely behind Montana.

Oregon halfway houses act as essential tools for individuals on their path to recovery from substance use disorders and learning about their categories and types. Halfway houses in Portland provide a supportive living environment designed to assist those dealing with drug and alcohol challenges. By emphasizing community and connection, these halfway houses offer residents opportunities to engage with others who share similar experiences and values. The overall goal is to create a supportive atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging and encouragement throughout the recovery journey

What is the drug use rate in Portland Oregon?

Drug abuse is the misuse of any substance, legal or illegal. This can involve using a medication for a purpose other than what it’s prescribed for, taking excessive amounts of a drug, or continuing to use it despite negative consequences in your life. People start abusing drugs for various reasons. Some experiment out of curiosity or to relieve stress or boredom. Others use them to cope with mental health issues like depression or anxiety. In some cases, drug use progresses to addiction, where individuals are unable to stop using even if they want to.

According to a report on the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area (MSA) from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) drug use rates in Portland, Oregon, appear to be higher than the national average. The survey found that 20.7% of people aged 12 or older in the Portland area reported using illicit drugs in the past year, compared to a national average of 14.7%.

This trend extends to marijuana use as well. The survey showed that 15.7% of people in the Portland area use marijuana compared to 10.7% nationally. Additionally, the non-medical use of prescription pain relievers is more common in Portland (7.7%) compared to both the state average (6.6%) and the national average (4.9%).

What are the 4 categories of substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition characterized by uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. People with SUD focus intensely on using specific substances like alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, to the point where their ability to function in day-to-day life becomes impaired. Even when they are aware that substance use is causing problems, they continue to use it.

The four main categories of substance use disorder as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are:

1. Impaired Control: This category refers to the individual’s inability to control their use of the substance. This can manifest as cravings, difficulty quitting, or using more of the substance than intended.
2. Social Problems: Substance use starts to cause problems in the person’s social life. This may include neglecting responsibilities, strained relationships, or isolation.
3. Risky Use: This category describes situations where the person continues to use the substance despite the risks involved. This could be using drugs while driving, having unprotected sex, or using in dangerous situations.
4. Physical Dependence: This category refers to the physical effects of the substance on the body. This includes tolerance (needing more of the substance to get the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms (physical and psychological symptoms that occur when the person stops using the substance).

Seeking help and support is crucial for those struggling with addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, consider seeking help from a qualified drug treatment center in Portland. They can provide support and therapy to help individuals overcome addiction and achieve recovery.

What are the 6 types of substance abuse disorders?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) classifies substance use disorders into categories based on the specific substance a person misuses. Here are the 6 main categories:

1. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): This is a condition in which people have an unhealthy preoccupation with alcohol. They may drink heavily despite negative consequences, such as health problems, relationship issues, or work troubles. For people struggling with AUD, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a widely recognized support group. AA is a community-based program of recovery for people who want to stop drinking alcohol. AA meetings in Portland use a 12-step approach to recovery and provide a supportive network of people who understand what it’s like to struggle with alcohol misuse.
2. Cannabis Use Disorder: People with this disorder struggle to control their cannabis use. They may continue to use cannabis even when it causes or worsens problems in their lives.
3. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): This disorder involves the misuse of prescription pain relievers, heroin, and other opioid drugs. People with OUD often have cravings for opioids, use them in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed, and experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using them.
4. Stimulant Use Disorder: Stimulants are drugs that speed up the central nervous system. This category includes disorders related to cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin. People with stimulant use disorder may misuse these drugs to increase energy, focus, or pleasure, and may struggle to control their use despite negative consequences.
5. Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder: This category covers misuse of medications that are meant to relax the body and mind, such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin) and barbiturates. People with this disorder may misuse these medications to cope with anxiety, insomnia, or other mental health issues.
6. Hallucinogen Use Disorder: Hallucinogens are drugs that alter a person’s perception of reality. This category is less common than other substance use disorders and is typically associated with drugs like LSD, psilocybin (mushrooms), and PCP. People with hallucinogen use disorder may misuse these drugs repeatedly despite experiencing negative psychological effects, such as flashbacks or hallucinations.

Substance use disorders can have serious physical, psychological, and interpersonal consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please seek help from a healthcare professional or mental health professional.

Know the Signs of Substance Abuse Disorders and Its Categories and Types with Portland OR Halfway Houses

Substance abuse disorders can be a serious problem, and they often manifest through a combination of signs and symptoms. These signs can be categorized into behavioral, physical, and psychological. People with substance abuse disorders may use substances in larger amounts or for longer than intended. They might also make unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control their use, despite experiencing negative consequences. A significant amount of time can be spent getting, using, or recovering from the effects of substances, leading to a neglect of daily responsibilities and relationships. A significant portion of the population in Oregon, including Portland has experienced issues related to illicit drug use at 9.04% and ranking 1st in the US.

Substance use disorders pose ongoing challenges, including various categories and types. Recognizing the importance of prevention, education, and effective treatment programs is crucial. If you or someone you know is struggling, seeking professional assistance or connecting with support networks is advisable. Halfway houses in Portland offer a unique approach and serve as excellent options for individuals battling the harmful effects of drug and alcohol addiction. Residents of Oregon halfway houses benefit from personalized drug recovery plans. Maintaining hope and focusing on purpose can be powerful tools in overcoming these challenges. 

Resources:

[1] Addiction to drugs and alcohol in Oregon – Capital Chronicle

[2] Substance Use and Mental Disorders in Portland – SAMHSA

[3] What Is a Substance Use Disorder? – American Psychiatric Association