Substance Abuse
What is substance abuse?
It is an excessive use or overindulgence of a potentially addictive substance like drugs, alcohol, sedatives, prescription medications or narcotics. With substance abuse comes addiction which can be defined as a continuing impulse to use drugs or other harmful substances despite the physical or psychological harm one may endure. We use the term substance abuse, because it describes a wider range of substances including inhalants, alcohol, nicotine or steroids that can fit into the addictive profile.
Drug and alcohol use create a variety of physical effects other than those a person might expect. For example while some substance abuse interferes with a person’s motor skills, which could result in automotive or work related accidents. Other types of substance abuse create flashbacks. When abruptly discontinuing the use of opiates symptoms such as muscle cramps, bone pain, vomiting and convulsions occur. With some drugs, injection is the favored method of use. Also the sharing of hypodermic needles increases the chance of a person contracting serious diseases. Lastly, being under the influence of substance abuse like drugs or alcohol can increase sexual promiscuity which increases the chances of contracting and spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
If you or a loved one suffers from substance abuse, there’s no better time than now to get the help that is needed. Let us get you back on the right track so that you can enjoy life again. Substance abuse is a serious problem and it will not go away by itself. Contact us for more information on how we can get you to start enjoying life again, the right way!
