A person with an impulse control disorder doesn’t feel in control of what would be considered normal behavior. This may to lead a substance abuse disorder.
Effects of Substance Abuse on Impulse Control Disorder Symptoms
Most people associatesubstance usewith impulsive behavior, so it may not be surprising to learn that substance use can exacerbate the symptoms ofimpulse control disorders. A person’s ability to control their impulses and choose not to engage in the behavior may diminish while using substances. Depending on the drug used, other symptoms can intensify such as aggression.
Impulse Control Disorder and Alcohol
Liquid courage is often the name given toalcoholdue to theinhibition-lowering effects. People under the influence of alcohol are significantly more likely to act impulsively without thinking through their actions.
Marijuana Abuse and Impulse Control Disorder
Marijuana usemay lower inhibitions and impair decision making. Further, unlike some other substances, the impaired decision makingmay last beyond the time of intoxication. Chronic marijuana use can lead to changes in the brain’s decision-making system. People who frequently use marijuana may face a high risk of developing an impulse control disorder.
Impulse Control Disorder and Stimulants
Theuse of stimulantsmay increase the acting on an impulse control disorder urge. Stimulants oftenincrease feelings of tension and anxiety. Stimulants may increase the urge to engage in specific behaviors, and urges can range from mild to irresistible. People with impulse control disorders may experience frequent acting on impulsive urges if they frequently use stimulants.
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Statistics on Impulse Control Disorder and Drug Abuse
Impulse control disorders are rare among the general population. For some impulse control disorders, such aspyromania, substance use cannot be present during the impulsive behavior to receive this diagnosis. However, if substance use while indulging in the impulsive behavior did not automatically rule out a diagnosis of impulse control disorder, the prevalence of diagnosed impulse control disorders would likely increase.
Drug Abuse as a Cause of Impulse Control Disorder
The brain does not fully develop until a person is in their mid-20s. When a personfrequently uses drugs or alcohol before this point, the substances can cause damage and stunted growth of regions in the brain that controls their impulses.
The increased difficulty with mood regulation, decision-making abilities and faulty pleasure receptors are a few of the changes in the brain that may result from early substance use and may increase whenfirst used at a young age, the frequency of use or amount used. For these reasons, substance use early in life may not only be a contributing factor in developing a substance use disorder but also may be related to the development of an impulse control disorder.
Drug Abuse as a Hinderance to Impulse Control Disorder Treatment
Rates of consistenttreatment for substance use disordersare lower than those of other disorders. The nature of substance use disorders makes a person less likely to follow through with decisions, have poor planning skills and engage in self-destructive behaviors. For people with aco-occurring mental health conditionlike impulse control disorder, these traits may be even more pronounced. Impulsive behavior is a hallmark feature of both conditions, which may lead to missing appointments, noncompliance withmedication managementand other forms of treatment disengagement.
If you or a loved one struggles with drug addiction and a co-occurring issue like impulse control disorder, The Recovery Village can help. Ourtreatment centers are located across the countryand can provide you with the kind of care you need to leave addiction behind. To learn more aboutco-occurring disorder treatmentthrough The Recovery Village, call877-427-7401today. The telephone call is toll-free and completely confidential, and you don’t have to commit to a program to learn more about rehab. A healthier life may be closer than you think. Reach out today to get started with comprehensive addiction treatment.
