Understanding Substance Abuse
What is substance abuse?
UNDERSTANDING SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Substance addictions include alcohol, tobacco, opioids (painkillers or heroin), prescription drugs (such as anti-anxiety medications or sleeping pills), marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, and other substances. Each addiction has a different set of symptoms and effects on the body and each addiction has different options for treatment.
UNDERSTANDING SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Substance addictions include alcohol, tobacco, opioids (painkillers or heroin), prescription drugs (such as anti-anxiety medications or sleeping pills), marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, and other substances. Each addiction has a different set of symptoms and effects on the body and each addiction has different options for treatment.
UNDERSTANDING SIGNS OF ADDICTION
Identify signs of addiction first, then determine whether the addiction is to opioids or other substances in order to seek professional help from a qualified addiction specialist.
For example, verifying that a person you care about is addicted to opioids will help you understand the type of care to search for to get the best treatment program specific to the addiction that needs to be addressed
Signs of addiction include:
-
Taking a substance more often and in higher quantities than intended
-
A desire to reduce use without success
-
Significant time used to acquire, use and recover from a substance
-
Feeling increased cravings for the substance
-
Reduced performance at work, home or school
-
Poor relationships with family, friends, and within social circles due to continued use
-
Engaging in risky behaviors that put oneself or others in danger
-
An inclination to criminal activity
-
Developing tolerance, requiring greater usage to achieve the same effect
-
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after reducing use (physical symptoms vary based on substance used)