Substance abuse (medical term) refers to the habit of using a substance that causes severe distress or problems. This could be missing work or school, as well as using the substance to drive a car. It could cause legal problems with substance use, as well as continued drug abuse that can disrupt friendships and family relationships. Substance abuse, a medical brain disorder recognized by the FDA, is the abuse or possession of illegal substances. This includes heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines. This could also include the abuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, nicotine, or other legal substances. Alcohol is the most widely used legal drug for abuse.
Substance (Drug) Dependence
Substance dependence is a term that describes the abuse of drugs and alcohol, even when there are serious health consequences. You can identify signs of dependency by:
- Tolerance or increased need for the drug to have an effect
- You will spend a lot to use drugs, get them, and then you’ll need to recover.
- Retirement from recreational or social activities
- Continued drug abuse, even when you are aware of the social, emotional, and physical problems caused by the drug.
What Are The Most Popular Substances Being Abused?
Commonly abused substances include:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Prescription medication, such drugs as pain pills or stimulants, or anxiety pills
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
What Causes Drug Dependence And Abuse?
It is determined by cultural and social factors which forms of drug or alcohol are allowed or not. Public laws govern what type of drug usage is legal or illegal. It remains controversial as to what kind of substance usage is considered acceptable or normal. Multi factors can contribute to substance abuse, dependence, and personality disorders. These factors can have a significant impact on the behavior of individuals, but they cannot be determined for all cases.
What Are The Symptoms And Signs Of Drug Dependence/Abuse?
The most common signs that someone is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse are listed below. Different symptoms may be present in each person. Some symptoms can include:
- Use or consume more alcohol than is necessary or for a longer time than intended.
- Continually attempting or failing to reduce or control your use of drugs or alcohol.
- Spending a lot of your time with alcohol or drugs
- Strong desire to use or have a craving for drugs or alcohol
- To continue using drugs or alcohol that interferes with your work, school, or family duties.
- You can use drugs or alcohol even when you are having relationship problems.
- Eliminating or reducing alcohol or drug use
It is possible to continue using drugs and alcohol, even though it is adding to or causing physical or psychological problems. You could also use the same amount of drug or alcohol, but with a different effect.
What Can You Anticipate In Rehab?
You or your loved one have decided to enter a treatment center for addiction. In this case, you’ll first need to visit the program to complete an intake interview. Once that is completed, the program can design a plan tailored to your needs. The next stage is drug detox treatment. This takes anywhere from a few hours to two days. Your body will need to be rid of any toxic substances. The next step in your recovery process is Therapy. Therapy will help you adjust to new ways of thinking and behaviors. To sustain your recovery, you can turn to drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers.
As part of rehabilitation and recovery, you may experience intense feelings such as guilt, judgment, or trauma. Even though it can be difficult to connect with others, the process should not be considered an attempt to isolate. You must have positive influences and a supportive network to avoid a relapse. Recovering from addiction is easier when you have support from your family and friends.
Addiction and substance abuse can seem like an impairment to your life, just as you might not want to ride it again after being hurt. The right treatment can help you overcome your addiction to drugs and bring you back into society.