Best Therapists for Substance Abuse Treatment
Substance abuse refers tot he harmful or excessive use of drugs, including alco…read more
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Needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect.
home responsibilities due to substance use.
Inability to cut down or stop using the substance
A strong urge or desire to use the substance regularly.
Physical or mental symptoms when not using the substance, such as anxiety, irritability, nausea, or tremors.
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Lana Steiner
Layers
You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.
Lana Steiner
Layers
You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.
Lana Steiner
Layers
You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.
Lana Steiner
Layers
You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse refers tot he harmful or excessive use of drugs, including alcohol, that leads to significant problems for the individual and society. Ths includes bith physical dependence, where withdrawal symptoms occur if the drug is stopped, and psychological dependence, where there’s a strong need to continue using the drug despite negative consequences. Alcohol, while a drug that can cause both types of dependence, is often discussed separately due to its widespread impact.
Types of Substance Abuse
Alcohol Abuse
- Effects: Can lead to injuries, liver damage, and alcohol use disorder.
- Heavy Drinking:
- Men: More than 4 drinks/day or 14/week.
- Women: More than 3 drinks/day or 7/week.
- Standard Drink:
- 12 oz of beer
- 8-9 oz of malt liquor
- 5 oz of wine
- 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (vodka, whiskey)
Prescription and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicine Abuse
- Abuse: Taking medication prescribed for others, taking extra doses, or using drugs for non-medical reasons.
- Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs:
- Opioid pain relievers
- Stimulants (for ADHD)
- Anxiety and sleep medications
- Commonly Abused OTC Drugs:
- Cough and cold medicines containing dextromethorphan
Heroin Abuse
Effects: Provides a rush of good feelings followed by slow movement and thinking, chills, nausea, and nervousness. Leads to strong cravings.
Cocaine Abuse
Effects: Speeds up the body, causing rapid talking, movement, and thinking. Can cause mood swings, paranoia, and irrational behavior. Long-term use leads to strong cravings.
Marijuana Abuse
- Legal Status: Varies by state; some allow medical and/or recreational use.
- Effects: Can cause laughter, sleepiness, forgetfulness, and impaired driving. Heavy use can lead to decreased motivation and cognitive function.
Tobacco and Cigarette Abuse:
- Chemical: Nicotine, found in tobacco products like cigarettes, provides a quick rush of pleasure and energy but can lead to addiction similar to other drugs.
- Effects: Smoking cigarettes can cause long-term health issues, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Nicotine addiction can lead to frequent cravings and difficulty quitting.
Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
- Using more or for longer than intended.
- Repeatedly trying and failing to cut down.
- Spending excessive time on substance use or recovery.
- Experiencing strong cravings.
- Substance use interfering with responsibilities.
- Continuing use despite relationship issues.
- Reducing important activities due to use.
- Engaging in risky behaviors like unsafe sex or DUI.
- Continuing use despite physical or psychological harm.
- Needing more to achieve the same effect (tolerance).
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms or using to avoid them.
- Weight loss, constant fatigue, red eyes, poor hygiene.
- Abnormal lab results, heart rate, or blood pressure.
- Depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbances.
Causes of Substance Abuse and Substance Use Disorder
Genetics
An individual’s genetic makeup can increase vulnerability to substance abuse. Certain genes may make some people more prone to addiction than others.
Environment
Factors such as peer pressure, family dynamics, socioeconomic status, and exposure to drugs can contribute to substance abuse. Growing up in homes where drug use is normalized can increase the likelihood of developing substance use disorders.
Mental Health Disorders
Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead to substance abuse, as individuals may use drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Early Use
Individuals who start using drugs at an early age are more likely to develop substance use disorders later in life.
Lack of Family Involvement
A lack of strong familial bonds or support can lead to substance abuse. Individuals with strong family ties are less likely to turn to drugs or alcohol.
Cultural and Societal Factors
These factors determine what forms of drug or alcohol use are considered acceptable or allowable. Public laws influence what type of substance use is legal or illegal.
Tips
- Build a Support Network, Surround yourself with supportive family members and friends who encourage healthy behaviors and provide emotional support. Their involvement can be crucial in your recovery journey.
- Join Support Groups, Engage with support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for community support and shared experiences. These groups offer a sense of belonging and accountability.
- Self-Care, Prioritize activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. Taking care of your body and mind can help reduce the desire to use substances.
- Develop Coping Strategies, Learn healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and emotional triggers, such as mindfulness, meditation, or hobbies. Effective coping strategies can help manage cravings and prevent relapse.
- Set Realistic Goals, Establish achievable short-term and long-term goals for recovery and personal growth. Setting and meeting these goals can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
- Avoid Triggers, Identify and avoid situations, environments, or people that may trigger the urge to use substances. Creating a safe and supportive environment can help maintain your progress.
- Consult with a healthcare provider, counselor, or addiction specialist to develop a personalized treatment plan. Professional guidance can provide the tools and strategies needed for a successful recovery.